DISCOVER DONEGAL
Discover Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way
County Donegal is a largely Irish-speaking region bordering the Atlantic Ocean in northwestern Ireland. It’s known for its castles, rugged coastline and mountains such as the iconic, quartzite Mount Errigal. Formerly a private estate, Glenveagh National Park encompasses forests, lakes and bogland in the central Derryveagh Mountains. Its 1870s manor house, the Scottish Baronial-style Glenveagh Castle, is renowned for its Victorian-era gardens.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in stunning surrounds, or fancy an exhilarating outdoor adventure, the Northern Headlands of Donegal have it all. With breathtaking scenery, golden beaches, rugged islands and a beautiful array of wildlife, this northern – almost untouched – stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is an absolute essential, any time of year. The rugged coastline and enchanting lure of Donegal is a great example of the experience on offer all along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s no wonder Donegal was named the ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by National Geographic Traveller.
Croithlí Distillery
Premium craft whiskey from the Donegal Gaeltaecht
Located in the west Donegal Gaeltacht village of Croithlí, County Donegal, set between the Wild Atlantic Coast and the stunning Errigal mountain. The distillery home is a restored historic stone cut building constructed in 1901 connecting this part of Ireland with the world through craft whiskeys, double distilled in Donegal’s first functioning licensed whiskey distillery in 180 years.
The Croithlí distillery experience captures the essence of Donegal Gaeltacht whiskey making and the connection with the people, culture and place. Tours take place on the hour every hour from 11am – 5pm Monday to Sunday and last approximately 60 minutes.
*subject to seasonality
Through a stunning audio-visual presentation and engaging tour guides, stories of local mythology, Donegal’s unique connection to the invention of whiskey and the many past lives of the historic building are told. Perfect for a whiskey enthusiast’s quest for information yet creates intrigue for those not familiar with whiskey followed by sampling of your choice in our tasting lounge.
Experience an interactive guide into the history of the building and the production process of our spirit with an exclusive tasting of all our Whiskey’s, create your very own cask strength distillery reserve bottle with a personalised label to take home with you. A must do for the whiskey enthusiasts!
Call: +353 74 9562376 or reservations@ thecrollydistillery.com
Wild & Free Adventure Co.
Wild & Free Adventure Co. draws in over 20 years of experience and a lifetime of local knowledge to deliver a unique experience you will never forget! Find the untrodden paths and explore the secret nooks, crannies, coves and beaches with a variety of activities to choose from; surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, off-the-beaten-track walks, the Slieve League experience and many other bespoke adventures to suit individuals, families or groups.
Jono, a level 2 surf instructor, PE teacher, lifeguard and stand-up paddle board instructor will unearth the Wild & Free experience with all participants.
The glory of Wild & Free Adventure Co is that it is a mobile service with a pick-up service also available. There is a variety of locations to choose from depending on your base, age group, level of experience and of course Irish weather!
All equipment such as wetsuits, boards, rash vests and buoyancy aids are provided at no extra cost. The only thing participants should bring is swimwear, a towel and their adventurous spirit! A fun-filled day is sure to be had with Jono at Wild & Free Adventure Co!
Call: +353 (0) 89 6086693 or Email: info@wildandfree.ie
Oakfield Park
Oakfield Park, situated in Raphoe, Co Donegal is an eighteenth-century Georgian Deanery, which has won several National awards for the restoration of its gardens and buildings. Sitting in a lush landscape of parklands and mature woodlands, overlooking the distant Croaghan Mountain, the grounds include a traditional walled garden and kitchen garden. The lower gardens consist of a large lake, planted with reeds and wild flowers. This is now home to swans and abundant wildlife. A Castle Folly built on the opposite shore provides stunning views.
Flower meadows, lakes and streams, as well as wild and wetland areas are entwined with over 4km of narrow gauge railway to give hours of pleasure. Discover willow tunnels, oak circles, boardwalks, several heritage trees, a par-Terre and a classical Nymphaeum by the upper lake.
A trip on the train is the best way to see all of the Lower Gardens. Over 4.5km of narrow gauge track, weaves its way through the trees, revealing many pleasing vistas. The railway takes you around the lake and grounds passing the Castle Folly, the Tree Circle with the “Orb” and the awe-inspiring “Long Sleeper” sculpture on the Spiral Mound before returning to the Station.
Speak to our Guest Relations Team to avail of a special discount for Oakfield Park.
or call +35374 9173922
Atlantic Coastal Cruises
Atlantic Coastal Cruises is locally owned and a family-run business set up in 2019. The beautiful coastal town of Killybegs has been predominantly a commercial fishing town but with the rise in popularity of the Wild Atlantic Way, the influx of passing tourists has been noticed and this led to an offering of this maritime experience. The Sliabh Liag Allure can accommodate 96 passengers with professionally trained crew, the vessell has indoor and outdoor seating, fully licensed bar, air conditioning and is wheelchair accessible with bathrooms on board.
The vessel will perform informative and visual tours of Killybegs Harbour, Ireland’s largest fishing port. On leaving the harbour, you are met with Rotten Island lighthouse which was constructed in 1838. It is still functional and extremely important to all vessels entering and departing the port. You can also see in the distance St. John’s Point Lighthouse, located at the end of the long peninsula, constructed in 1831 and also still functional and now used as guest accommodation. You will then travel west along the rugged Donegal coast which shows its beauty from centuries of Atlantic storms showing their strength, firstly passing Drimanoo Head. On route to the cliffs, you will view Fintra beach, that then leads on to Muckross Head. After Muckross Head you pass by Teelin Bay and onto Carrigan Head. Rounding Carrigan Head with Napoleonic tower overhead looking down, the majestic Sliabh Liag cliffs start to come into view. As you travel around you can see “The Giant’s Desk and Chair” and this leads to the highest point of the cliffs which stand at 1,972ft/601 mtrs, making them the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. While cruising close to the cliffs, you get a great chance to see the many caves and waterfalls. On the return journey, you can see the vast openness of Donegal Bay, seeing the southern Donegal towns of Ballyshannon and Bundoran, the table-shaped mountain of Benbulben in Sligo and the Mayo coast. Along with the Sliabh Liag tours, harbours tours will be offered which will take in the harbour, lighthouse and a full operating live Salmon Fish Farm where jumping fish are clearly visible.
Tour Enquries:
www.atlanticcoastalcruises.com
or call +353 87 221 4497
Inish Adventures
Inish Adventures offer multiple water & land-based activities. Based in Inishowen they are surrounded by ocean and mountains. They offer fun and very enjoyable activities from slow adventure to action-packed white water exhilaration. Something to suit everyone!
Kayaking – Fort Dunree
Inish Adventures are a leading adventure school based in Donegal, and from Fort Dunree, offers kayaking taster sessions and kayaking trips exploring the coastline and caves of our historic peninsula. Welcoming all levels of kayaking experience and abilities from complete beginners to five star kayakers, their top notch team have the best experience possible and are consistently up-skilling by attending training. Your safety is paramount every time you are on an adventure with Inish Adventures, their staff are experienced and knowledgeable with over 30 years of experience
Adventure Waterpark
The Waterpark is a big inflatable floating assault course on Lough Foyle, Movile. Fun for both adults and kids whether it’s a birthday party or family outing. It is a guaranteed fun day out.
Where you will race around the course as quick or as slow as you like while being challenged with the obstacles such as jungle bars, balance beams, ramps, slides and much more!!!
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
or Call +353 87 220 2577