County Donegal
County Donegal is located in the extreme northwest of Ireland and it is unique in that while it is the fourth largest county in the country, due to its relative remoteness from the other ones, it enjoys the lowest population density, with only about 137,500 people residing there.
The entire county is comprised of stunningly beautiful coastlines offering unlimited access to a variety of water sports. Surfing is particularly popular here, especially since it offers access to one of Europe’s most spectacular reef breaks. Since the entire county is bordered by a low mountainous area, climbing is a popular activity as well. With two popular mountain ranges, the Derryveagh and Bluestack Mountains within easy reach, the area draws a steady stream of vacationers from all over Europe.
Donegal was established in 1585 when the reigning English authorities formed it from the old Kingdom of Tír Chonaill and the old Lordship of Inishowen. However, they were not able to attain full control over their new creation until after the Battle of Kinsale which occurred in 1602. Even then, their hold over the newly-formed county remained tenuous until 1607, after the Flight of the Earls which occurred in September of that year.
The official county town is Lifford, which is the administrative centre of the county.
The town contains several historic buildings and other cultural highlights that are a delight for tourists. These include the Old Courthouse & Museum where visitors can peruse a variety of artefacts dating back to the town’s establishment as the county seat. The old Prior Endowed School is another building worth a visit, as it once served as the educational venue of choice for the children of Ireland’s rich and privileged.
The town of Donegal is also worth a visit. While many mistake it for the county seat, it is rather a small village like town offering great access to sandy beaches and great surfing conditions. The Bluestack Mountains are also located nearby, drawing a fair number of hikers to the town. Accommodation for tourists is plentiful, though most head to nearby towns for the nightlife, since the town of Donegal offers little in this regard.
County Donegal has had its share of notable residents, most especially in the world of popular and regional music. The bands Clannad and Altan have enjoyed international success, and solo artist Enya is known throughout the world. On the rock music front, the county is famous for Ballyshannon (Rory Gallagher). On the country front, P. V. O’Donnell, the well-known fiddler, hails from Donegal.
County Donegal has a long acquaintance with the literary world as well. Poet and playwright Frank McGuinness and playwright Brian Friel both came from Donegal and many of Friel’s works use the fictional County Donegal town of Ballybeg for their setting.
Aside from outdoor pursuits, County Donegal is also home to other sports. Gaelic football and hurling, rugby, soccer and cricket are all well-represented. The area is very popular with young people who flock there on their school vacations. With its great access to outdoor sports, such as its world class surfing, not to mention hiking and wind surfing, the county can become quite a crowded place during certain times of the year.
Families enjoy vacationing here as well since there is a lot to both see and do.
The beaches alone offer a welcome respite from the normal hustle and bustle of daily life and there are many of them from which to choose. Water conditions are varied, from the great surfing conditions to the relatively calm conditions at the break waters.
Even the mountain sports are varied, going from challenges for the serious climber to gently sloping hills that can provide a great climb for the entire family. Other family-friendly pursuits include horseback riding and cycling as well. Golfers will love the variety of courses, and fishermen will enjoy the angling opportunities offered here.
County Donegal has plenty of accommodation available to suit all budgets. From luxury hotel settings to quaint family cottages, there’s something for everyone who wants to visit the area.
The nightlife too is varied with musical entertainment offered in both the larger hotels and the quaint pubs that can be found all over the county. A variety of restaurants can also be found here, most offering the traditional Irish cuisine and regional favourites. Many of the eateries in the county also provide musical entertainment, featuring traditional Irish music favourites.
County Donegal is a great place to visit, especially for the person interested in physical pursuits. The surfing in this area is second to none, as are the opportunities for mountain climbing and walking. The area has a finely developed tourism infrastructure which allows them to cater to the visitor from out of town by offering a wide variety of accommodation types and entertainment possibilities.