Attractions

Historical

Donegal Town is of great historical interest. It was the family seat of the O'Donnell's, chieftains of Tirconaill. In 1474 they built the Franciscan Abbey in the town. In 1652 one of the Franciscan monks, Brother Michael O'Cleary, together with three laymen wrote one of the seminal texts of Irish history, The Annals of the Four Masters, which has been described as 'the most remarkable collection of National tradition in all Christendom'. The centre of The Diamond features a monument dedicated to the Four Masters. The original text is now exhibited six miles south of Donegal Town in Ballintra in the Ballymagroarty Historical Centre.

Donegal Tourist Attractions

Popular tourist's attractions in Donegal Town include the historic Donegal Castle which stands beside The Diamond, overlooking the river Eske. Here was the seat of the O'Donnell's. The castle is furnished with Persian rugs and French tapestries. Guided historical tours of Donegal Castle take place daily.

The Donegal Bay Waterbus run tours around Donegal Bay all year round. The ruin of Donegal Abbey, situated on the bay, is open to the public and hand crafted shopping is to be found at Donegal Craft Village.

Local Activities

There are plenty of local activities including horse riding and walking, with guided hill walks and walks along Donegal's Bluestack Way.

Nearby Murvagh Golf Club (www.donegalgolfclub.ie)has a spectacular links course overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sea Angling is a popular activity with boats available for hire. Bicycles can also be hired nearby and horse riding can be enjoyed within a short distance of the town centre.

Donegal Town and The Diamond Lodgings is the perfect base to discover the many attractions of County Donegal which include the magnificent Glenveagh National Park, (www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie) Slieve League Cliffs, Lough Eske, Belleek Pottery (www.belleek.ie) and many more.

Also farther afield is the Giant's Causeway (www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com) which is a must to visit when in the North West of Ireland.

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