Guidebook for Downings
Food Scene
The Olde Glen Bar, Restaurant & Bia Box
Great old pub and fantastic food.
Goose & Gander Pizzeria
Main StreetGood for pizza in Carrigart
THE GALLEY, DOWNINGS, CO. DONEGAL
Main StreetAlso a restaurant.
Great place to eat home made sourdough pizzas and watch them make it.
20 locals recommend
The Rusty Oven - Pizzeria
Main StGreat place to eat home made sourdough pizzas and watch them make it.
An old stately home that played a role in the siege of Derry. Lovely owners and great ambiance.
Castle Grove Country House Hotel
Ramelton RdAn old stately home that played a role in the siege of Derry. Lovely owners and great ambiance.
Rathmullan House Hotel
Rathmullan TerraceStately home with a walled garden and a great atmosphere.
The Mill Restaurant & Accommodation
Upmarket restaurant. Book in advance
Great fish dishes. No reservations. Show up and tell them you are there. The harbour bar is next door.
14 locals recommend
Fisk Seafood Bar Downings
Great fish dishes. No reservations. Show up and tell them you are there. The harbour bar is next door.
The Counter Deli
Canal RoadGreat wines, coffees and cheeses.
Yellow Pepper
36 Lower Main StGood food served and Kinnegar from tap.
Hidden away next to the shopping centre but our choice restaurant in Letterkenny.
24 locals recommend
The Lemon Tree Restaurant
Hidden away next to the shopping centre but our choice restaurant in Letterkenny.
Drinks & Nightlife
Good pub food and often live music.
The Singing Pub
Live music, pub food and the place where you will meet locals.
Patsy Dan Bar
main streetGreat live music and perfect pub to meet all the visitors.
Carrigart Hotel
1-3 Mulroy ParkParks & Nature
Horn Head
Ards Forest Park
Glenveagh National Park Visitor Center
Fantastic views - provided the weather allows. Starting point at R256 between Glenveagh and Falcarragh . Not as steep as Mount Errigal but not an easy climb. Experienced hikers.
17 locals recommend
Muckish
Fantastic views - provided the weather allows. Starting point at R256 between Glenveagh and Falcarragh . Not as steep as Mount Errigal but not an easy climb. Experienced hikers.
Sightseeing
Fanad Head Lighthouse Vistors Centre and Car Park
Ulster American Folk Park
2 Mellon RdShowing the history of Irish emmigrating to the U.S.
Take the ferry from Magheroarty to Tory Island (1 hour). Don't pick a rough day since trip can be quite shaky. Perfect for a day trip to walk the whole island. Stunning cliffs, puffins, and a lighthouse. If you want to stay the night, look on Airbnb.
9 locals recommend
Tory Island
Take the ferry from Magheroarty to Tory Island (1 hour). Don't pick a rough day since trip can be quite shaky. Perfect for a day trip to walk the whole island. Stunning cliffs, puffins, and a lighthouse. If you want to stay the night, look on Airbnb.
Fantastic cliffs similar to the Cliffs of Moher and a nice spot for a hiking trip
171 locals recommend
Slieve League
Fantastic cliffs similar to the Cliffs of Moher and a nice spot for a hiking trip
They do tours every hour in the summer. Also a good spot for collecting mussels. Watch the tides!
21 locals recommend
Doe Castle
They do tours every hour in the summer. Also a good spot for collecting mussels. Watch the tides!
Grianan Of Aileach
Celtic ring fort. Great views.
Giant's Causeway
not to be missed when touring the North!
This amazing waterfall is located at the top of a short 2km hike through the woods in Clonmany. There is newly installed picnic areas on the way to the waterfall which blends in beautifully with the natural landscape. Footbridges towards the waterfall are dotted along the track as visitors criss cross the stream using the stepping stones. This place is definitely worth a visit
31 locals recommend
Glenevin Waterfall
This amazing waterfall is located at the top of a short 2km hike through the woods in Clonmany. There is newly installed picnic areas on the way to the waterfall which blends in beautifully with the natural landscape. Footbridges towards the waterfall are dotted along the track as visitors criss cross the stream using the stepping stones. This place is definitely worth a visit
Malin Head is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. Here you will find the most northern point of the whole island of Ireland.
The northernmost tip is the headland named Dúnalderagh (Banba’s Crown). The views in this area is spectacular and it is a place that any tourist must visit when they come to Donegal.
99 locals recommend
Malin Head
Malin Head is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. Here you will find the most northern point of the whole island of Ireland.
The northernmost tip is the headland named Dúnalderagh (Banba’s Crown). The views in this area is spectacular and it is a place that any tourist must visit when they come to Donegal.
This gem can be found about five miles north of Buncrana in Inishowen and is close to the military museum of Dunree Fort.
Here you will find breathtaking scenery, a secluded beach and tranquil country walks make this bay an absolute beauty to visit, particularly when the sun is shining. Duncree Bay is well worth a place on the top 10 places to see in Donegal.
Dunree
This gem can be found about five miles north of Buncrana in Inishowen and is close to the military museum of Dunree Fort.
Here you will find breathtaking scenery, a secluded beach and tranquil country walks make this bay an absolute beauty to visit, particularly when the sun is shining. Duncree Bay is well worth a place on the top 10 places to see in Donegal.
Mount Errigal is a beautiful mountain near Gweedore in County Donegal. It is both the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains and of all the peaks in County Donegal.
Errigal is also the most southern, steepest and highest of the mountain chain, called the “Seven Sisters” by locals. The mountain is beautiful in both Summer and Winter and is a must see for anyone going to Co. Donegal.
51 locals recommend
Errigal Mountain
Mount Errigal is a beautiful mountain near Gweedore in County Donegal. It is both the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains and of all the peaks in County Donegal.
Errigal is also the most southern, steepest and highest of the mountain chain, called the “Seven Sisters” by locals. The mountain is beautiful in both Summer and Winter and is a must see for anyone going to Co. Donegal.
Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach is one of Donegal’s finest beaches and is located close to Annagry on the western coast of County Donegal in the heart of the Irish speaking Rosses.
19 locals recommend
Carrickfinn Beach
Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach is one of Donegal’s finest beaches and is located close to Annagry on the western coast of County Donegal in the heart of the Irish speaking Rosses.
One of Ireland’s finest beaches! This beach has everything: beautiful sand, peninsulas and hills in the background. It is an absolute gem and should not be under-estimated. Anyone who has been there will know what we are talking about!
13 locals recommend
Narin & Portnoo Links
One of Ireland’s finest beaches! This beach has everything: beautiful sand, peninsulas and hills in the background. It is an absolute gem and should not be under-estimated. Anyone who has been there will know what we are talking about!
Portsalon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Lough Swilly. It gently slopes towards the Atlantic ocean and is located in a Natural Heritage Area.
The beach at Portsalon can be reached by travelling northeast in the R246 from Carrowkeel to Portsalon. It is widely recognised as one of Donegal’s finest spots and therefore, well worthy of a top 10 place.
20 locals recommend
Portsalon
Portsalon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Lough Swilly. It gently slopes towards the Atlantic ocean and is located in a Natural Heritage Area.
The beach at Portsalon can be reached by travelling northeast in the R246 from Carrowkeel to Portsalon. It is widely recognised as one of Donegal’s finest spots and therefore, well worthy of a top 10 place.
Essentials
Every Wednesday morning, opposite of the Catholic church in Carrigart. Usually vegetables and fruits. Sometimes fish.
Micky Joes
R245
Centra
Main Street
Tesco Superstore
Port Roadyour local Tesco in Letterkenny
The Natural Way
Port RoadOrganic shop with small selection of fresh food but good on everything else.
Lidl
Next bigger supermarket. Good selection of vegetables and meats.
ALDI
Neil T Blaney RoadEntertainment & Activities
Kinnegar Brewing
Beer tastings in the local craft beer brewery. Call them up to arrange a tour.
Mevagh Dive Centre
Milford RdLearn how to dive, go on diving tours or just fill your tanks.
Rosapenna
Rosapenna Golf club.
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium
4 Coastguard StationGreat view from the fort.
Getting Around
Bus Eireann station
Donegal airport serves Dublin and Glasgow. Car hire available. Book ahead.
8 locals recommend
Carrickfinn
Donegal airport serves Dublin and Glasgow. Car hire available. Book ahead.
Creeslough Park
Creeslough ParkClosest bus station that goes directly to Dublin airport. McGinley busses.