County Donegal, County in Ulster, Ireland
Description
County Donegal is an administrative division in northern Ireland that spreads between jagged Atlantic bays and rolling hill ranges. The landscape alternates among wide beaches, rocky cliffs, moorland areas and green valleys that reach up to the border with Northern Ireland.
History
The administrative division emerged in the 16th century from the ancient kingdom of Tyrconnell, governed by the O'Donnell clan. The family left Ireland after their failed rebellion in 1607, leaving the territory under English administration.
Culture
The Irish language is spoken daily across the western districts and appears first on road signs throughout those areas. Local pubs hold regular music sessions where fiddle playing follows a fast, rhythmic style that differs from patterns heard elsewhere in the country.
Practical
The coastal roads wind narrow and steep through much of the northwest, especially along the peninsulas. Public connections between smaller settlements are limited, so hiring or bringing a vehicle makes exploring the remote bays and headlands easier.
Did you know?
Slieve League cliffs rise over 600 meters (2000 feet) directly from the sea on the southwestern coast, ranking among the highest in Europe. A narrow walking trail along the summit follows the ridgeline, offering views across several neighboring counties on clear days.
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Slieve League
54.3 km
Grianan of Aileach
37.8 km
Free Derry Corner
43.8 km
St Patrick's Purgatory
35.6 km
Donegal Castle
30.3 km
Errigal
14.6 km
Glenveagh Castle
12.8 km
Glenveagh National Park
11.2 km
Peace Bridge
44.6 km
Baronscourt
44 km
Ulster American Folk Park
51.7 km
St Columb's Cathedral
44 km
Guildhall, Derry
44.3 km
Foyle Bridge
46.5 km
Muckish
20.7 km
Craigavon Bridge
44.3 km
Doe Castle
24.9 km
Leo's Tavern
21 km
Beltany stone circle
26.5 km
Fort Dunree
41.9 km
Healy Park
56.6 km
St Eugene's Cathedral
43.8 km
Finn Park
19.6 km
Sawel Mountain
62.5 km
Cathedral of St. Eunan and St. Columba
17 km
Diamond War Memorial
44.1 km
Castle Archdale
52.2 km
Carrickabraghy Castle
59.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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