donegal bay drive

.At the top of the main street, turn left, signposted Rossnowlagh (R231).Near the pier is the ruin of Kilbarron Castle, home of the O'Sgingins and O'Clery, historiographers to the O'Donnells of Tir Conaill. 
Continue Rossnowlagh. A church and some relatively recent buildings (1950) to your left., constitute the Franciscan Friary. A viewpoint at the western end of the grounds overlooks the broad expanse of Rossnowlagh beach..Turn right when you pick up the signs for Ballintra. Turn left onto the N 15, main Donegal road, just before the tiny village. After a short distance Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh) is signposted left. The nearby beach is another of the many Donegal beaches which boasts a National Blue Flag for beach and water quality.
Back again to the main road. At Laghy, take the detour, right, to Pettigoe and Lough Derg. Donegal Craft Village, right, is a facility where you can see crafts being expertly finished by skilled craftspeople. There is access from the car park of the tourist office to the ruin of Donegal 'Abbey' . On the banks of the River Eske, beside The Diamond, is the ruin of Donegal Castle, a 15th century O'Donnell castle - the principal Celtic ruling family in Donegal.

Take the Ardara/Killbegs road (N56). Continue on the main road and soon you will get a brief look at Donegal Bay which comes into view on your left, with the imposing backdrop of Benbulben and the Sligo Mountains..
On to Dunkineely, where the bay opens up to the left and you begin to appreciate the beauty which slowly envelops you. About 1km north of Bruckless village is a holy well associated with St. conall. . Leave the main road, left , signposted coast road, and take this very scenic, if narrow, road to Kilcar. As you switch back and forward and plunge and climb over this roller coaster of a road you will be delighted by the views and different landscape perspectives offered by your journey. 

Take the road northwest for Gleann Cholm Cille (Glencolumbkille). You will reach a junction where you take the left fork, signposted Malinbeg. After a few km, Glenmalin Court Cairn is signposted, left. Follow the signs left for Malainn Bhig (Malinbeg). The distinctive shape of Glen head soon comes into view as you approach. 
Take the road to Ardara from here via Glengesh Pass.

Donegal Bay Drive takes in the following towns of Donegal. Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Ballintra, Laghy, Pettigo-Lough Derg, Donegal, Mountcharles, Inver, Dunkineely. Killybegs, Kilcar, Carrick, Teelin, Bunglas, Slieve League, Malinmore, Malin Beg, Glencolumbkille, Glengesh Pass, Ardara and returm.