Wild Atlantic Approach from Letterkenny to Sligo ~ DownshiftingPRO

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The primary time I visited Eire was in 2018 with my eldest daughter—a aggressive Irish dancer for 11 years—who joined me to find a rustic acquainted from books, songs, and historical past, but filled with thriller. We’d seen the Cliffs of Moher and been charmed by Killarney, the Beara Peninsula and Kilkea Citadel, however I longed to return to the Emerald Isle and present my husband the limitless shades of inexperienced. Nothing ready us for the uncooked fantastic thing about County Donegal, Eire’s northernmost county.

County Donegal boasts scenic mountains like Errigal, sandy seashores from Rossnowlagh to Marble Hill Strand, and breathtaking Wild Atlantic Approach views that rival Canada’s pure wonders.

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With TBEX Donegal day journeys and a four-day FAM, he and I uncovered his hidden gem (a phrase I often dislike but when very becoming). This 5-day Donegal itinerary via the northwest County Donegal covers massively excessive cliffs, difficult hikes, indulgent spas, and scrumptious seafood at each flip. We lined a lot on our Donegal street journey, however there’s nonetheless a lot to see—so I will probably be returning; of that I’m sure.

Based mostly for 3 nights on the Shandon Resort and Spa, a seaside haven with spectacular dawn views price and early morning alarm, earlier than heading south to The Sandhouse Resort and Marine Therapies for 2 extra tranquil oceanside nights earlier than catching a prepare from Sligo to Dublin.

Day 1: Fanad Lighthouse, Horn Head & Spa Remedies

The street from Letterkenny to Fanad feels made for postcards: coastal cottages, thatched pubs, and rolling pastures giving technique to the open sea. By mid-morning, the white tower of Fanad Head Lighthouse seems towards the brooding see and gray clouds. We arrived within the rain, however that didn’t dissuade us.

Perched between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, the 1817 constructions as soon as saved sailors secure from Donegal’s unpredictable currents. As we speak, it invitations guests to climb the slender, spiralling stairs to see from the lantern room the place this beacon reduce via maritime fog.

On a windy day, you possibly can think about the keeper’s isolation. The waves crashing towards the unforgiving shoreline is each terrifying and awe-inspiring for this city-girl. We settled into the selfmade soup and a flowery ham-and-grilled cheese sandwich on the Fanad Cafe earlier than persevering with on our journey.

From Fanad, it’s a 25-minute drive west to Shandon Resort and Spa, which is greater than a base, it’s a retreat from our hectic days in Letterkenny on the convention. We verify right into a Superior View Room (belief me, it’s price it) and soak up that limitless Sheephave Bay vista.

We laced up our climbing footwear, placed on a toque, and headed for Horn Head, a brief drive away. Even earlier than you step onto the path, the panorama is sensational: cliffs tumbling into turquoise coves, seabirds overhead, and the ever-present wind roaring round your ears. We brace ourselves to take photos with out being blown over. We didn’t enterprise far, however the hike lined 1.5 km and could be difficult on a windy day.

By mid-afternoon we’re prepared for one of many predominant causes we’re right here: the SPA. We had made reservations for therapies—I opted for the Goddess Sculpt therapy. It lived as much as its title; assume self-care and splendid pampering (a therapeutic massage, rest room, after which time within the spa). We adopted up our therapies with a little bit of bubbly and alternating soaks with a eucalyptus steam bathtub, ice chips, dry sauna, and chilly plunge… the most effective in a Nordica spa escapade. I can’t suggest this sufficient. It’s price staying an additional day to spend a while enjoyable after all of the driving and touring in County Donegal.

Dinner and drinks at JonJo’s Bar make a energetic end, whereas Marbles Restaurant upstairs highlights Irish fantastic eating with Donegal native delicacies. After a full day, sleep comes simply, accompanied by the faraway sounds of the waves within the distance.

Day 2: Dawn, Chilly Plunges & Whiskey Heat

A fellow content material creator, Todd Hata, had inspired us to catch each dawn and sundown in our vacation spot. Rise early to see some of the spectacular sunrises in your life. A blood-orange sky streaming over the Atlantic, the sort of dawn that reminds you that you just’ve made the suitable choice to return to Eire within the fall.

Shortly after watching this stunning show of color, we discovered ourselves on Marble Hill seashore, Shandon’s cozy terry gown cinched tight, making ready for a cold-water plunge. Therapeutic whereas giving your physique a jolt, the salt air and the shock of the water, all shared with mates, was a bucket record process crossed off.

After warming up over a hearty breakfast on the lodge, the day unfolds with a leisurely drive via Gaeltacht countryside (the place Irish is the spoken language) on the best way to Croithli Distillery in Crolly. What Donegal street journey could be and not using a whiskey tasting?

The whiskey tastes of peat, heritage, and Irish storytelling: the copper stills shine because the information takes us via the historical past of the constructing, the origins of the stills, and the precision concerned in making spirits in Eire.

Lunch at Leo’s Tavern brings the story full circle– that is the place Clannad and Enya set their first notes to music, and the partitions hum with reminiscence. Between the Guinness and the roast beef, it’s simple to think about evenings crammed with harmonies and laughter.

The afternoon introduced one other journey on water– this time with Donegal Sea Adventures from Burtonport Harbour. Simply west of County Donegal, the Rosses cliffs loom excessive, the ocean is a bit tough, and the caves beckon curiosity. With a must heat up from the chilly journey, we head again to the Shandon Resort to vary.

One really useful cease could be Arnold’s Resort. An Unique Irish Resort, this boutique property hosted us for a heat Irish espresso and contemporary oysters. This property additionally had scrumptious shortbread and jams for buy—the right native presents to carry house!

From there we headed to Braai Restaurant Creeslough, a scrumptious South African restaurant with an exquisite collection of grilled meats over an open hearth accompanied by glorious wines. It had a really chill vibe and was about 20 minutes from the Shandon Resort.

Day 3: Glenveagh, Lough Eske & Arrival in Donegal City

After breakfast, depart the shoreline behind and head inland via the scenic Muckish Hole in the direction of Glenveagh Nationwide Park and Citadel. Situated about an hour from the lodge, we loved breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and mirror-still lakes. Glenveagh spans 16,000 hectares of untouched wilderness anchored by its late-Victorian fort. The home tour provides a contact of light glamour, whereas the terrace gardens and lakeside path make for some spectacular Donegal photograph stops. Count on an entrance payment of €5-15.

The historical past and tour of 1 fort might be the luxurious expertise of one other. On our technique to Donegal City, we headed for a fast go to and Afternoon Tea at Lough Citadel. This five-star property pairs lake views with tiered trays of pastries, scones, and delicate sandwiches—a fantastic distinction to the wild terrain we explored earlier within the day. I like to recommend you guide forward (€35+). I hope to return to this luxurious lodge for a keep of their spacious rooms and fantastic spa.

From Lough Eske, it’s a leisurely 20-minute drive to Donegal City, the place we did a little bit of window buying at Magees of Donegal Weaving (for conventional tweed and high quality clothes) and McBrew for espresso. We had dinner on the Olde Citadel Seafood Bar. It was busy for dinner, however we did handle to discover a desk.

Our room for the evening was on the Sandhouse Resort and Marine Therapies in Rossnowlagh between Donegal City and Ballyshannon. The very best half about this Unique Irish Hotel is the placement. The Atlantic rolls in simply metres from the lodge because it sits perched overlooking the Blue Flag seashore. I wrote a full lodge evaluation of the Sandhouse Resort on Resort-Scoop.com.

Day 4: Slieve League

After breakfast (which is included within the room fee), we set out for Slieve League Cliffs about an hour from the lodge. Rising 600 metres, these sea cliffs are thrice taller than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare however appeal to a fraction of the crowds. From the carpark at Bunglass Level take the shuttle to the beginning of the Pilgrim Path if circumstances enable. It’s usually windy on the prime, so plan for layers and produce a picnic lunch or have tea and scones on the customer’s centre.

Return to Rossnowlaghh by mid-afternoon for a nicely earned session on the Sandhouse Resort’s marine spa. Seaweed therapies are a signature right here. Take pleasure in good guide and a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic.

Within the night, dine on the Glasshouse Restuarant, the place the menue leans into native seafood (scallops, hake or regardless of the Killybegs fleet landed that day.

Day 5: Rossnowlagh to Sligo – Coastal Finale

We started our day with a sluggish stroll alongside Rossnowlagh Seaside, a sweeping Blue Flag seashore (assembly worldwide environmental requirements). There was loads of seaweed and a browsing group lesson. This seashore is expansive and highly regarded in the course of the summer time months.

From the lodge, we drove to Ballyshannon, one in every of Eire’s oldest cities. We made a brief cease on the Rory Gallagher statue, the delight of the Irish music scene. Within the late spring there’s a four-day Rory Gallagher Music Competition honouring this rock legend.

We proceeded south in the direction of Bundoran to the Tullan Strand for a stroll alongside the Wild Atlantic Approach. If you recognize something about Eire, it’s that lore is the motive force of most tales. We stopped to see the Fairy Bridge and Wishing Chair—two native landmarks. It was a fast Instagram second to seize Donegal’s folklore allure—and to make a number of needs, after all.

It’s these gorgeous views that make visiting County Donegal a must-see in your bucket record. In 2024, the pure fantastic thing about this place is why it was named quantity 4 as the most effective areas to go to by Lonely Planet.

As we started to wind down our 5-day Donegal Highway Journey, our itinerary introduced us to the Gleniff Horseshoe, about 20 minutes from the Tullan Strand. This dramatic glacial valley is surrounded by steep inexperienced partitions and waterfalls that appear to look out of the mist—actually, it’s that magical! From there, we took the scenic Benbulbin Drive so we may see the majestic Dartry Mountains. Benbulbin (Binn Ghulbain in Irish) is a steep-sided, tabletop mountain shaped over the last ice age. It’s large and juts out into the stormy skies over this northern county.

It’s the final memorable vista on our memorable Donegal street journey as we make our technique to our subsequent adventures in Northern Eire, UK with Rabbies. We are saying our goodbyes to County Sligo and County Donegal as we catch our prepare to Dublin. We will probably be again!

Disclosure: My husband and I have been company of the of the Shandon Resort and Spa and the Sandhouse Resort and Marine Therapies with the help of Go Go to Donegal as a part of a TBEX FAM tour and personal tour of County Donegal.  I can’t thank them sufficient for his or her generosity.

This 5-Day Highway Journey Itineray mixed most of the pre-and post-tours to create a extra cohesive information to the area. All opinions are my very own.

 🥾 Discover: Excursions & Experiences
🏡 The place to Keep: High Lodging
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Margarita Ibbott is a journey and way of life blogger. She blogs about journey in Canada, america and Europe giving sensible recommendation via restaurant, lodge and attraction evaluations. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and different on-line media retailers.