Sinead’s guidebook
Food scene
Open and serving good food 7 days a week. Just down the road from cottage. Newly renovated, stylish. Good spot for sports viewing too!
McCafferty's Bar - Lettermacaward
Open and serving good food 7 days a week. Just down the road from cottage. Newly renovated, stylish. Good spot for sports viewing too!
Love this place. They do a fab charcuterie board, great pizzas and incredibly good wine. Dog friendly and the owner is fantastic! Great food and service in a casual setting. Lovely place to unwind after a brisk walk on Narin beach. Also do tea , coffee, tray bakes, sausage rolls and ice cream if you fancy a snack. Open Thursday to Sunday winter months.
Pirates of the Coffeebean
Love this place. They do a fab charcuterie board, great pizzas and incredibly good wine. Dog friendly and the owner is fantastic! Great food and service in a casual setting. Lovely place to unwind after a brisk walk on Narin beach. Also do tea , coffee, tray bakes, sausage rolls and ice cream if you fancy a snack. Open Thursday to Sunday winter months.
If you are a lover of seafood The Thatch offers an extensive range of options at a very good standard. Please book ahead and check opening hours as it closes in low season!
The Thatch Bar & Restaurant
Main StreetIf you are a lover of seafood The Thatch offers an extensive range of options at a very good standard. Please book ahead and check opening hours as it closes in low season!
A broad menu of tasty dishes well cooked in beautiful surroundings with stunning views! Apparently do a great carvery on a Sunday too! Highly recommend the seafood.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Waterfront Hotel
Mill RoadA broad menu of tasty dishes well cooked in beautiful surroundings with stunning views! Apparently do a great carvery on a Sunday too! Highly recommend the seafood.
Nancys is a bit of an institution in Ardara. Has a slightly limited menu but does what it does well. Recommend the oysters! 😋
Please note: Nancys stops doing food in low season. Check with property for opening times.
44 Einheimische empfehlen
Nancy's
Front StreetNancys is a bit of an institution in Ardara. Has a slightly limited menu but does what it does well. Recommend the oysters! 😋
Please note: Nancys stops doing food in low season. Check with property for opening times.
Lovely welcoming hotel with a great bar and grill offering. Open all year round too!
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Highlands Hotel
Main StreetLovely welcoming hotel with a great bar and grill offering. Open all year round too!
Great selection on menu. Foods great. Service friendly. Busy spot. Book ahead.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
McCafferty's Dungloe
Lower Main StreetGreat selection on menu. Foods great. Service friendly. Busy spot. Book ahead.
Relax and browse at this fab wee cafe and shop! Yummy tray bakes, hot drinks and toasties! Or pick up a memento from Donegal!
Time & Tide
Relax and browse at this fab wee cafe and shop! Yummy tray bakes, hot drinks and toasties! Or pick up a memento from Donegal!
Narin & Portnoo Links
Neighbourhoods
Ardara, one of the five designated heritage towns in Donegal, is situated in the beautiful south west region of Donegal.
Close by is the Owenea River, where the salmon and trout fishing is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Just outside the town is the spectacular Glengesh Pass on the road to Glencolumbkille. The town boasts top class blue flag beaches and a first rate links golf course.
The name Ard a Ratha which means ‘high hill of the fort’ comes from the earthen ring-fort, which crowns the hill to the northeast of the town. Christianity was introduced to Ardara in the 6th century by St. Conall Caol who was a direct descendant of St. Colmcille.
From the middle of the 17th century to the end of the 19th century the Nesbitt Family of Woodhill was closely associated with the commercial prosperity of Ardara
Ardara has been long associated with the tweed and knitwear industries. From the 1870’s this trade became a cottage industry with home spun and hand dyed woollen and tweed items being created. The Ardara Heritage Centre, formally the town Courthouse, profiles the development of the tweed industry. To this day several shops in the town still sell high quality tweed and knitwear.
Ardara lays claim to some notable sons/daughters. Foremost among these is John Doherty born in 1900, one of the most revered Irish Fiddlers of the 20th century, a true exponent of the Donegal style. In sporting circles the Captain of the 1992 All-Ireland GAA Championship, Anthony Molloy, is an Ardara man as is Pat Shovlin who is a coach to the 2012 Senior All-Ireland GAA holders of the Sam Maguire. Bibi Baskin, a notable name in media circles during the 70’s and 80’s also boasts Ardara heritage.
John Mitchel MP, the 19th century revolutionary nationalist leader visited Ardara, staying at the Nesbitt Arms (then called Maloney’s Hotel).
William Allingnham, Donegal’s famous poet (The Faeries) also stayed in this Hotel. Evie Hone the renowned stained glass practitioner features in Ardara’s Holy Family Church. Her beautiful Rose Window has been acclaimed worldwide.
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Ardara
Ardara, one of the five designated heritage towns in Donegal, is situated in the beautiful south west region of Donegal.
Close by is the Owenea River, where the salmon and trout fishing is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Just outside the town is the spectacular Glengesh Pass on the road to Glencolumbkille. The town boasts top class blue flag beaches and a first rate links golf course.
The name Ard a Ratha which means ‘high hill of the fort’ comes from the earthen ring-fort, which crowns the hill to the northeast of the town. Christianity was introduced to Ardara in the 6th century by St. Conall Caol who was a direct descendant of St. Colmcille.
From the middle of the 17th century to the end of the 19th century the Nesbitt Family of Woodhill was closely associated with the commercial prosperity of Ardara
Ardara has been long associated with the tweed and knitwear industries. From the 1870’s this trade became a cottage industry with home spun and hand dyed woollen and tweed items being created. The Ardara Heritage Centre, formally the town Courthouse, profiles the development of the tweed industry. To this day several shops in the town still sell high quality tweed and knitwear.
Ardara lays claim to some notable sons/daughters. Foremost among these is John Doherty born in 1900, one of the most revered Irish Fiddlers of the 20th century, a true exponent of the Donegal style. In sporting circles the Captain of the 1992 All-Ireland GAA Championship, Anthony Molloy, is an Ardara man as is Pat Shovlin who is a coach to the 2012 Senior All-Ireland GAA holders of the Sam Maguire. Bibi Baskin, a notable name in media circles during the 70’s and 80’s also boasts Ardara heritage.
John Mitchel MP, the 19th century revolutionary nationalist leader visited Ardara, staying at the Nesbitt Arms (then called Maloney’s Hotel).
William Allingnham, Donegal’s famous poet (The Faeries) also stayed in this Hotel. Evie Hone the renowned stained glass practitioner features in Ardara’s Holy Family Church. Her beautiful Rose Window has been acclaimed worldwide.
Traditional music every Friday after 9pm.
Pool table and good craic with the locals
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Elliotts Traditional Irish Bar
Traditional music every Friday after 9pm.
Pool table and good craic with the locals
Packie's Bar
Best pint of Guinness and a great view!!
Lettermacaward
Typical Donegal chilled out pace, friendly locals and great pubs.
Thriving wee town with good pubs and craft shops. Also has 4 supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl. Only a 10 minute drive to Burtonport for ferry to Arranmore island or to visit Crohy Head Sea Arches.
22 Einheimische empfehlen
Dungloe
Thriving wee town with good pubs and craft shops. Also has 4 supermarkets including Aldi and Lidl. Only a 10 minute drive to Burtonport for ferry to Arranmore island or to visit Crohy Head Sea Arches.
Gweebarra Bar and lounge, recently acquired by McCaffertys. Music at the weekends and a pool table.
Gweebarra Bridge
N56Gweebarra Bar and lounge, recently acquired by McCaffertys. Music at the weekends and a pool table.
Sightseeing
Portnoo
Superb golf links and clubhouse. Beautiful short walk from harbour.
The Glencolmcille Folk Village gives an incredible insight into the lives of people over 3 centuries. On the edge of Ireland It is built in the form of a village in which each house is an exact replica of a dwelling used by the local people in each of the three successive centuries (18th, 19th 20th) and is equipped with the furniture, artifacts and utensils of its particular period. A must for history buffs! The local cafe has a surprisingly decent menu! Even goats cheese salad with walnuts!
33 Einheimische empfehlen
Glencolumbkille
The Glencolmcille Folk Village gives an incredible insight into the lives of people over 3 centuries. On the edge of Ireland It is built in the form of a village in which each house is an exact replica of a dwelling used by the local people in each of the three successive centuries (18th, 19th 20th) and is equipped with the furniture, artifacts and utensils of its particular period. A must for history buffs! The local cafe has a surprisingly decent menu! Even goats cheese salad with walnuts!
Gives the cliffs of Moher a run for their money! A perfect day trip for a hike and stop off in killybegs for a bite to eat!
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Sliabh Liag Visitors Centre
Bunglas RoadGives the cliffs of Moher a run for their money! A perfect day trip for a hike and stop off in killybegs for a bite to eat!
The Crolly Distillery
Drioglann Chroithlí
Sliabh Liag Distillers - The Ardara Distillery
Woodhill GroveBook ahead for distillery tour!
Embrace nature while exploring the beach and caves. Please note: check tidal times as caves can only be explored when tide is out and you do not want to be in caves when tide is coming back in. It comes in fast. Also tempting for a dip but beware there are dangerous rip tides!
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Caves of Maghera
Embrace nature while exploring the beach and caves. Please note: check tidal times as caves can only be explored when tide is out and you do not want to be in caves when tide is coming back in. It comes in fast. Also tempting for a dip but beware there are dangerous rip tides!
The mighty Assaranca Waterfall near the village of Ardara is arguably one of most impressive waterfalls in Donegal. Best visited after heavy rainfall!
Often referred to as Ardara Waterfall or Eas a’ Ranca, these beautiful falls are easily accessible and they’re generally pretty quiet.
You can, quite literally, park up right next to them and soak up (hopefully not literally) the sights and sounds of Assaranca from a few feet away.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
Assaranca Wasserfall
The mighty Assaranca Waterfall near the village of Ardara is arguably one of most impressive waterfalls in Donegal. Best visited after heavy rainfall!
Often referred to as Ardara Waterfall or Eas a’ Ranca, these beautiful falls are easily accessible and they’re generally pretty quiet.
You can, quite literally, park up right next to them and soak up (hopefully not literally) the sights and sounds of Assaranca from a few feet away.
The rugged Arranmore Island is the largest island on County Donegal’s coast and it’s a superb place to visit for a day or so.
The ferry leaves from Burtonport Pier, just a ten-minute drive from Dungloe. After a brief but exciting ferry crossing that takes in stunning coastal scenery such as looming sea stacks and inhospitable coves, you’ll arrive at this ancient island.
Awash with megalithic monuments and ruins, as well as more modern features such as the lighthouse and a Napoleonic watchtower, it’s a must for history buffs.
Cheaper to go by foot on ferry but the car allows you freedom to drive around the whole island. Stunning part of the world.
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Arranmore
The rugged Arranmore Island is the largest island on County Donegal’s coast and it’s a superb place to visit for a day or so.
The ferry leaves from Burtonport Pier, just a ten-minute drive from Dungloe. After a brief but exciting ferry crossing that takes in stunning coastal scenery such as looming sea stacks and inhospitable coves, you’ll arrive at this ancient island.
Awash with megalithic monuments and ruins, as well as more modern features such as the lighthouse and a Napoleonic watchtower, it’s a must for history buffs.
Cheaper to go by foot on ferry but the car allows you freedom to drive around the whole island. Stunning part of the world.
Carrickfinn Beach
If you are into Dolmens or ancient burial sites this is of interest as the cap stone is massive.
Incredible feat of Engineering for ancient people
Kilclooney Dolmen
If you are into Dolmens or ancient burial sites this is of interest as the cap stone is massive.
Incredible feat of Engineering for ancient people
Crohy Head Sea Arch
Bunbeg Wreck "Cara Na Mara"
Strand RoadGood photo opportunity if tide is out!
Activities
Although climbing Mount Errigal is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The start point for the Mount Errigal walk is a 20-minute drive from Falcarragh, a 25-minute drive from Dungloe and Dunfanaghy and a 35-minute drive from Letterkenny Town.
Just down the road! Absolutely stunning beach. Great sunset photo opp! Great surf too. Always quiet and highly recommended for a brisk walk! Wrap up well it can be breezy!
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Dooey Beach
Just down the road! Absolutely stunning beach. Great sunset photo opp! Great surf too. Always quiet and highly recommended for a brisk walk! Wrap up well it can be breezy!
Although climbing Mount Errigal is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The start point for the Mount Errigal walk is a 20-minute drive from Falcarragh, a 25-minute drive from Dungloe and Dunfanaghy and a 35-minute drive from Letterkenny Town.
2. Parking
The Mount Errigal car park is located along the R251 road and it fits around 10 to 12 cars depending on how people have parked. Keep in mind it gets very busy on fine summer days.
3. Length and difficulty
The Errigal Mountain hike that we outline below is around 4.5km in length and should take between 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you spend at the summit taking in the views. This is a moderate to strenuous hike and some knowledge of mountain navigation is needed.
4. Safety and prep
As with any hike, you should let someone know where you’re going in advance and when you expect to return. A fully charged phone is essential. For this trail, a good pair of hiking boots are essential as the beginning is very boggy in places.
5. Numerous trails
There are several different ways to tackle the Mount Errigal hike, each of which varies in length and difficulty. Below, we look at the most popular and arguably the most straightforward of the trails.
If you’re looking for active things to do in Donegal, a morning spent conquering Errigal Mountain really is hard to beat.
At 2,464 ft high, this is the highest peak in the Seven Sisters and it’s the tallest peak in the Derryveagh Mountains. If you tackle the Mount Errigal hike on a fine day, you’ll have views of everywhere from Slieve Snaght in north Donegal to Sligo’s Ben Bulben.
It’s a welcome sight as you spin around this corner of Donegal, especially at sunset as, thanks to its quartzite composition, it takes on a striking pink hue when the sun starts to drop.
According to legend, Errigal Mountain was named by the Fir Bolg – the forth group of people to settle on the island. The name means ‘oratory’ in Irish.
However, unlike Croagh Patrick, there’s no church to be found around the mountain itself, so it’s believed that the name may refer to the mountain itself being a place for worship.
31 Einheimische empfehlen
Errigal
Although climbing Mount Errigal is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The start point for the Mount Errigal walk is a 20-minute drive from Falcarragh, a 25-minute drive from Dungloe and Dunfanaghy and a 35-minute drive from Letterkenny Town.
2. Parking
The Mount Errigal car park is located along the R251 road and it fits around 10 to 12 cars depending on how people have parked. Keep in mind it gets very busy on fine summer days.
3. Length and difficulty
The Errigal Mountain hike that we outline below is around 4.5km in length and should take between 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you spend at the summit taking in the views. This is a moderate to strenuous hike and some knowledge of mountain navigation is needed.
4. Safety and prep
As with any hike, you should let someone know where you’re going in advance and when you expect to return. A fully charged phone is essential. For this trail, a good pair of hiking boots are essential as the beginning is very boggy in places.
5. Numerous trails
There are several different ways to tackle the Mount Errigal hike, each of which varies in length and difficulty. Below, we look at the most popular and arguably the most straightforward of the trails.
If you’re looking for active things to do in Donegal, a morning spent conquering Errigal Mountain really is hard to beat.
At 2,464 ft high, this is the highest peak in the Seven Sisters and it’s the tallest peak in the Derryveagh Mountains. If you tackle the Mount Errigal hike on a fine day, you’ll have views of everywhere from Slieve Snaght in north Donegal to Sligo’s Ben Bulben.
It’s a welcome sight as you spin around this corner of Donegal, especially at sunset as, thanks to its quartzite composition, it takes on a striking pink hue when the sun starts to drop.
According to legend, Errigal Mountain was named by the Fir Bolg – the forth group of people to settle on the island. The name means ‘oratory’ in Irish.
However, unlike Croagh Patrick, there’s no church to be found around the mountain itself, so it’s believed that the name may refer to the mountain itself being a place for worship.
9 hole stunning links course with amazing scenery. Bring extra golf balls!
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Cruit Island Golf Club
9 hole stunning links course with amazing scenery. Bring extra golf balls!
Irish Premium Oysters
Highly recommended. Book the tour!
Perfect wee day trip to take a non challenging walk, nature and coffee and a bun in the cafe.
72 Einheimische empfehlen
Ards Forest Park
Perfect wee day trip to take a non challenging walk, nature and coffee and a bun in the cafe.
Fintown Railway
Unique picture perfect experience just a few kilometres from the cottage!
Wild Atlantic Sea Sauna Dooey Beach
Unique picture perfect experience just a few kilometres from the cottage!