scenic drives around south west donegal

Leaving Donegal Town in a southerly direction take the N15 that leads into Laghey, from there turn in an easterly direction on the R232 and make for Pettigo, a picturesque village on the Fermanagh / Donegal border....

The very popular Heritage Town of Ardara, a leading centre for the Donegal hand-woven tweed and hand-knit garment industry, is the starting point for the varied drive. Follow the signs from Dungloe heading north from Ardara. Some 6km out take a left, signposted Rosbeg. Small, picturesque cottages are tucked into the lea of the rounded hills before Loughros Mor Bay opens up to your left, with Slievetooey dominating the horizon. Nearing Rosbeg you will see Kiltorris Lough to the right an...

Travelling west from the village of Killybegs you have wonderful sea-scapes to the left and the great bulks of Crownarad and Mulnanaff mountains looming before you. Leave the main road, turn left for the 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....

So complex is north Donegal's coast line that any tour can take many variations depending how much time you have. Best views are from minor roads rather than the N56, but skirting the peninsulas is time-consuming, and roads may be poorly surfaced. The highlights of the journey are the sculpted rocks at Crohy Head near Dungloe, the fiery headland known as Bloody Foreland and the panoramic seascapes around Horn Head and Rosguill. If you still have time and a taste for this gorgeous scenery, F...

Donegal Town to Lifford via Barnesmore Gap, Ballybofey, Convoy and Raphoe. The N15 from Donegal town skirts the southern extremities of the Bluestack Mountains. From there continue on to the twin towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar, on the river Finn. Ballybofey is home of Magee Tweeds, from there it is a short drive to Lifford the administrative capital of Donegal....

Donegal to Ardara via the Bluestack Mountains.
There is a much more direct route from Donegal town to Ardara but there is not a more scenic one than that which cuts inlands from Donegal town to the Bluestack mountains. The area is a splendid location for walking and Lough Eske provides fine fishing....

Glenties to Ballybofey via the Donegal Highlands.
This route cuts across the central mountainous section of County Donegal. Mountains that will come into view on the way include, Gouguin and Aghla Mountains. To the south the Bluestack mountains offer an ideal environment for the nature lover....

Exciting sea cliffs fringe the popular resort of Bundoran, the staring point for this drive. Boasting an EC Blue Flag quality beach, which attracts thousands of families in the summer months, this seaside town has added to its year-round appeal by its lively entertainment programme.
Driving north on the N15 towards Ballyshannon, situated on the River Erne since it was founded in the 17th century, the steep, narrow streets of Ballyshannon give this town a character and atmosphere which is...