The wildest region of Ireland is the Donegal: endless cliffs, green dunes that chase each other like in a desert, fishing villages, remote islands, fun pubs, a sense of freedom and adventure, and, yes, thenorthern Lights.
If you really want to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, a Donegal trip to the Northern Lights It’s among our top recommendations, an almost ‘obligatory’ experience.
Donegal Stage Trip to Northern Lights Ireland
We traveled all over Donegal, partly on foot and partly by public transport, from Bundoran to the far north of the Inishowen peninsula. About 250 km, accompanied by the Celtic suggestions of fairies and elves, whose presence you can’t help but feel in this land.
You can organize a Donegal trip in stagesstopping in strategic places that allow you to explore the most suggestive areas.
It follows the Wild Atlantic Waythe 2500 km road route that circumnavigates the whole of Ireland, while when we walk we choose the path we want from time to time.
Magic Donegal, the Two for Trek podcast!
There is also our irresistible Podcast of the series Two for Trek! which tells the whole story of the trip, including Gaelic lessons. Listen to it here:
Sliabh Liag Cliffs
And here are our suggestions on what to do and what to see in Donegal in stages, on a 5-7 day trip.
The gateway to Donegal is Bundorana very lively town because it is frequented by surfers and families on holiday. As soon as the sun rises, many people reach its beaches to swim, to barbecue, to have fun in the bars along the beach.
We couldn’t help but also make a stop on the Wishing Chaira stone chair where you can make a wish: ours is to ingratiate ourselves with the local elves, the Leprechaunso that they may pave the way for us to see the Northern Lights.
Here, we move from here, with these premises.
After Donegal Town (home to the airport), an unmissable stop is the Sliabh Liag cliffs or (Sleave League), considered among the highest in Europe. After parking the car, take a footpath between the grass dunes and the sea, arriving at the scenic bay that you observe from 600 meters high. The blue color of the sea, the red rocks and the green mantle that covers them make up a show that remains engraved in your mind, while the sheep scamper here and there.
The most daring can take the path One Man Passso called because it is only 50 centimetres wide, where only one person can pass. It seems difficult but in reality it is quite manageable and with the help of our hands, we reach the top of the cliff, with a view that sweeps across the whole of Donegal’s nature.
Continuing on, you can stop for a night in the village of Ardarafamous for its tweeds – if you like that type of fabric, you can shop from local producers, buying high quality hats, coats and sweaters.
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Dungloe and Surroundings, the Heart of Donegal
The next point of reference is Dungloe, a strategic base for exploring the heart of Donegal. It is a town where it is easy to find accommodation and pubs-restaurants (McCafferty is a must), from which to set off for excursions throughout the area. Towards the south we walked along the beaches of Crohywith the basalt arch being a recommended location for taking perfect Instagram photos.
Another Instagrammable spot is the wreck of Bad Eddienorth of Dungloe: an old abandoned boat in the beach which stands out on the horizon like a national monument, much loved by the Irish.
But from Dungloe it is worth going further inland, as far as Glenveagh National Parkfor a trip into the forests, where you can see deer, foxes and wildlife, and admire some castles that make you feel like you’re in the Gaelic Middle Ages.
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Arranmore Island, between whales and seals
From Dungloe we can only embark for theArranmore Island (departing from Burtonport pier), close to the coast but seemingly another world. Just half an hour by boat to find ourselves among seals who relax on the islets, Dolphins who follow the vessel and whales that go around the island.
Once disembarked, we trek to the Dwelling Lighthouse, passing through hills, colors and ever-changing lights, on remote trails that make you feel like an explorer.
Then we take refuge in the pub from the South East (like Nelly’s), where there’s always someone playing something and where we eat seafood and craft beers from Donegal.
Maybe it’s the mystical atmosphere, maybe it’s the wind that moves the grass, maybe it’s the presence of Fairy Trees and Fairy Rings (sacred trees and stone circles) but here the Gaelic spirit is felt even more! Is the Leprechaun really helping us?
Fanad Lighthouse, a night as sea wolves
Continuing north you travel along the coast meeting the town of Dunfanaghy and then the long sandy bay of Tramore, a surprising series of beaches with Caribbean colors. Further on you come to the Fanad Lighthouse, a magnificent white lighthouse planted on the tip of Fanad. It is a complex in which ci you can stop to sleep ((there are others in Ireland) and it is highly recommended. Nicely furnished rooms, fireplace, library with books about Donegal and its stories. And over there the roar of the ocean crashing on the rocks. An experience that alone is worth the trip.
In the summer, this area also hosts the Earagail Arts Festival, a series of concerts, shows, workshops and meetings, where you can have fun and capture the spirit of Donegal culture.
Inishowen, Northern Lights
The last stop on the journey in Donegal is Malin Head, the northernmost tip of all Ireland. We are in the penisola in Inishowenwhere the wind always blows strong and shapes the cliffs into curious and iconic forms, which you could stare at for hours. It is the highlight of the itinerary, because it is right here that you can see thenorthern Lightsan unforgettable show.
There is no need to go to Scandinavia or Canada: in recent times the Northern Lights, as they are called here, have become a regular event, thanks to the clear skies and zero light pollution. If you stand on a rock spur and wait for her, as we did, I would remain wrapped in green-purple lights that move in the sky, while the waves crash hard on the coast.
Yes, the Leprechaun listened to us, leading us to Malin in the right place at the right time. Unforgettable, as was the fresh fish dinner in the Seaview Tavern on the tip of Inishowen.
How to get to Donegal
Getting to Donegal is easy: the nearest airport is Knockwhere a lands volo Ryanair. From there you can move around by public transport, but if you don’t have much time it’s better to rent a car and stop at the places we have indicated, and then explore them on foot. There is also an airport in Donegalbut you can get there with internal flights. You can reach it by car Bundoran from Dublino in circa 3 ore.
Where to sleep in Donegal
Fra hotel, case private, guesthouse e B&B There is no shortage of accommodation options in Donegal. But there are not many: the advice is to book in advancebecause in high season it can become difficult to find a place.
Photo Martino De Mori and Ireland.com
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2024-07-04 06:36:23
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