https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/templates/thematicblue/img/logo.gifhttps://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/The ancient town of Donegal lies between the Barnesmore Mountains and beautiful Donegal Bay. Donegal Castle, its guardian of many centuries, sits on a picturesque bend of the River Eske. It reminds us of the past, and of the tribulations and peagentry of life in the middle ages. It is quite extraordinary that a structure built in 1474 has survived to be with us today, and we are fascinated by the fortunes of the O'Connell Family who built it. Their story is one of rebellion and swashbuckling adventures. It takes in imprisonment and escape, battles and alliances, and ultimately death in the infamous Tower of London. And it was the displacement of Red Hugh O Donnell and his compatriots that brought about the “Flight of the Earls” and the “Plantation of Ulster”, which so shapes the demographic of this part of Ireland to this day. The Donegal Bay Waterbus is another of Donegal’s great attractions. It route takes in the fascinating seal colony on Seal Island, waterbourne panoramas of the Bluestack Mountains and, of course, the Bay’s many beautiful islands. Other treats in Donegal Bay are Atlantic dolphin and the occasional whale. The Waterbus has a fully stocked bar and a cabaret is shown on the return trip. Sailings are three time daily from Donegal Pier, depending on the weather and tides. It was here in Donegal Town that Brother Michael O”Cleary with Peregrine O”Cleary, Peregrine O”Duignean and Fearfasa O”Maolconry worked on their famous manuscript “Annals of The Four Masters” which is a full account of Gaelic Ireland since what they took to be its birth until the Flight of the Earls. It took several years to compile but was actually written up from 1632 to 1636. Donegal’s Blueberry Cafe is a perennial favourite among locals and visitors alike. This charming cosy cafe serves wholesome, simple, honest food in hearty portions. You can expect soup, toasties, quiche, panini, sticky cakes of all descriptions, and a warm, can-do atmosphere. Highly recommended. How to get Donegal Town By aircraft, bus, or car. Flybe and Loganair fly daily services from Heathrow and Glasgow to Donegal Airport. Route from Dublin via the A46 and N15. Where to stay in Donegal Town Donegal Town has many accommodation options including hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's. Book Donegal Town Accommodation Explore more Donegal is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Inver and Killybegs if you are travelling north, and don't miss Rossnowlagh, and Ballyshannon, if travelling south. Things to do in Donegal. Visit Donegal’s Diamond Obelisk, a memorial to the four friars who chronicled the whole of known Celtic history from the Great Flood right up to 1618 AD. The “Annals of the Four Masters” is an extraordinarily important document, and is one of the most important sources of early Irish history. The obelisk remembers the four friars, and commemorates the their great work. Copies of the Annals of the Four Masters are available for view in the National Library in Dublin and should not be missed. Enjoy traditional irish music in Biddy O Barne’s quaint and charming public house. Recreations include swimming at several nearby venues, sea and river fishing, golf (18) on a championship course at Murvagh, boating, pony-trekking and tennis. Indoor amusements include cinema and dancing. https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/Destinations/Donegal/Donegal-Town/https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/guesthouses//ard-na-breatha-guesthouse-l487.htmlArd na Breatha a fine, guesthouse on the outskirts of Donegal town in County Donegal. It is only a few minutes drive from the centre of Donegal. As soon as you step through the doors of this wonderful home you feel like your right in the heart of the countryside. Each of the bedrooms is tastefully decorated and all are equipped with bath and shower. The period style is carried into the bedrooms with pine floors, wrought iron beds, TV, hairdryer as well as tea/coffee making facilities and internet access. The lounge offers full bar facilities as well as the warmth of a large open fire. Book your table at the on-site restaurant where you will be amazed at the quality of cuisine from the finest in local and organic produce.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/guesthouses//atlantic-guesthouse-l578.htmlAtlantic Guesthouse is one of the best-established guesthouses in the heart of Donegal Town. This family run property has for over 50 years experience welcoming guests from all over the world, with many visitors returning year after year. This is an ideal location, situated beside all amenities and only a minutes walk from the bus stop. Also from here you can explore all what Donegal has to offer.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/hotels//central-hotel-donegal-l466.htmlThe Central Hotel is a fine hotel located in the Diamond in the centre of Donegal Town, an ideal base for exploring the north west of Donegal. The Donegal Bay Waterbus is only a short walk away, and there are numerous Pubs, Bars and Restaurants available in Donegal Town. The hotel has excellent facilities for meetings with the Captains Board Room and the Snug, a Thai Restaurant, Just Williams Carvery and regular live entertainment in the Upper Deck Bar. Leisure Centre facilities are complimentary to guests.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/places-to-visit/sightseeing-tours//donegal-bay-waterbus-l707.htmlThe two-deck 160-seat Donegal Bay Waterbus offers daily sightseeing cruises from Donegal Harbour into the waters of Donegal Bay. The narrated tours include views of the shoreline including abbeys, estates, the old coast guard station, castles, and even a wind farm and oyster/mussel farm, as well as islands and a seal colony. 60 mins. May-Sept., schedule depends on the tides. For reservations and more information, contact: Donegal Bay Waterbus, Harbour Office, The Quay, Donegal Townhttps://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/places-to-visit/visitor-attractions//donegal-castle-l173.htmlDonegal Castle is the town's major national monument. It was built in c.1470 as a four-story tower house in the Norman style by the O'Donnells, and extended during the 17th century Plantation Era by Sir Basil Brooke who added gables, mullioned windows, and a Jacobean wing. The castle was completely restored and opened to the public in 1996, and is furnished inside with authentic period pieces. Open daily from mid-March until the end of October and some weekends leading up to Christmas.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/shopping/pottery-crafts//donegal-craft-village-l708.htmlDonegal Craft Village is a cluster of seven small cottages set on a hillside south of town. Each cottage is occupied by a different craftsperson or team who practice traditional and modern crafts, ranging from porcelain and ceramics to hand-weaving, batik, crystal, jewelry, metalwork, and visual and musical arts. https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/guesthouses//donegal-manor-l659.htmlDonegal Manor is a luxury guesthouse specialising in Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in Donegal Town, Ireland. Donegal Manor was built in 2004 and has established a reputation for excellence in accommodation, service and food. Built to Failte Ireland 4* Standard, Donegal Manor is the only four star guesthouse in the area and was recently named one of Tripadvisor's best small hotels in Irelandhttps://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/places-to-visit/museums//donegal-railway-heritage-centre-l70.htmlThe Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is a bright and fun museum dedicated to recording the complete story of the narrow gauge railways of Donegal. The County Donegal Railway and the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway, at 225 miles, formed the largest narrow gauge railway system in north-west Europe. The story is told through informative large illustrated wall-boards, and on a variety of DVDs shown in two locations on our audio-visual systems which can be watched in comfort while enjoying a hot or cold drink and a snack. The onsite shop sells DVDs and other souvenirs. The museum houses a variety of beautifully constructed models in various scales, some of which can be seen in operation. Donegal Railway Heritage Centre also has the largest digitised collection of Donegal railway photos in the world, a selection of which is on automatic presentation for visitors. There are several items of restored County Donegal Railway rolling stock as well as others in the process of being restored. The museum is open from 10am 5pm all year, with weekends by appointment only. Special opening arrangements can be made by prior booking through 00 353 (0)74 9722655.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/guesthouses//eas-dun-lodge-l699.htmlFor a beautiful location, this modern bungalow-style B&B is hard to equal – in the foothills of the Blue Stack mountains and overlooking Lough Eske, yet less than a 5-mile drive from Donegal Town. Hosts Patsy and Ann McGlinchey offer 4 guest rooms, each with TV and coffee/tea-maker.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/hotels//harveys-point-hotel-l235.htmlHarveys Point is a top class hotel on the shores of Lough Eske, at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains. The hotel boasts numerous national and international awards such as the AA 2 Rosette Restaurant award for cuisine, the RAC Blue Ribbon for excellence and Michelin and Good Food Guide listing. Harveys Point specialise in weddings, conferences and business meetings. Harvey's Point is the perfect base from which to explore County Donegal. Local nearby attractions include Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League and the Waterbus on Donegal Bay and much more to make it a memorable Holiday in Donegal. There is also a wide range of activities in the area available from golf at Murvagh Golf Club or Bundoran Golf Club to angling, horse riding or simply enjoying long walks along miles of sandy beaches.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/castles//lough-eske-castle-l380.htmlLough Eske Castle is a beautifully restored Gaelic Castle from the 17th Century. With its turrets, towers, statuary, and leaded windows, this hotel has been built in lavish style on a site that has held a castle since 1474. Although little remains of earlier buildings, the fairytale style exterior of the castle has been preserved from an 1860’s structure. Perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion, this hotel exudes a regal aura from the moment it comes into view via the long narrow driveway. The public areas are rich in elegant furnishings from marble floors and hand-carved wood stairways, to fine art and antiques. The 95 guest rooms, including ground floor rooms, are spread out in the main building as well as in garden and courtyard wings. Rooms are large and luxurious with bespoke furnishings (some with 4-poster beds), step-in closets, specially commissioned works of art, and spacious bathrooms with separate showers. Facilities include the Cedars Restaurant, two bars and a leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, gym and spa treatment rooms. While it all seems grand, there is one disappointment. Although surrounded by ancient trees, the castle does not have any lake views, you have to walk down a path to see Lough Eske shoreline. All guests have complimentary access and exclusive use of the fully equipped fitness centre and swimming pool.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/hotels//mill-park-hotel-l695.htmlSituated on its own grounds on the west end of Donegal Town, this new hotel is a welcome addition to the "tweed capital" of Ireland — offering 100 deluxe contemporary guest rooms including air-conditioning (so important now that Irish summers are getting warmer) and bathrooms that have separate stall showers. The public areas, which are reminiscent of an old mill, include a bright multi-story bar, restaurant, and a leisure centre with a chlorine-free ozone pool, exercise studio, solarium, aerobics gym, Jacuzzi, steam room, and therapy clinic. Best of all, there is ample parking outside and it's an easy walk into town.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/guesthouses//milltown-house-b-b-l701.htmlPerched on a grassy hill, this modern bungalow-style B&B home is surrounded by sweeping lawns and plantings, overlooking the main R267 road about 2 miles east of the town. Hostess Bernie Mulhern offers 5 guest rooms with TV. https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/guesthouses//the-water-s-edge-bed-breakfast-l703.htmlAs its name implies, this modern dormer-style B&B sits right beside an inlet of the bay. It is situated next to Donegal Abbey, off the main R267 road amid a quiet cul de sac of private homes, yet within a 10-minute walk east of town (It is a little hard to find, but hostess Marie McGowan provides precise directions on her web site). There are 4 non-smoking guest rooms, each with TV and modern comforts.