Things to Do in Letterkenny and North Donegal: The Perfect Base for Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way

If you are planning a trip to Donegal and searching for the best things to do in Letterkenny and North Donegal, then this guide is for you.

Recently, Gerard and I spent a weekend exploring the area and used Dillons Hotel Letterkenny as our base. It worked brilliantly because we could enjoy everything Letterkenny town has to offer in the evenings while spending our days exploring some of Donegal's most beautiful beaches, walking trails, attractions and hidden gems.

Whether you are looking for family activities, scenic drives, golf courses, hiking routes, traditional Irish music or great places to eat, there is plenty to discover within easy reach of Letterkenny.

Dillon's Hotel

If you are thinking about a trip to the north of Donegal and want somewhere you can stay that makes it easy to explore both the town and the wider area, Dillon's Hotel Letterkenny is a handy option. Gerard and I stayed at Dillon's and used it as a base for getting out and about during the day and coming back into town in the evening. It suited us well for that kind of trip where you are not in one place all day, but moving around exploring.

Dillon's has a real relaxed, friendly feel to it. It serves gorgeous food and at weekends there is live music which gives it a great atmosphere.

One of the nicest meals Gerard has ever had apparently. Mine was also delicious.

One of my favourite moments from the weekend had nothing to do with sightseeing. While we were there, a lovely family were celebrating a 100th birthday. Imagine reaching 100 years old. Both Gerard and I went over to wish the gentleman a Happy Birthday. He was surrounded by family and there was such a lovely atmosphere as everyone in the bar clapped and sang Happy Birthday while he made his way out of the restaurant. It was one of those simple moments that stays with you. It really made me feel what is written on the doors as you enter Dillon's - "More than a stay."

If you are booking Dillon's Hotel Letterkenny or any of the McKeever Hotels, you can use code DIGG15 for 15% off. Click here to find out more.

A lovely Digg follower was so kind to take this picture of Gerard and I outside Dillon's. Big shout out to Irene and Mary B from Ardboe.

Best Pubs and Live Music in Letterkenny

In the evenings, Letterkenny has a mix of pubs and live music spots that are easy to dip in and out of. We went to a couple of places including The Cottage Bar and The Townhouse. Both had live music on and a really good atmosphere. The Cottage Bar in particular has a very traditional Irish feel with lots of character inside. I loved all the teacups, pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. If you are looking for traditional Irish music in Letterkenny, this bar is well worth adding to your list. The Guinness was great too.

There was such a lovely atmosphere in the Cottage Bar with the old Irish memorabilia on the walls and the live music.

Best Things to Do Near Letterkenny

One of the reasons Letterkenny works so well for a Donegal weekend break is its location. You can stay in one place and still reach many of the top attractions in North Donegal quite easily.

Here are a few places we visited, along with recommendations from the Digg Community.

Glenveagh National Park

One of the best things to do in Donegal is visit Glenveagh National Park, which was easily one of the highlights of our trip.

It is a vast landscape of mountains, lakes and walking routes. You can get a shuttle bus up to the castle which makes it easy to get around. The gardens around the castle are incredible and the scenery is breathtaking. It is more of a walking and sightseeing day, so comfortable shoes are definitely needed. You can hire bikes and easily spend an entire day exploring.

I was fascinated to learn that the last owner, Henry Plumer McIlhenny, an Irish American art collector, sold most of the estate lands to the Irish Government in 1974 and 1975 so that Glenveagh National Park could be created. He later gifted the castle, gardens and many of its contents to the Irish nation in 1983 while retaining the right to live there until shortly before his death. It is a fascinating place and one of the most popular attractions in Donegal.

We could have sat here all day. The scenery was breathtaking.

Marble Hill Beach

The beautiful Marble Hill Beach is about half an hour from Letterkenny and is one of the best beaches in Donegal.

It is a Blue Flag sandy beach with stunning Atlantic views. There is a small coffee spot at the beach called The Shack where you can pick up coffee and traybakes. The carrot cake was divine.

The sun was shining when we were there and honestly, we could have sat on the beach all day. Gerard wanted to go for a dip but time was not on our side, so we are definitely planning a return visit this summer.

It was too chilly for a dip but it's on our list to visit again this summer.

Dunfanaghy

A short drive brings you into Dunfanaghy, a lovely village with cafés, shops and places to stop for food.

The Rusty Oven was recommended to me more than almost anywhere else. Known for its wood fired sourdough pizzas, it offers a relaxed outdoor dining experience behind Patsy Dan's and seems to be a real favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Fanad Head Lighthouse was recommended by several members of the Digg Community and is one of those places that keeps coming up whenever people talk about the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal.

It is a little further out, but the drive itself is part of the experience. The views from the lighthouse are said to be among the best in Ireland and it is definitely on our list for next time.

Ards Forest Park

Ards Forest Park is another great option if you enjoy walking.

With forest trails, coastal paths and beautiful scenery, it offers plenty of options whether you are looking for a short stroll or a longer walk. It is one of those places where you can simply slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

An Grianán Theatre

Located in the centre of Letterkenny town and within walking distance of Dillon's Hotel Letterkenny, An Grianán Theatre has been bringing a bit of magic to Donegal since 1999.

The theatre hosts everything from comedy and live music to drama, dance and family shows. I highly recommend checking their programme before booking your trip to see if there is a show on during your stay.

We did not manage to fit it in this time, but I always love a trip to the theatre, so it is definitely on my list for our next visit.

The theatre is a major part of life in Letterkenny and attracts people from all over Ireland.

Family Friendly Attractions Near Letterkenny

If you are looking for family activities in Donegal, there are plenty of options nearby.

Tropical World

Tropical World came up a few times as a recommendation from followers and is a good option if you are travelling with children or looking for something indoors.

Wild Ireland

Wild Ireland is around 25 minutes from Letterkenny and we have visited previously as a family. The children absolutely loved it.

Set within beautiful woodland, Wild Ireland focuses on conservation, education and providing rescued animals with spacious natural habitats. One of its aims is to help visitors imagine what Ireland looked like thousands of years ago when bears, wolves and lynx roamed the island.

It is well worth considering if you are visiting Donegal with children.

Best Golf Courses Near Letterkenny

There are also some fantastic golf courses in Donegal.

Letterkenny Golf Club, Portsalon Golf Club, Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club and Rosapenna Golf Resort are all within easy reach.

Gerard and I are not golfers, but we know people travel from all over the world to experience the spectacular golf courses and coastal scenery that Donegal has to offer.

Hiking in Donegal

One of the nicest conversations we had over the weekend was with a lovely man called David Burke and his hiking partner in The Townhouse Bar.

David is from Dublin and kindly gave me permission to share his recommendations. He spoke so passionately about hiking in Donegal and the physical and mental benefits of being part of a hiking group.

He is involved with High Hopes Mountain Hiking and regularly uses Letterkenny as a base for exploring the mountains of Donegal. Mount Errigal is one of his favourite hikes and by the end of our conversation he had almost convinced Gerard and I to take up hiking as a hobby.

Fun fact: Gerard and I climbed Ben Nevis for charity before we were married, so maybe it is time to dust off the hiking boots.

This is David from Dublin who we met on our trip and I asked him could I share his picture with the Digg Community. He loves to hike and says its great for the body and mind. An inspiration.

Where to Eat in Letterkenny

We ate in Dillon's Hotel Letterkenny and the food was gorgeous. I would highly recommend stopping for lunch or dinner, even if you are simply passing through the town.

The bar food menu is excellent and one lovely follower specifically recommended the Buffalo Chicken Burger, which did not disappoint.

The Lemon Tree in Letterkenny was another recommendation that came up repeatedly and is known locally as a great choice for dinner.

Why Letterkenny Makes a Great Base for Exploring Donegal

After spending a few days exploring the area, we can definitely see why so many people choose Letterkenny as a base for discovering Donegal.

You have the convenience of a lively town with great restaurants, live music and accommodation, while still being within easy reach of some of the most popular attractions in North Donegal including Glenveagh National Park, Marble Hill Beach, Fanad Head Lighthouse, Ards Forest Park, Mount Errigal and Wild Ireland.

Whether you are planning a couples getaway, a hiking trip, a golf weekend or simply want to experience more of the Wild Atlantic Way, Letterkenny offers a great starting point.

And if you decide to stay at Dillon's Hotel Letterkenny or any of the McKeever Hotels, don't forget to use code DIGG15 for 15% off your stay.

Caroline x