Five residents share their tips from day trips to must see gems and where to stay …
CATHRINE BURKE, CO-OWNER OF BREAC.HOUSE
Breac.House is a design-led boutique bed and breakfast on Horn Head with views over the seaside town of Dunfanaghy, Sheephaven Bay and Muckish Mountain. She says, “At this time of year, the focus at Breac.House is all about bracing walks along Trá Mór beach with stunning views of Tory Island, comforting food, a sauna and seaweed bath after a day out foraging, followed by pre-dinner cocktails by the fire and then dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants. These include the Olde Glen Bar, Fisk Seafood Bar, The Rusty Oven and Cove Restaurant. A new addition is Braai Restaurant in Cresslough; the owner is a South African chef married to a local, and together they serve up amazing Irish seafood and meat from the fire, with interesting twists and wines to match.
“Visit any of the seven modernist churches designed by legendary architect Liam McCormick. One of the most iconic is St Michael’s in Creeslough – Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp has often been cited as an influence on this work in particular. Ray Cross, the oldest and tallest Celtic cross in Ireland located in the derelict Ray church, is another really special site.”
Cathrine recommends a visit to one of the emerging distilleries in the county – Crolly and Ardara – a short drive away. “For those interested in having a bespoke Donegal tweed coat, we arrange appointments onsite with local tweed designer Bernie Murphy who has a huge selection of handwoven tweeds and designs. Bernie also makes lovely tweed hairbands, bowties and accessories, available at mimiandmartha.com. I can also provide picnics for day trips!”
EMMA QUINN, DESIGNER AT TRIONA
“Sarah Jessica Parker has a family holiday home in Kilcar. She popped into the Triona boutique one day and loved our Faye Prince of Wales check trench coat. We had no idea that it was going to be featured in the show And Just Like That, but it was such a wonderful surprise!” Triona‘s latest “Northern Wilds” collection is inspired by the county’s rugged landscape and scenery with earthy tones, vibrant blues and accents of pink, reflecting Donegal’s ancient peat bogs and loughs.
For a day trip, Emma suggests taking the scenic loop from Donegal Town to Slieve League, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. “When you’re done exploring, stop at Ti Linn for a coffee and homemade treats in the Slieve League Cliffs Centre. From there, continue towards Ardara, the home of Triona’s Donegal Tweed Visitor Centre. Make sure to stop by Assaranca Waterfall, it’s a hidden gem. If the tide’s low, you can explore the nearby sea caves at Maghera Beach.”
“In the afternoon, head back to Donegal Castle in the centre of town – it’s an interesting guide to local history. When it comes to food, The Market House Restaurant in the Abbey Hotel is one of my go-tos with local produce and great cocktails! Just around the corner is the Harbour Restaurant & Bar which serves up Irish classics, perfect after a day exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.”
MARTIN MOONEY, ARTIST
“Donegal has been the greatest inspiration for my work, especially landscape paintings,” says artist Martin Mooney who has a preference to work en plein air, weather permitting. “I find working from life can be very spontaneous and much more interesting. Things can happen and really make the painting work.” For a bracing day out, Martin recommends taking a boat to the remote Tory Island, especially interesting for birdwatching and its archeological sites from the Iron Age. Or try Arranmore, off Burtonport – the ferry service takes about 30 minutes and once on the island you’ll be captivated by its rugged beauty.
“For garden lovers, don’t miss an afternoon stroll around the stunning grounds of Oakfield Park, near Raphoe. The gardens are truly remarkable, overlooking the Croaghan Mountain. The grounds include a hedge maze, sculptures and miles of walking paths as well as Buffers restaurant, with a great programme of events. Nearby, in Mountcharles the wonderful Salthill Gardens are part of the Donegal Garden Trail. For anyone who loves old walled gardens, winding gravel paths, mature shrubs and noteworthy trees, this is a must visit. Glenveagh Castle Gardens in Letterkenny is another favourite haunt with its classical Tuscan Garden, Italian Terrace and famous 67 steps.”
For refuelling, Martin recommends the family-run 18th-century Castle Grove Country House Hotel, also in Letterkenny. “It’s very comfortable with gracious reception rooms and accommodation, in addition to excellent dining and breakfast.” For a more casual dining experience, he recommends Tap Up in Ramelton for its atmosphere and delicious tapas, or pop into the Blue Goat deli and pick up a picnic.
SARAH GALLAGHER, SARAH LORRAINE LABEL
Donegal-based Sarah Gallagher’s signature piece is her merino wool cape, perfect for autumn walks. Her boutique is in Bunbeg where one of her favourite walks is along Magheraclogher Beach. “I have childhood memories of running along the shoreline and now I bring my own daughters to do the same. It’s a breathtaking beach that makes me feel deeply connected to where I come from.”
For a coffee stop, Sarah recommends Caifé Kitty in Gweedore, a true gem in the Donegal Gaeltacht. “Sweeneys Hotel Dungloe is another favourite haunt for afternoon tea with my mother-in-law and my two girls, or evenings with friends. It’s full of warmth and the kind of place where you feel instantly welcome. I’ve shared many special moments here with family and friends, which makes it very close to my heart.”
ROSY TEMPLE, CEO MAGEE 1866
No trip to Donegal Town is complete without a visit to the Magee 1866 flagship store on The Diamond where its new collection will tempt, as will its excellent café. For sea swimmers, Rosy Temple, CEO of Magee 1866 recommends swimming from Muckross, Mountcharles Pier and Murvagh beaches. You’ll find Magee tweed accents in the rooms if you stay at Lough Eske Castle where, in addition to the main hotel, guests can book the alluring Lake Lodge which sleeps four and is surrounded by Bluestack Mountains.
Redcastle Oceanfront Golf and Spa Hotel
The definition of a hidden gem located on the shores of Lough Foyle, guests will find a nine-hole golf course on offer as well as surrounding parklands to wander, a Cara Spa and The Edge, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Book a restorative two-night yoga retreat in November with Tara O’Rourke, founder of SaolBeo Therapies and Training, which includse guided meditations, sea swimming, and a mobile sauna on the beach. @redcastlehotel
Secluded and elegant, Rathmullan House is defined by its spacious drawing rooms and low-key charm. The hotel is a stone’s throw from a (3km-long) Blue Flag beach which overlooks the hills of Inishowen on the far side of the water. Its restaurant The Cook & Gardener is renowned for its food, with many ingredients sourced from the hotel’s Victorian walled garden. Rathmullan village is a short stroll away via Batts Walk and from the pier you can catch a ferry across the lough to Buncrana. @rathmullanhouse
Ballyeriston House
Surrounded by twelve acres of forests, orchards and lawns, the sea is a two minute stoll from this posh home from home. Pet-friendly and close to the towns of Ardara and Glenties, there’s plenty to see and do on the doorstep. If golf is your thing, Narin & Portnoo Golf Club is just five minutes away. @ballyeristonhouse
SEE MORE: Destination Guide – Co Donegal
