Welcome to Donegal, the north west Jewel of the Emerald Isle.

To anyone who has ever visited or lived in this beautiful county, the name ‘Donegal’ will conjure up many vivid pictures of the huge variety of landscapes, rocky passes, rugged coastline, peaceful Loughs, rolling green hills and golden beaches, (there are 11 beaches in County Donegal that are designated as Blue Flag Beaches). Donegal hosts many waterfalls, large and small, and the rivers invite skilled and unskilled persons to its fishing grounds. Golfers too find the scenic courses and links inviting.

Donegal has a distinctive  "fiddle tradition" which is world renowned and the county is well known for its songs which have, like the instrumental music, a unique sound. Donegal musical artists such as the bands Clannad and Altan and solo artists Enya and Daniel O’Donnell have had international success with traditional or traditional flavored music.

The county also inspires many artists whose paintings capture the atmosphere. One such small community of artists can be found on the island of Tory (Irish; Oileán Thoraigh, island of the tower), situated some 12 km off the north-west coast.

Around the county there are places where one can still see the traditional spinning and weaving arts and genuine Donegal tweed clothing can be procured from many outlets.

If one has Irish ‘roots’ a visit to the one of the many heritage centres in the county can be an interesting journey into ones ancestry.

Not to be missed are the Mountains of Donegal – the Bluestacks in the South and the Derryveagh range in the north. A ‘must’ is a visit to Glenveagh National Park, one of the county’s treasures The park is a 140 km² nature reserve with spectacular scenery of mountains, raised bog lands, lakes and woodlands. Also one will find here a fine herd of red dear and the spectacular Golden Eagle that has been successfully introduce into the park. In the centre, on the shore of Lough Veagh, is Glenveagh Castle along with beautiful gardens celebrating themes of both Italy and Japan. It also is a centre for many exhilarating hill walks that can include Mount Errigal (752m), Muckish Mountain and the Poison Glen.

Nestling under the shadow of Errigal can be found Ionad Cois Locha/The Lakeside Centre, a multi-purpose visitor center complete with its own farm, children's play area, go carts, boat trips on Dunlewey Lough, music

venue and a craft shop. Great for a family day out!

Although the county now has the large bustling town of Letterkenny and many homes are now quite palatial, the traditional thatched cottages are still to be seen and many folk enjoy gathering the turf for the fire from the bog land which fires create a unique pleasant aroma that can be enjoyed when walking in the quiet countryside.