Donegal & The North West

Ireland's second-largest national park offers several walking and cycling trails for you to admire its scenic views and abundant wildlife, which also includes a remarkable red deer habitat. Stop for a tea and travel back in time at the 19th-century Victorian castle, also enjoyed by Greta Garbo during her visit to Donegal.

Benbulbin is a large flat-topped rock formation in the Dartry Mountains (Sligo, Ireland). This magical scenery has long sparked the imagination - the site of many mythical tales. The area later inspired the evocative poetry of renowned Irish writer W.B. Yeats and is thus known as "Yeats Country". The mountain is certainly unique, home to Arctic-Alpine plants, and many species of flora not found elsewhere in Ireland. Fossils are also regularly found. Climbers should approach the mountain from the gentler and safer South Side (avoid the North Side and its dangerous Atlantic winds!) and are recommended to follow the Gortarowey Forst Loop to take in views of Donegal Bays.

Not to be mistaken with the larger lake of the same name, which straddles the Tipperary-Limerick border, Lough Derg in Co. Donegal is visited for the St Patrick's Purgatory on Station Island, a renowned pilgrimage site still keeping thousand-year-old traditions alive. The three-day pilgrimage is open to anyone interested.

Malin Head, known locally as Banba’s Crown, is Ireland’s most northerly point and an area of great scenic beauty with historical, scientific, and ecological importance. Visit the old Radio Station, try to spot the wreckage of Twilight that never made it to Derry, and admire the stunning view of the endless sea embracing Tory Island.

Regarded several times among the best parks in Ireland, Oakfield Park welcomes its visitors with plenty of verdant beauty and family-friendly entertainment. Take a stroll among the ponds and sculptures, have a ride on the narrow-gauge train, admire the Longsleeper landmark, and don't forget to make a wish under the Faerie tree. For dining options, visit the Buffers on site.

Sheephaven's Bay's protected and probably most spectacular beach makes for a great stop with its white sand and The Shack, selling artisan coffee and ice cream.

Surfing classes and rentals in what is also noted as the surf capital of Ireland. For beginners, the beach of Rossnowlagh is protected enough for a first try, while old-timers can ride world-class waves at The Peak.

Home to Colmcille's monastery until the late 16th century, Tory Island today is renowned for its small art community (with a king elected up until today) and for being an interesting detour off the Wild Atlantic Way for its spectacular scenery, spotted with historical landmarks such as the lighthouse or the Balor's Fort. A five-km long island, easy to explore on foot.

A sheltered horse-shoe shaped beach, in south-west County Donegal, with B&Bs and a coffee shop nearby, and the views only Slieve League can provide. Maghera, on the northern side of the peninsula, is also worth a dip.

Fort Dunree does not only feature one of the largest artillery gun collections in the world, but also offers hiking and kayaking activities, exhibitions on wildlife, and what is regarded as the most scenic coffee shop in Ireland.

A fever hospital-turned-national school from the 19th century, this art gallery features some of the best Irish watercolour paintings and antiques today, and also served as an inspiration to Frank Egginton, the famous landscape artist. With free admission, and an impressive gift shop.

Housed in an old British defensive gun battery, this museum explains the Flight of the Earls, the departure of Hugh O’Neill (Earl of Tyrone) and Rory O’Donnell (Earl of Tyrconnell) from Ireland in 1607 after a prolonged conflict with English forces in the 16th century.