Trip to Donegal
I’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Donegal, the most northerly county in Ireland. A week or so there will provide me with a relaxing vacation, not a far drive from the Shannon airport and still only 3 hours from Dublin.
I like rugged landscapes and varied vistas, and especially like great beaches, with steep cliffs, and being by the coast. While surfing, fishing and other water sports are fun in the summer, I enjoy the off seasons with less tourists and more time for quiet and peaceful reflection.
Renting a cottage is a relaxing way to enjoy a trip to Donegal
In addition to the B&Bs and hotels in County Donegal, I’m interested in apartments and cottages for rent. Being able to prepare our meals at “home” and go out only when we want will help keep costs for our trip low. A further benefit is the added space to move around inside, just in case the weather is a bit brisk for outdoor adventures.
My favorite choice for a rental cottage is directly on the coast on Cruit Island, a “Special Area of Conservation” as designated by the EU. There’s central heating, kitchen facilities including a dishwasher, warming fireplace - and room for up to seven people to sleep under a real thatch roof. Plenty of space for a get-together with friends or an Ireland family vacation with the kids.
I can envision walking along the beach or reading a book in front of the fire, but for outing, I’d like to visit the Glenveagh National Park and Visitor Centre. I really enjoy visiting old homes and castles - Glenveagh Castle, with short guided tour will give me a glimpse into 19th century life in the country. The nearby gardens feature a range of exotic plants from faraway places in South America, Tasmania and China. It’s best to see them with the guidebook (available at the visitor center) and allow at least an hour to wander through.
Another interesting attraction and one of Donegal’s most famous is Grianan Aileach. The 5,000 year old fort features an award winning Interpretative Centre to whisk you back in time to the days of the lords of Ulster.
Donegal is a stonghold of the Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking communities, where Irish culture is preserved beyond that in other regions. What better way to experience the best of Ireland, than by immersing myself in Irish traditions with a trip to Donegal.
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