Donegal Coast

Bundoran Beach, County Donegal, Ireland.

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By C O Manahan

Ireland has a wealth of interesting places to discover, from the beautiful Donegal coast in the northwest to cosmopolitan Dublin on the east coast. You can rent a traditional Irish cottage or stay in a salubrious hotel, while you explore the country at your leisure.

If you want a vacation to remember, then Ireland of the welcomes still has something for everyone. Whether you arrive on Erin’s shores by boat or by plane you will find that transportation is developing and improving all the time.

International flights are catered for by a number of major airports including Belfast, Dublin, Shannon and Knock. If you fly into Belfast, for example, you can begin your adventure by exploring the stunning north coast, famed for its ancient basalt rock formation known as the Giant’s Causeway.

After some refreshment in the world’s oldest whiskey distillery, in Bushmills, County Antrim, you can head west to explore the famous Donegal coast which boasts some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Sliabh Liag.

No visit to County Donegal would be complete without seeing the Iron Age fort of Grianan Ailigh just outside Derry City. If you fancy some shopping or entertainment before you continue south, you’ll find plenty to do in Derry, which has been named UK City of Culture for 2013.

Speaking of culture, West Donegal is home to one of the largest Gaeltacht or Irish speaking areas in Ireland. As well as having the chance to hear Irish spoken as a vernacular language, you might be lucky enough to catch a session of traditional Irish music in one of Donegal’s many traditional pubs.

If surfing’s your thing, Ireland attracts some swell swell. Highlights include Bundoran, County Donegal; Achill Island, County Mayo; Lahinch, County Clare and Tramore, County Waterford.

Transportation, as I mentioned, is continuing to improve in Ireland. Motorways link most of the major cities and towns and those roads that are still single carriageway are now of quite a high standard.

Your journey south along the Donegal coast will bring you through the beautiful counties of Sligo and Mayo. While in Mayo, you may want to visit the village of Cong, where The Quiet Man was filmed.

From Galway city you can drive to Dublin in just over two hours or Cork in just under three. Don’t forget to buy a Claddagh ring for someone special before you leave the City of the Tribes which Galway has been known as for over three hundred and fifty years.

Killarney, County Kerry has long been a favourite with tourists as has the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Kilkenny Castle is well worth a visit as you journey eastwards, as is the Waterford Crystal factory.

Dublin holds many delights, of course, including Christ Church cathedral. From the Capital you can take the train north to Belfast before you return home. Don’t forget to visit us again soon though!

For more information on renting vacation cottages in Ireland visit: http://www.Cottagesrentireland.com/

Or to find out more about the beautiful Donegal coast, surf to: http://www.DonegalCoast.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_O_Manahan

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By Dara Ward

Are you looking for a vacation rental with a real difference? Are you tired of the banal and normal? Why not turn the clock back in time and stay in a real Irish thatched cottage. Experience a slower pace of life on the North West coast of Ireland in County Donegal.

Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, Cruit Island is definitely a destination with a difference. Joined to the mainland by a bridge this small secluded location offers an abundance of outdoor activities for the more adventurous traveller.

Experience how Robinson Crusoe felt whilst walking on the numerous deserted beaches in the area, marvel at the rugged beauty of the Atlantic Ocean or enjoy a round of golf at one of Ireland’s most beautiful courses. Listen to the call of the Cuckoo, now almost extinct in Ireland or pick some rare wildflowers. Try your hand at fishing-the area boasts numerous species including Cod, Pollack, Tope, Mackerel, Gurnard, Conger Eel, Wrasse and Ling. Sample some of the areas fine locally produced cuisine or join the locals for a few pints of Guinness.

In the evening return home to sit at a blazing turf fire, relax with family and friends playing cards or board games as there are no phones or televisions in the cottages. Take life at a slower pace and re-invigorate your mind and body. Listen to the soothing sound of the Ocean as it crashes over the rocks less than 100 meters from where you sit.

Daily flights operate between Dublin and Donegal International Airport at Carrickfinn where car rental can also be arranged. Cruit Island is located less than 10 miles from the Airport or is a 5 hour drive from Dublin or Shannon.

Dara Ward is the webmaster for Ireland Cottages which his family own and operate. He also runs Hotels in Donegal .

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By Mairead Foley

Donegal Airport is located in a beautiful remote part of Donegal in an area called Carrickfinn, which is about a 15 minute drive from Dungloe and a 45 minute drive from Letterkenny. When you fly to Donegal, you will touch down in one of the most picturesque and serene parts of Ireland, where you’re immediately surrounded by spectacular scenery, sandy beaches and the unique heritage and culture of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area).

The airport first opened in 1986 with a grass strip as a runway! In the 1990′s the airport was further developed to include a new modern terminal building and a runway, which was extended to 1,500 metres. The airport terminal has now facilities such as a café bar, a bar, a shop, a car hire desk and tourist information desk.

Aer Arann is currently the only airline which operates in this airport. It has two return flights to Dublin daily with a flight time of just under 1 hour. Aer Arann also operate a daily flight from Cork Airport which also takes just under 1 hour. You can also get a flight from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Donegal which takes just 55 minutes approximately. A Flemish airline called VLM operate flights from Donegal to Rotterdam during the summer months.

The airport is located on the west coast of County Donegal, in an area known as Gweedore. Gweedore is one of the largest Gaeltachts (Irish speaking areas) in the country. Gweedore has a spectacular setting in the shadow of Mount Errigal overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

If you are arriving in Donegal Airport it is advisable to phone ahead and pre book a taxi or taxi cab. If you are flying out of Donegal you can park your car here for EUR5 a day or a week for EUR24.

Donegal Airport is the perfect place to fly into to discover the rugged, unspoilt beauty of the north west of Ireland. There’s lots of accommodation in Donegal whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, B&B and self catering – check out our Donegal accommodation page. Sights to see while in Donegal include the vibrant seaside town of Bundoran or Donegal town situated on the beautiful Donegal Bay. In Donegal you can visit the majestic Slieve League cliffs – the highest cliff face in Europe at 600 metres tall or visit Glenveagh National Park which boasts 14,000 hectares of parkland making it one of the most beautiful national parks in Ireland.

Mairead writes for GoIreland.com – Ireland’s leading travel and accommodation website.

Check out GoIreland.com for everything you need to know before you visit Ireland. GoIreland.com has low prices for quality approved hotel, B&B, guesthouse and self catering accommodation all over the country.

Thinking of heading to Donegal? Browse GoIreland.com’s hotels in Donegal page now for great value prices!

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By Mairead Foley

Kayaking

Why not try some sea kayaking while in Donegal and discover one of the most beautiful coastlines that Ireland has to offer. The glorious coastline around Donegal and the Inishowen Peninsula is ideal for kayaking with lots of sheltered bays and inlets. As you paddle along you’re guaranteed to see some amazing wildlife like; basking sharks, dolphins, seals and a variety of birds.

Diving

There are lots of superb dive sites in Donegal especially near Burtonport, which has easy access to a variety of dive sites. Conditions for diving are excellent with pristine blue waters and lots of island providing shelter. Another popular dive center is Mevagh Dive Center (located at Carrigart in Donegal) where you can choose from wreck dives, scenic dives and drift dives.

Sightseeing Coastal Cruise

What better way to explore the spectacular north west coast of Ireland than by a sightseeing cruise. Sail around the islands and headlands of Donegal and enjoy a spot of scenery or just sit back and admire the views. The cruises last from 1.5 to 2 hours and a guide on board will keep you well informed on attractions and points of interest as you sail past.

Sea Angling

Want to try your hand at some deep sea angling? Whether you’re experienced or a novice, deep sea fishing in the waters of the Atlantic off Donegal coast is an unforgettable experience! You might even catch some conger eel or even shark!! Skipper Neil Gallagher will welcome you aboard The Lonnir which will sail into the blue waters of the Atlantic and the sheltered bays around Donegal for your fishing expedition.

Equestrian

Prefer to explore Donegal by horseback? Then head for Bundoran to the Donegal Equestrian Holiday center 1km outside the town. This centre caters for all ages and all levels of horse riding experience. They have over 45 horses and offer everything from a 20 minute country trail trek to a 2 hour beach ride. You can also avail of a full day trek, which can be tailor made to include the destinations that you would like to visit.

Mairead writes for GoIreland.com – Ireland’s leading accommodation website where you can book Tourist Board approved hotels, guesthouses, B&B’s and self catering all over Ireland. Heading to Donegal while in Ireland? Check out the wide wide range of Donegal Hotels now on GoIreland.com

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Killybegs on the coast of County Donegal, Ireland.

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