Things To Do in Donegal Town
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Donegal Town Attractions
Lough Derg and its many islands lie about 16km (10 miles) east of Donegal. Legend has it that St. Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in a cavern at this secluded spot, and since then it has been revered as a place of penance and pilgrimage. From June 1 to August 15, thousands of Irish people take turns coming to Lough Derg to do penance for 3 days at a time, remaining awake and eating nothing but tea and toast. It's considered one of the most rigorous pilgrimages in all of Christendom. To reach the lake, take R232 to Pettigo, then R233 for 8km (5 miles).
Donegal Town Summer Festival -- If you’re heading this way in early July, check out www.donegaltown.ie for details of the town’s laid-back annual Summer Festival. The program is an enthusiastic mixture of free concerts (from local bands that, in all probability, you’ve never heard of) and family-friendly fun and games. The festival lasts 4 days, with the biggest events scheduled over a weekend. And if you’re heading this way later in the summer, you might be able to catch the Donegal Food Festival. Held over a weekend in late August, the festival brings together chefs, restaurateurs, and artisan food providers from all over Ireland. Visit www.atasteofdonegal.com for more details.
- Tour
Donegal Bay Waterbus
These guided 75-minute tours of Donegal Bay take place daily on a modern, two-deck boat. Points of interest along the way include the Old Abbey ★; the aptly named Seal Island, home to a colony of about 200 noisy seals; and The Hassans, a port from which many emigrants from the… - Castle
Donegal Castle
Built in the 15th century on the banks of the River Eske, this solid gray-stone castle was once the chief stronghold for the O’Donnells, a powerful Donegal clan. In the 17th century, during the Plantation period, it was taken over by Sir Basil Brook, who added an extension with 10… - Natural Attraction
Lough Derg
This beautiful island-dotted lake lies about 16km (10 miles) east of Donegal Town. Legend has it that St. Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting in a cavern at this secluded spot, and since then it has been revered as a place of penance and pilgrimage. From June 1st to August… - Religious Site
Old Abbey
Sitting in a peaceful spot on the quay in Donegal Town, where the River Eske meets Donegal Bay, this ruined Franciscan monastery was founded in 1474 by the first Red Hugh O’Donnell and his wife, Nuala O’Brien of Munster. It was generously endowed by the O’Donnell family and became an…
Donegal Town Shopping
Most Donegal shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, with extended hours in summer and slightly shorter hours in winter.
Donegal Town Nightlife
Nightlife in Donegal Town is very low-key, but if you're in town during July and August, try to take in a performance of the Donegal Drama Circle at the Donegal Town Summer Theatre, O'Cleary Hall, Tirconaill Street (no phone). Performances are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9pm and feature works by Donegal-based playwrights. No reservations are necessary; admission prices start at around €5 for adults, €3 for students.
