About Donegal Town
Donegal provides a brilliant backdrop for the plethora of activities which the
County offers. Golfers need not go far to find a green, Anglers can cast upon
the many lakes and rivers, or simply Trek along the vast landscape on horseback.
Donegal Town is a very popular and attractive market
town that is centered around the Diamond area which is a hub of activity and
where local traders, visitors and shoppers mingle. Donegal Town was
once the seat of the O'Donnell's up until the 17th
Century. The remains of the O'Donnell Clan stronghold "Donegal Castle" has been
restored and is now a very popular visitor attraction. Donegal Castle was built
by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century and is located just off the
Diamond area and town centre.
In the centre of the Diamond you can view a tall obelisk dedicated to the memory
of the Four Masters. This was the name given to the four friars, who in the 17th
century, complied the Annals of the Four Masters, one of the earliest historical
texts recording the early history of Ireland. A short stroll from the Diamond is
the old harbour area over looking the famous Donegal Bay from where you can
climb aboard the Donegal Bay Waterbus and enjoy the magnificent views while
listening to the onboard commentary on the history of Donegal Town – highly
recommended!
Donegal Town is located at the mouth of
Donegal Bay in the North-West of Ireland and surrounded by the Blue Stack
mountains. The area offers a
rugged beauty and mystique that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the
world! From Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe to the miles of
golden sandy beaches, the region provides activities ranging from high octane
water sports to unforgettable country strolls.
Donegal Town has many attractions including, Donegal
castle, on the banks of the River Eske and the remains of a Franciscan abbey
which dates back to the 15th century on the Southern shore of the Bay. The
Annals of the Four Masters are traditionally thought to have been started in the
abbey in the early 17th century. The story of Red Hugh O'Donnell, Lord of
Tyrconnell, was the inspiration behind many books and films, not least, Disney's
The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966). There are many sandy beaches in the area of Donegal boasting good surfing
conditions. Donegal is also used as a base for hill-walking in the nearby
Bluestack Mountains.
The town is easily accessed, as it is a stop on the
three bus companies that operate in the county: the Bus Éireann service number
64 Derry/Galway route which makes several other stops including Letterkenny and
Sligo (which allows for rail connections) and the number 30 Donegal/Dublin route
which makes stops at other key towns such as Enniskillen (which provides
connections to Belfast via Ulster Bus). Two private companies operate the
other routes: 'McGeehan Bus' operate a regular service from West Donegal to
Dublin Airport and the Busaras which passes through the town; while Feda
O'Donnell Coaches (also known as Bus Feda) operates a regular Glenties/Galway
service that stops in Donegal.
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