Ten things to do in Donegal on Easter Bank Holiday Monday

With more than 1,000kms of coastline, Donegal is without doubt one of the most stunning counties to visit.

From beautiful coastal drives - including the most northerly section of the Wild Atlantic Way - to 100 accessible beaches, there is always more to explore, even for those of us lucky enough to live here. 

There is also plenty to discover inland, and a fantastic range of place to sleep, eat, drink and be entertained. 

Here is a flavour of what is on offer in Donegal over the Easter holidays.  

Go Surfing
Donegal is well on the way to becoming Ireland's leading surf destination. At just over two-and-a-half hour's drive from Dublin, Bundoran is leading the way with a number of surf schools. A little further along the coast, Rossnowlagh is also very popular with surfers, swimmers, wind surfers, kite surfers, paddle boarders. Further north, Dunfanaghy is another great surfing town. On the west coast, Carrickfinn Watersports offers a great range of watersports and lessons for people of all ages with an adventurous spirit. 
A quick internet search will give details of surf schools and equipment rental in these areas. 

Enjoy a Boat Trip
If you like being on the water but prefer to sit back with a coffee or drink while someone else does the work, then a trip on the Donegal Bay Waterbus is a must. This purpose built vessel is a great way to see the local coastline, local wildlife including the resident Donegal Bay seal colony, and to get a sense of the area's maritime history and heritage. Visitors can also look forward to live entertainment and an onboard bar. Sailing times are subject to tides. Call 074 97 23666 for latest information.
For an alternative view of Donegal's most famous cliffs, Sliabh Liag Boat Trips offer a fantastic experience. Sailing several times a day from Teelin Pier, the stunning and up-close views of the cliffs are fantastic. But what really makes this trip special is the local knowledge, craic and banter - and if you are very lucky, the occassional dolphin or basking shark. Booking at www.sliabhliagboatrips.com or by calling 087 628 4688.

Visit a National Park
Situated in the Derryveagh Mountains, Glenveagh National Park is a remote and beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland. The park is also home to a herd of red deer.
At the centre of the Park on the edge of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge. Toilets are available at the car park and castle area and information is available at the Visitors Centre and Castle Reception. There is a restaurant at the Visitor Centre and a tearoom at the Castle and Gardens provided by Synge & Byrne.
Eco friendly tour buses are available to ferry visitors along the shores of Lough Veagh from the car park to the castle. There are also paths for those who prefer to walk or cycle the route. Two of the buses are fully wheelchair accessible and there are accessible toilets at the visitor centre. However, some areas of the gardens are inaccessible for wheelchair users due to steps and steep, uneven ground.

Go For A Drive or Cycle
Not only does the Wild Atlantic Way guide visitors along the very best of Donegal's Atlantic coast, it also highlights signature points and hidden gems along the route. Whether you're setting out to cover the entire coastline or simply to enjoy a Sunday drive, the Wild Atlantic Way really does showcase all that is wonderful about Donegal's Atlantic coast and the county's relationship with the sea. More information on the famous route can be found at https://www.discoverireland.ie/wild-atlantic-way
There are countless other scenic driving routes along the coast or further inland. See also On the road with a selection of Donegal's scenic drives  

Journey Back In Time At Glencolmcille
Many visitors are making the journey to Sliabh Liag to visit the stunning cliffs. While in the area, it is well worth taking the time to visit Glencolmcille. An area of incredible natural beauty, Glencolmcille is also home to the Folk Village which depicts life in the region from the 1700s through to the modern day. Across from the Folk Village is the hand carved stone map of Ireland. 
See the Glen Folk Village Facebook page for information on opening times and activities. 

Get Close To Animals
Visitors can enjoy a walk with Alpacas in the Knockmanny Bens in Inishowen. Along the way, there are lots of photo opportunities of the coastline including Malin Head. Alpacas are curious friendly and inquisitive creatures with an excellent temperament. More information on this award-winning attraction can be found at https://wildalpacaway.com/
Salthill Cabin in Mountcharles is offering an animal petting experience over the bank holiday weekend, as well as their usual selection of animals and delicious coffee, hot chocolate, ice cream and baked goods. Check out Salthill Cabin on Facebook for more information.
To see bears, wolves, Irish goats and much, much more, a trip to Wild Ireland is a wonderful experience for all the family. See the Wild Ireland Facebook page for updates.
If animals are your thing, see our related article Wildlife Sanctuaries Around The County

Visit Malin Head
A visit to Donegal would not be complete with a visit to Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point. Whatever the weather, bring an extra layer as it can a bit on the breezy side! With its dramatic landscape, coastal walks and crystal clear waters, Malin Head is memorable for all the right reasons.  And the approach drive is every bit as wonderful as the famous headland itself. 

Get Inspired At Glebe House And Gallery 
The Easter Art Exhibition would usually be taking place at this time of year in the Glebe House and Gallery in Churchill but unfortunately the gallery is currently closed for refurbishment. However, there is a fantastic series of plein air art workshops taking place, with Bank Holiday Monday's working running from 12 noon to 4pm. The theme is My heart's in Donegal and the workshop is led by renowned Plein Air artist Dee Shanny. You are invited to bring along a favourite image or a photo from your phone that you love and would like to paint, or you can simply find a quiet corner in the lovely Glebe Gardens, and get painting. Bring any materials that you like to work with paints/pencils etc. Dee will encourage, guide and help you express your creative ideas. This is a free event and booking is not required. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors with appropriate footwear. Meet in the courtyard. Tearooms will be open. See the Glebe House and Gallery Facebook page for more details.

Visit An Island
Ferry services bring visitors to Donegal's islands, including Arranmore and Tory. Shaped by the force of the Atlantic, the islands are home to some of the county's most rugged coast, with each one having its own character and traditions.
Details of crossings to Arranmore can be found at https://thearranmoreferry.com/
Details of crossings to Tory are available at https://www.toryferry.com/

Walk On A Beach
When it comes to switching off from life's stresses, nothing beats a walk on the beach. Donegal is blessed with around 100 beaches so there is plenty of room for everyone! The website https://donegalbeaches.com/ is a fantastic resource with information on accessibility, suitability for bathing, tide times and a selection of photographs for each beach. 

Other great things to do include a visit to An Grianan of Aileach fort at Burt, follow a walking trail such as Dungloe Railway Walk, Ards Forest Park, the MacManus Estate at Rossylongan, Donegal Town, or visit a nature reserve such as Ardnamona Woods or Sheskinmore, take a train ride at Oakfield Park.

Anyone who wishes to add activities or hidden gems from their area is welcome to do so in comments on our social media pages.