1.
Fanad Drive The twisting climbs and descents of the Knockalla Stage of the Donegal International Rally has shone a spotlight on this fantastic stretch of road. And if there is one road trip on this list that reflects all that is wonderful about Donegal, it is the Fanad Drive. From the stunning Ballymastocker Bay and Portsalon - which has been named as one of the nicest beaches in the world - on towards Fanad Lighthouse, and back to the beautiful heritage town of Ramelton and the Lennon estuary, it really is breathtaking. Along the signposted circuit of the Fanad Peninsula, there are no end of great spots to stop and enjoy the scenery and to take stunning and dramatic photographs. There are several beaches, some great mountain views, quiet villages, and lovely places to eat, drink and sleep if you wish to use it as a base for a Donegal holiday. And if you are looking for activities to make a day of your trip to Fanad, you can enjoy water based activities such as sailing and kayaking, or take time out for a round of golf on some of the peninsula’s top class links courses.
2.
Bluestack Drive and Lough Eske Drive Donegal Town is the perfect starting point for these linked drives that showcase Donegal’s lakes and mountains while providing stunning views of Donegal Bay and the mountains of Sligo and Leitrim. Head out the Ballybofey road from Donegal Town, and follow the signposts to take a left for the Lough Eske Drive. The route will take you to within touching distance of the water in places, while climbing steeply in others to allow you to enjoy the views of this 3.7km long lake with its wooded islands, O'Donnell's Island, Roshin Island, Pigeon's Island, Grania's Island. The lake is surrounded on three sides by the Bluestack Mountains and there are a number of points to stop and enjoy the view. From there, continue on to the Bluestack Drive, which will take you off the beaten track, high into the mountains. Highlights include the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall, and if you fancy stretching your legs, visit Disert Graveyard, megalith and St Colmcille’s Well. There are several mountain lakes and rivers along the way, and a deep sense of being very close to nature - you can smell the peat and taste the tannin in the air. Hardy mountain sheep characterise this area, as do the whitethorn, blackthorn and rowan trees which dot the mountain landscape. But it is the phenomenal view down the valleys and across the huge expanse of Donegal Bay that will bring you back to enjoy this route again and again.
3.
Lough Finn and the Finn Valley Driving from Ballybofey to Fintown and Lough Finn, on to Glenties and back through the Glen of Glenties and Edeninfagh really makes you feel like you are in the very heart of Donegal. From Ballybofey’s Main Street, take the turn for Jackson’s Hotel and follow this route out of town. Keep an eye out for signs for Cloghan and Fintown, and enjoy the views of the north face of the Bluestacks and the river Finn that characterises so much of central and east Donegal. Features such as rural pubs, village halls and gate houses are reminders that this was once an important transport route through Donegal, going back to a time when much travel was on foot or by donkey and cart. The Finn has a long heritage as an important salmon fishery and if you are lucky, you will get to see the salmon leaping up the falls at the Cloghan as they make their annual trip back to their spawning grounds. Onwards to Fintown, and you might even spot the old train chugging along the shore of Lough Finn, a throwback to a different time when the now defunct railway opened up this part of the county to visitors, and provided an emigration corridor for young people taking up work on farms in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Continue on to Glenties, and make the return to Ballybofey via the Glen of Glenties and Edinenfagh. This area is rich in tradition, particularly in Donegal fiddle music. And of course, Glenties is long associated with Brian Friel and is recognised as the real life setting of his fictional town of Ballybeg.
4.
Glenveagh and The Rosses From the iconic Errigal Mountain, numerous lakes, rivers and streams, to west Donegal’s Atlantic coast, this route which is largely in the Gaeltacht feels timeless. Taking Dungloe as a starting point, travel towards Burtonport, Cruit Island, Kincasslagh, Gweedore, out to Bloody Foreland and Magheraroarty, and swing inland to Glenveagh National Park. From there, take the road to Lough Gartan and continue to Doochary, and back to Dungloe. Every single bit of this road is stunning, and it is steeped in heritage from a long maritime history to the site of the Derryveagh evictions. Along some stretches of the route you will travel miles through the hills without seeing another car or house; at other points you can expect to be left speechless by the views of the Atlantic coast, the towering rocks and the piers and harbours that remind us that the lives of people in these communities are intertwined with the sea.