Donegal Staycation Tours

Finally, tick County Donegal off your bucket list in 2021

Precious time has been missed with family. Grandparents are watching their grandchildren grow up over video calls. Lockdown birthdays, cancelled weddings and milestone celebrations postponed until further notice are the ‘new normal’.

When travel restrictions are lifted, 2021 is the year for safe staycations in your own private family groups. And whether you’ve never been to Donegal or were a regular visitor before lockdowns, there is something for everyone here in the NorthWest of Ireland.

Inishowen Peninsula

The most Northern point of the Wild Atlantic Way is Malin Head which was also the recent filming location for Star Wars VIII.

The 100 mile drive around the peninsula, (‘Inishowen 100’) offers scenic views of Lough Swilly to the West, including ‘Amazing Grace Country’, Lough Foyle to the East and the majestic Atlantic Ocean to the North, as well as many inland gems along the way.

A picnic style lunch option is advisable for flexibility and convenience on the Donegal day tour. Hampers of Donegal food produce can be arranged by your guide in advance, ensuring you get a real taste of Donegal.

Wee House of Malin, Co. Donegal

Malin Head, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

An Grianan Aileach, Co. Donegal

Wild Ireland, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Mamore Gap, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Doagh Famine Village, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Five Finger Strand, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Malin Head, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Fort Dunree, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Culdaff Beach, Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal

Malin Head, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Inishowen Guided Tour Suggestions

The following are various combinations of some of the many Inishowen activities and attractions that can be visited in a typical 7-8 hours day tour.
All itineraries are suggestions and intended as inspiration only. I can liaise with you to create a bespoke tour to visit what’s on your bucket list.

Itinerary A

Grianan of Aileach
Wild Ireland *
Fort Dunree
Mamore Gap
Pollan Beach, Ballyliffin
Glendowen Craft Studio

Itinerary B

Fort Dunree
Mamore Gap
Wild Alpaca Way *
Malin Head
Culdaff Beach
Stroove Lighthouse

Itinerary C

Grianan of Aileach
Fort Dunree
Mamore Gap
Doagh Famine Village *
Five Finger Strand
Malin Head

* Optional attraction entry is subject to availability and not included in the tour price.

Explore at your own pace

There are so many amazing activities and attractions in Inishowen for solo travellers, couples and families. Some of my favourites are best explored over a number of hours at your own pace. As such, I don’t typically include them in an Inishowen day tour when trying to visit a number of attractions on a time deadline. However, I highly recommend them on a self drive tour of Inishowen or as a bespoke variation of my itinerary suggestions above.
Go Visit Inishowen is a great resource for inspiration and advice on where to visit in Inishowen, Co. Donegal.

Wonderful Two Days in County Donegal

Henry was a great tour guide and very easy to work with. He picked us up at our hotel in Donegal town and took us on a variation of the south Donegal tour with the addition of a lovely Assaranca waterfall and Maghera beach and caves. Henry is very knowledgeable and delightful company. This first day finished with a lovely drive across the County by Mount Errigal to our hotel in Derry (Londonderry). He picked us up the next morning and took on the Inishowen tour including a great lunch stop at Nancy’s Barn (must get the seafood chowder). Henry even produced a double rainbow at Malin Head but don’t expect that every time. I am sure wherever he takes you it will be great.

Joel Riklin (TripAdvisor)

Henry Doohan, the best driver/tour guide

Henry picked us up at Donegal airport, drove us 1-1/2 hours to Ballyliffin and back 2 days later. He was on-time, responsive, knowledgeable with a good sense of humor and very pleasant to be with for 2 hours. He showed us points of interest along the way and made the ride very pleasant. We would recommend Henry highly and without reservation for any driving in Ireland whether it is to play golf, visit friends, or special occasions.

W960LTrichardc (TripAdvisor)

Indispensable

Henry is a godsend to people like us who don’t like to drive on holidays. With public transport almost non-existent on Inishowen, his service is much appreciated. We had a lovely day with him. Would recommend to anybody who prefer scenery to the dashboard on their holidays.

Saumava M (TripAdvisor)

The only way to see Donegal

Our family of four had one of the best experiences we’ve had traveling around Ireland thanks to Henry. We booked Henry for 3 days and each day he gave us a comprehensive and highly enjoyable guide around different regions of Donegal. Henry is funny and extremely knowledgeable and we had such a wonderful time touring the county. We traveled in comfort and got to see views and visit places which simply are not accessible with large coaches or difficult on your own. Simply put, if you want to see Donegal, leave the car at the hotel and get in contact with Henry. Cannot recommend Henry’s private tours highly enough.

Shane C (TripAdvisor)

Donegal Tour

Henry is an amazing tour guide. My mom and I had a blast. He is extremely knowledgeable about history and the history of Donegal. The tour was also super exciting and fun. He had great restaurant recommendations and all the sites were magical. I highly recommended doing a tour with Henry. My family plans on visiting him again soon!

Meghan McNulty (TripAdvisor)

Great Experience

We wanted to visit Ireland and see where my Wife’s ancestors came from. She had done some research and had limited information about them, While we wanted to see the highlights, we let Henry know we were most interested in chasing down information about her ancestors and visiting the remote towns in Donegal where they had lived about 100 years ago. We sent him the information and he prepared the perfect itinerary for us. In addition to showing us a few highlights in the area, he worked his way though a couple of cemeteries with us in Clonmany and found her Great Grandfather’s grave site. He also helped us find his old abandoned home along a near impassible dirt road in Shamdrin. He understood us and was completely flexible in making changes in the daily plan on the fly as we learned more about her ancestors along the way. Most importantly he was a pleasant, engaging and knowledgeable companion. At the end of our two days, we felt we were leaving a friend. We will likely go back to Ireland and we will look forward to connecting with Henry again.

FLYFISHER1313 (TripAdvisor)

“The best one!”

“Henry is one of the best guides we ever meet. Everything was fantastic! Top of the top!! very recommendable”

Maria P (TripAdvisor)

Fanad Peninsula & Sheephaven Bay

Fanad Lighthouse, the gem in the crown of the Fanad Peninsula, overlooks Mulroy Bay to the West, Lough Swilly to the East and the Atlantic Ocean to the North.

Dominated by Muckish Mountain, Sheephaven Bay boasts ancient castles and a panoramic Atlantic Drive. Have your camera ready on this tour as the photo opportunities are endless!

Learn More

Fanad Head Lighthouse, Co. Donegal

Ballymastocker Bay, Co. Donegal

Harry Blaney Bridge, Co. Donegal

Doe Castle, Co. Donegal

Ramelton, Co. Donegal

Doe Castle, Co. Donegal

Main Attractions:

Fanad Head & Lighthouse
Ballymastocker Bay
Atlantic Drive
Doe Castle
Ramelton Heritage Town

“The best one!”

“Henry is one of the best guides we ever meet. Everything was fantastic! Top of the top!! very recommendable”

Maria P (TripAdvisor)

Fantastic Tour with Henry

The Tour with Henry has been fantastic. I have seen a lot of the landscape from Donegal. Henry has given me important information of the area from Donegal. I have also Seen the Fanad Light House and this was my highlight on my vacation.Henry is a fantastic Tour Guide with important information and he was very helpful. When I came Back to Donegal i would book again a Tour with Henry.

Klikovits H (TripAdvisor)

Donegal Tour

Meghan McNulty (TripAdvisor)

The only way to see Donegal

Shane C (TripAdvisor)

Indispensable

Saumava M (TripAdvisor)

A Memorable Day in Fanad

This was the first leg of our Ireland visit and we hired Donegal Tour Guide to help us get acquainted with the area and find the remote townland where our ancestors once lived. Henry’s friendliness and expertise made him the right choice for both. He picked us up promptly at our hotel in Donegal Town and transported us comfortably in his minivan. Our day was a delightful combination of the highlights of the Fanad Peninsula Tour and a personalized journey to my great-grandmother’s birthplace on that peninsula.
Henry combined a knowledge of the region’s history and geography with the passion only a local could provide, answering our many questions about modern life in Donegal. Every stop was a highlight, including Rathmullan, with views across Lough Swilly as well as the awe-inspiring vistas at Fanad Lighthouse and Ballymastocker Bay. We enjoyed a waterside lunch complete with Henry’s local recommendations of the alcohol (Kinnegar) and non-alcohol (Football Special) varieties. The afternoon was a very thoughtfully researched trek through our family homeland. Thanks to Henry, who showed us the meaning of Céad Míle Fáilte, our day in Fanad was among the most memorable of our trip.

Brian G (TripAdvisor)

South Donegal

Donegal’s rival to the Cliffs of Moher, Sliabh Liag (or Slieve League), is one of the highest and most spectacular marine cliffs in Europe. Enjoy views of views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay and the Sligo Mountains from over 600m high.

Immerse yourself in the traditional Irish culture at Glencolmcille Folk Village and visit the heritage town of Ardara.

A tour of South Donegal is a jam packed day rewarded with experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

Learn More

Sliabh Liag, Co. Donegal

Donegal Tweed

Glencolmcille Folk Village, Co Donegal

Killybegs Harbour, Co. Donegal

Glengesh Pass, Co. Donegal

Couple at Sliabh Liag, Co. Donegal

Main Attractions:

Sliabh Liag
Donegal Castle
Glencolmcille Folk Village
Ardara Heritage Town
Glengesh Pass

The only way to see Donegal

Shane C (TripAdvisor)

Wonderful Two Days in County Donegal

Joel Riklin (TripAdvisor)

Indispensable

Saumava M (TripAdvisor)

“The best one!”

“Henry is one of the best guides we ever meet. Everything was fantastic! Top of the top!! very recommendable”

Maria P (TripAdvisor)

Donegal Tour

Meghan McNulty (TripAdvisor)

South Donegal Tour

Henry took us on a private tour. We went to Donegal Castle and Slieve League Cliffs. We stopped in a local shop and the employee showed us how they make the Irish Tweed.
We also stopped along the way for photo opportunites and for lunch. I would highly recommend Henry as your tour guide. He went above and beyond to show us a good time. We never felt rushed in any of the places we visited. He is very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the area. Henry even dropped us off at the Shopping Center at the end of the tour as we had time before our bus was departing. I hope our paths cross again Henry. Thank you again! Linda and Kaitlyn

Linda (TripAdvisor)

Amazing South Donegal Tour

Henry was great about making this tour for US. We saw and did things you wouldn’t do on a group your. We went into a local hand-knitters home, had tea and visited. Went to Maghera Beach, stopped at roadside stops for photos. Spent time at Slieve League and Glendesh Pass. Highly recommend doing a private tour w Henry!

Nancy B (TripAdvisor)

Donegal Gaeltacht

Irish (or Gaeilge) is the first language of the people in the Donegal Gaeltacht and the Irish cultural traditions are safeguarded. The Donegal Gaelic is unique with the Northern influence on its accent and dialect.

Learn a cúpla focail (a few words) of Irish on board this Gaeltacht tour and have fun practicing with the locals throughout the day.

Learn More

Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Co. Donegal

Mount Errigal, Co. Donegal

Gaeltacht

Dunlewey, Co. Donegal

Dunlewey Church

Leo's Tavern, Co. Donegal

Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal

Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Co. Donegal

Main Attractions:

Mount Errigal & Dunlewey
Bloody Foreland
Glenveagh National Park
Leo’s Tavern

Donegal Tour

Meghan McNulty (TripAdvisor)

The only way to see Donegal

Shane C (TripAdvisor)

“The best one!”

“Henry is one of the best guides we ever meet. Everything was fantastic! Top of the top!! very recommendable”

Maria P (TripAdvisor)

Indispensable

Saumava M (TripAdvisor)

Get in Touch

Would you like more information? Our Donegal tour itineraries are custom built to suit the interests of the tourist, their location and timeframe available. Contact us to start planning your chauffeured tour of Donegal.

Donegal Staycation Tours

Finally, tick County Donegal off your bucket list in 2021

Precious time has been missed with family. Grandparents are watching their grandchildren grow up over video calls. Lockdown birthdays, cancelled weddings and milestone celebrations postponed until further notice are the ‘new normal’.

Inishowen Peninsula

Inishowen Guided Tour Suggestions

Itinerary A

Itinerary B

Itinerary C

Explore at your own pace

Wonderful Two Days in County Donegal

Henry Doohan, the best driver/tour guide

Indispensable

The only way to see Donegal

Donegal Tour

Great Experience

“The best one!”

Fanad Peninsula & Sheephaven Bay

Main Attractions:

“The best one!”

Fantastic Tour with Henry

Donegal Tour

The only way to see Donegal

Indispensable

A Memorable Day in Fanad

South Donegal

Main Attractions:

The only way to see Donegal

Wonderful Two Days in County Donegal

Indispensable

“The best one!”

Donegal Tour

South Donegal Tour

Amazing South Donegal Tour

Donegal Gaeltacht

Main Attractions:

Donegal Tour

The only way to see Donegal

“The best one!”

Indispensable

Get in Touch

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