Abbey of Assaroe – situated
just a few miles from Ballyshannon are the scant remains of this
12th century Cistercian Abbey. A centre of learning and piety
for over 400 years, mass was celebrated here during penal times.
During this time, Catholics faced imprisonment or death for practicing
their faith.
Ardara Village – a small picturesque
village noted for its beauty and selection of pubs. Ardara has
a tradition of hand-woven tweed and hand knitted jumpers. An interesting
museum in the renovated Law Courts is to be found down by the
bridge.
Atlantic Drive – no visit to
Donegal would be complete without undertaking this fascinating
nine-mile drive around the Rossguill Peninsula, which commands
an ever-changing panorama of some of the finest romantic scenery
in the country.
Doe Castle
Doe Castle – stands on the low
rocky promontory jutting into Sheephaven Bay on the northern Donegal
coast. The MacSweeneys, mercenary soldiers from Scotland took
control of the castle in 1440 and it was inhabited up to the end
of the 19th century. The castle will shortly be opened to the
public.
Donegal Town – in the town
centre, stands an obelisk on which the names of the Four Masters
are inscribed. These were four Franciscan monks who, between 1632
and 1636 wrote down the history of Ireland from 2242 BC to 1616
AD, a manuscript entitled the "Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland".
Written during a period of great strife, the work was undertaken,
as it was feared that the ancient records of Ireland might be
lost forever.
Doon Fort – situated on an
island in Doon Lough, the fort is easily reached by boat and is
an important archaeological site but one that is relatively unknown
and rarely disturbed by visitors.
Famine Pot – situated in a
wooded estate on the banks of Lough Eske, this massive cauldron
was made in England and shipped to Ireland during the Great Famine
of 1845. The pot was filled with Indian maize and used to feed
the starving people in the area. It provides a stark reminder
of our past.
Glasbolie Fort – lying one
mile north of Rossnowlagh is this conspicuous mound called Glasbolie
Fort. According to local tradition, this earthen rampart is the
burial place of a 6th century High King of Ireland.
Gleann Cholm Cille (Colmcille’s Valley)
– this is a place of historic magnitude and unique tranquility.
Born in 521, Colmcille was banished from Ireland for copying the
manuscript of Finnéan of Moville. Today, Colmcille’s
associations with the valley are celebrated on the 9th of June,
the saint’s feast day, when pilgrims walk barefoot across
the "Pilgrims Way".
Glenveagh Castle – built in
1870 on the shores of Lake Veagh, the McIllenny family, who made
their fortune from tabasco sauce, acquired the estate in 1932.
Presented to the Irish State in 1983, the impressive castle and
gardens are now run by the Heritage Service.
Glenveagh National Park – hidden
behind the Derryveagh Mountains, close to Letterkenny, this is
an oasis in a desert of bogs and moorland. On land acquired by
John George Adair in 1857, the national park covers almost 25,000
acres and a visit is recommended.
Grianán of Aileach
Grianán of Aileach – built
about 1700 BC, this is perhaps the most remarkable of all the
prehistoric antiquities of Ireland. It was the seat of the O’Neill
clan, chiefs of Ulster and was used as a fortress until the 12th
century, when it was sacked by the O’Briens from Clare. Extensively
restored in the 1870’s, apart from its historic importance,
the view from the battlement is wonderful, with memorable panoramas
of Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle.
Holy Well of Doon – located
close to Letterkenny, pilgrims have been coming here since penal
times. An amazing collection of bandages, pieces of clothing,
rosary beads and medals provide evidence of the powerful belief
the local people have in the curative properties of its water.
Inishowen Peninsula – stretching
out between Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, this peninsula is one
of Ireland’s most northerly points and it embraces all that
is best in the County of Donegal. And don’t forget to visit
Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point.
Lough Derg – legend has it
that St. Patrick spent forty days praying and fasting on this
island retreat and expelled the evil spirits that infested it.
Today thousands of pilgrims come every year between 1st of June
and 13th August to continue the tradition of self-sacrifice and
penance. Pilgrims spend three days and nights without sleep or
food while praying barefoot.
Mahera Caves – impressive and
dramatic, these sea caves, situated near Ardara, disappear into
the side of the mountain. Folklore tells us that in the 17th century
over 100 people fleeing from Cromwell’s forces sought refuge
in the caves. A light spotted from afar led to all but one being
massacred.
Rock of Doon – situated near
Letterkenny, this is where O’Donnell chiefs were inaugurated.
The last great chieftain to be inaugurated here in 1603 was Niall
O’Donnell, cousin of Red Hugh O’Donnell. Legend tells
us that the "Little People" live here and that the King
of the Fairies holds court here.
Slieve League – situated close to the village of Teelin,
2,000 feet above the crashing Atlantic waters, on a fine day,
the view from the cliff summit is sublime, with its magnificent
combination of sea, cliff and mountain scenery. It’s said
that once at the summit you will be able to see a third of Ireland.
St. Colmcille Heritage Centre –
situated on Lough Gartan, the reputed birthplace of St. Colmcille,
this heritage centre is largely devoted to the life of the saint
and details the impact the Irish church had on the Continent.
St. Patrick’s Well – set
on the shore edge of Assaroe Abbey, near Ballyshannon, is St.
Patrick’s Well. Legend has it that if you bless yourself
with its water three times, your prayer for a cure will be answered.
