From towering mountains to dramatic sea cliffs, Donegal is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. Donegal has 1,134km of sandy beaches, cliffs, and craggy inlets to explore, but its highlands and mountain valleys are just as impressive, so much so that Lonely Planet included the county in its list of the world’s best regions for 2024.
Situated on the north-west coast of County Donegal, Termon House is just outside Dungloe. Dungloe is in a Gaeltacht area, so you can expect to hear locals speaking Irish as their first language. English is still understood throughout, but you could try picking up the cúpla focal (“couple of words”).
Dungloe is a 10-minute drive from Burtonport (departure point for Arranmore Island), a 15-minute drive from Carrickfinn Beach and Donegal Airport, and a 35-minute drive from Glenveagh National Park.
There is so much to see and do in the area. To help you plan your visit, we compiled a list of things to do in Co. Donegal over seven nights.
Day 1: Sea Cliff & Boat Tour
Take a trip to Sliabh Liag, Europe’s highest sea cliffs (36km from Termon). Many say that they are even more breathtaking than their famous cousins, the Cliffs of Moher! Guided walks depart twice daily from the visitor centre, and there is a shuttle service to the viewing point. You can also join a tin whistle workshop at the centre. Plan your visit here.
Sliabh League Boat Trips operate from Teelin Pier (approximately 2 kilometres from the Visitor Centre) from April to October. Each trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, bringing passengers out of Teelin Bay and underneath the Sliabh Liag Cliffs. Swimming trips are available, subject to weather conditions.
After your boat tour, head back into town for some warm food. The award-winning Rusty Mackerel is highly recommended for wholesome food and lots of fun. Featuring savoury seafood dishes like the eponymous Rusty Mackerel – roasted to perfection and served alongside creamy mash – the menu also boasts tasty options like pasta and steak for landlubbers.
Day 2: Parks and Wildlife
Forest Parks Ards Forest Park (55 mins from Termon). Hike through beautiful woodlands and explore golden beaches, sand dunes, and saltwater lakes in Ards Forest Park, Co Donegal. It’s one of the most unique forest walks in Donegal. With breathtaking coastal scenery, beautiful woodland trails, rivers, lakes, and megalithic tombs, Ards Forest Park is easily one of Ireland’s most beautiful and varied forest parks, with trees down to the water’s edge.
The other option is Glenveagh National Park and Castle (35km). A short drive to Glenveagh National Park will take you through stunning scenery and natural landscapes. The castle can be toured, and we highly recommend a visit. Plan your visit here.
Day 3: Beach Exploration
With such an incredible selection of beautiful, unspoiled beaches, it will be difficult to choose your favourite.
Maghery Beach is just a ten-minute drive away and boasts gorgeous golden sand and blue water. It’s also a haven for kayaking, rock climbing, and stand-up paddle boarding and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Nearby, Maghery Coastal Adventures offers a fantastic selection of watersports and outdoor activities.
The white sands of Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach are less than 20 minutes away. Carrickfinn is just beside the airport and is a great big sweep of the beach that is superb for a long walk followed by a refreshing swim.
Mullaghderg beach is lovely for walking, but not suitable for swimming.
The Boat strand is also a popular spot for swimming and diving off the pier.
A little further away, Narin-Portnoo Strand (25km) is a lovely spot for a day at the beach. It’s a popular habitat for wildlife, backed by towering dunes and grassy plains. This stunning place is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a little tranquility.
Day 4: Climb to New Heights
Climb Mount Errigal (it is practically onsite!)
The start point is about a 20-minute drive from Dungloe, and the entire trek will take about 2 hours. Always check the most up-to-date information locally before beginning your climb. Mount Errigal is prone to extreme weather conditions, and it can be very windy on the ascent, so it’s not suitable for everyone.
If you’re looking for walks in Donegal, you’ll find countless trailheads a short spin away from Dungloe. If you would like a guided walk, contact Namaste Nomads, a small tour company based in County Donegal, offering guided treks through Northwest Ireland.
Namaste Nomad is a team of Irish travel professionals, guides, and Sherpas who are passionate about delivering unique treks, climbs, and tours in the most impressive regions in the world, including North West Ireland.
Day 5: Island Adventures
Take a day trip to Arranmore Island. The rugged Arranmore Island is the largest island on County Donegal’s coast, and it’s a superb place to visit for a day or so. The ferry leaves from Burtonport Pier, just a ten-minute drive from Dungloe. After a brief but exciting ferry crossing ( about 20 minutes), you’ll arrive at this ancient island that takes in stunning coastal scenery, such as looming sea stacks and inhospitable coves. Awash with megalithic monuments and ruins and more modern features such as the lighthouse and a Napoleonic watchtower, it’s a must for history buffs.
Another option for an island adventure is Cruit Island (a 15-minute drive from Dungloe). If you’re looking for a bit of peace, it’s worth leaving the beaten track and making the short journey to Cruit Island. A small bridge connects the island to the mainland, so access is easy enough. Rugged and sparsely populated, it’s an ideal place to escape to nature, taking in the sounds of the crashing waves and singing birdlife. The island is a perfect place to stroll, taking in sand dunes, unspoiled sandy beaches, and deep, blue sea. Thatched cottages dot the countryside; otherwise, you’ll be at one with nature. Well, unless you want to take in a round of golf at the unique Cruit Island Golf Club.
Day 6: Private Tours:
Irish Premium Oysters– Ireland’s Atlantic oysters are famous for their taste and quality. For insight into how oysters are farmed, harvested, and prepared, take the one-hour guided tour of the farm. You’ll even get to taste the freshest oysters you’ve ever had, straight from the waters of the Atlantic.
On these tours, you will meet the local fishermen, producers, and restaurateurs at the heart of Donegal’s food story. Private bookings are available on request.
For another tasty tour, try the Ardara Distillery (28 km from Termon). The distillery is the home of Sliabh Liag Distillers, located on the banks of the Owentocker River in the vibrant town of Ardara, County Donegal. Here, you will discover an alternative approach to Irish spirits. Their whiskey honours the methods of Ireland’s illicit forbears and is inspired by the almost lost tradition of a smoky style of spirit. While in Ardara, visit Eddie Doherty’s Handwoven Tweeds.
If you would like a private guided tour of Donegal, we recommend contacting Irish Luxury Day Tours. Run by Donegal native Ciaran McBride. Ciaran knows every inch of County Donegal and can take you on a private guided tour that will take you to all of the best places to visit in the comfort of a luxury vehicle.
Sit back with a toasty fire in the evening and enjoy a low-fi environment.
Day 7: Golf & Spa Day
If you like to play golf, there is a golf course on Cruit Island.
If you want to spend a day at the spa, the 5-star Lough Eske is a 50-minute drive away. It offers a lovely selection of treatments.
House Manager Recommendations for Donegal
The Termon House Manager is an insider to the hidden gems of Donegal. Here’s what they recommend for getting the most out of your visit to Termon House.
Things to Do
A new distillery in Crolly merits a visit. The Croithlí distillery experience captures the essence of Donegal Gaeltacht whiskey-making and the connection with the people, culture, and place. Tours last approximately 60 minutes and take place every hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
Dungloe Riverwalk is lovely for children. It features fairy houses and a giant troll and loops around the river. It is suitable for prams, buggies, and dogs. Park in the Lidl car park, cross the main road, and it is directly in front of you.
The community centre, beside the main Maghery beach, has a play park (with wheelchair-accessible facilities) and an outdoor gym at the rear. The big attraction for mini footballers and GAA stars is the full-size pitch. It is home to the local Strand Rovers FC but is used daily by local children for a fun kickabout.
A local Maghery lady sells chicken and duck eggs, as well as homemade honey. Ask Claire, our House Manager, for directions.
The ‘Strand Bar,’ aka Micks, does the best Guinness! Ask Mick behind the bar, and he will tell you where to get fresh local oysters.
If you are travelling with children, try the Finntown train (20-minute drive), which takes a three-mile journey along Lough Finn. Make sure to check opening times and book your ticket ahead of time. There is free car parking, toilets, coffee facilities, a playground, and picnic benches onsite.
Conservation and eco-sustainability are hot topics right now, so why not make education fun? Wild Ireland is a very special animal sanctuary tucked away in a small pocket of surviving Celtic Rainforest in Burnfoot, about a 60-minute drive. Meet animals that have been exploited, injured, or abandoned and plenty of wild birds and otters on the lakes. Learn about species that once roamed Ireland, such as brown bears, wild boar, lynx, and wolves. This visit is one of the more unique things for families to do in Donegal, and it’s guaranteed to interest both young and old.
Rainy Day fun: you could spend the day in Letterkenny, Donegal’s largest town (a 45-minute drive). There is plenty to do. You could spend the morning in the swimming pool or Arena 7 family entertainment complex and catch a show in An Ghrainan Theatre in the afternoon. The Glebe House and Gallery, an intriguing Regency house, will reopen in the summer of 2025 after major ongoing conservation works.
Travel to Bundoran (a 40-minute drive) and check out Waterworld Ireland’s premier indoor water playground. Opens Summer 2025.
Errigal View Pet Zoo is located behind An Chuirt in Annagry.
Leo’s Tavern, or Tabhairne Leo, is one of Donegal’s most famous musical bars and restaurants. Leo’s is the birthplace of highly renowned artists Clannad and Enya, both of whom began their careers on stage in Leo’s Tavern. It is about a 15-minute drive from Termon.
See the complete list of things to do in Donegal, plus more inspiration.
Where to Eat
- Waterfront Hotel Dungloe is a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- An Caislean Oir and Jacks restaurant in Annagry serves Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Booking is advisable as this is a popular spot. It is a 10-minute drive.
- Danny Minnies is an award-winning restaurant in Crolly (a 10-minute drive).
- Leo’s Tavern for casual pub grub.
- The Lobster Pot Burtonport – Ideal to book for dinner on return from a day trip to Arranmore.
- For coffee and sandwiches, try Time and Tide in Annagry. Their toasted sandwiches are famous!
When to Visit Termon House in Donegal
Some people say the best time to visit Donegal is in the summer months, as there is a better chance of good weather. While this might be true, visiting in the shoulder and off-season also has its benefits. There are fewer tourists, and the wilder weather shows the landscape’s natural beauty in a different light.
Still, Donegal offers some incredible events in the summer, particularly in July and August:
- Slí Cholmcille Walk – based on the original 7-day Christian pilgrimage, this 65-km walk takes visitors over tarmac, bog, and moorland, through villages and towns, to prehistoric and early Christian monuments.
- The Mary of Dungloe Festival occurs at the end of July
For more things to do in Donegal, check out Go Visit Donegal.
Book Your Termon House Stay with Irish Landmark Trust
Keep in mind that Irish Landmark Trust holidays become more affordable the longer you stay. With so much to see and do in the area, consider booking a few extra nights to make the most of your visit to Termon House, Co. Donegal.
Please note that these suggestions are meant to help you plan your trip and are based on information available as of Spring 2025. Always check individual websites for the most up-to-date opening times and booking details before finalising your itinerary
