Donegal Town is an Irish-Speaking Region with Many Beaches
Located in the northwest region of Ireland, Donegal town is surrounded by five counties. Notably, it’s the second largest Gaeltacht, or predominantly Irish-speaking, destination in Ireland. That means there’s a good chance visitors will leave their hotels and hear foreign words being spoken. The Irish speakers characteristically love helping others practice the language, so don’t be shy about giving it a go. You may not think of Ireland as a place with beautiful beaches, but this destination could prove you wrong, since it boasts over 650 kilometres of picturesque areas along the Atlantic coast to explore.
Pick Out Some Handcrafted Souvenirs
Although Donegal isn’t known for giant shopping centres filled with well-known chain stores, it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for things to buy that may be hard to find elsewhere, or even one-of-a-kind pieces. As you make your way through the town, take a leisurely pace and stop into some of the many small but enticing establishments that sell clothing, jewellery and artwork. Many people who don’t want to leave without some handmade wares head straight to the appropriately named Donegal Craft Village, one of the most popular retail establishments in the area. Browse through items made from felt, glass and wood, just to name a few. If you’re looking for something to wear or use in your home, don’t miss seeing what some of the establishment’s weavers have to offer. From placemats to coin purses and scarves to shawls, this shopping destination is bursting with beautiful hand-woven pieces. Getting the opportunity to chat face to face with the artisans could help visitors get even more excited about purchasing items and bringing them back to their hotels.
Go on a Spa Retreat
When they visit Donegal, many people are eager to do things that make them feel pampered and help them temporarily escape the familiar but tiring routines of everyday life. If that sounds familiar, your trip should certainly include time at a spa. The treatment possibilities are various, but due to Donegal’s coastal location, therapies often include ingredients associated with the ocean, such as sea salt and seaweed. Because many of the town’s spas are inside accommodations, you may be able to take advantage of special discounts that target guests who want to get massages, facials or hot stone treatments without leaving wherever they’re staying. If you’re not sure what kind of treatment to get, just ask the experienced practitioners that work in most of the area’s spas. You may also find facilities offering deals for couples or small groups, so if you’re travelling with a few friends or your significant other, see if it’s possible to save money if everyone you’re with gets treatments.
Head Off the Donegal Coast to Explore Tory Island
When most people think of royalty, Irish’s neighbour, Great Britain, usually comes to mind. However, you might want to get a taste of Donegal’s version of royalty by temporarily leaving the town and visiting tiny Tory Island. Situated nine miles off the Donegal Coast, this destination is the only place in Ireland that’s ruled by a king, or Rí Thoraí, the Irish for “king of Tory.” Practically speaking, this king is a person chosen by Tory Island’s inhabitants, and they have no formal powers, but are given the responsibility of welcoming people to the island. Tory Island is a very remote location, but has no shortage of artists that live there and showcase their work in the island’s gallery. There are less than 200 permanent inhabitants on Tory Island, but it’s an easy destination to reach if you just want to visit, because tour operators help people get there on regularly scheduled ferry trips. There are no hotels on the island. However, it’s a memorable place to spend a few hours.
Take a Trip Out of Town to Malin Head
If you’re searching for a cool getaway, look no further than Malin Head. Located along the Inishowen Peninsula, this destination in the north of Donegal that’s just under two hours from town is where you’ll find Banba’s Crown. It’s the most northerly point in Ireland. Once you reach Banba’s Crown, look to the northeast and see if you can spot Inishtrahull Island, the location of a lighthouse that’s nearly two centuries old. Malin Head features attractive beaches and some of the largest sand dunes in Europe. Even people who aren’t necessarily fans of the beach often visit after learning some parts of “Star Wars Episode VIII” were filmed on Malin Head. The rugged setting is a fantastic place to check out if you’re in the mood to take a break from some of the busier parts of Donegal. Keep in mind there are several hotels in Malin Head, and you might consider staying at one of them if you’re interested in enjoying the area for more than a day.