BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
IT’S Ireland’s best-kept tourism secret, but not for long.
As survey after survey and visitor after visitor raves about the wild, unspoilt beauty of Donegal, and the warmth of its people, word is spreading fast – this is a place you simply must visit.
We asked Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the world’s largest car rental company and the only one with a location at Donegal airport, to help us choose the top five must-see driving destinations in the beautiful border county.
Inishowen 100:
The Inishowen 100 tourist route is a 100-mile, signposted scenic drive that takes in or passes near most of the main tourist attractions on the peninsula. This is simply one of the most eye-catching regions in Ireland, with a stunning coastline that offers amazing views of the wild Atlantic. Due to its geography, Inishowen has relatively more moderate weather conditions than other parts of the country, with temperatures slightly less cold in winter.
Must-see rating: 5/5
Malin Head:
Taking in part of the Inishowen 100, former ‘Tidy Towns’ winner Malin Head is Ireland’s most northerly point and offers one of the most spectacular ocean views in all of Europe. To get there, you will have to cross the lovely 10-arch stone bridge across Trawbreaga Bay with more great views of the wild, sea-ravaged coast. Take a photo stop at the Five Finger Strand – famous for its white sandy beach – before continuing to Banba’s Crown, another peninsula off the mainland.
Must-see rating: 5/5
Lough Swilly:
A sea inlet lying between the western side of the Inishowen Peninsula and the Fanad Peninsula, Lough Swilly is one of only three glacial fjords in Ireland. At the northern extremities of the lough are Fanad Head with its famous lighthouse, while on the western side lie the towns of Buncrana and Rathmullan with Letterkenny to the south. Lough Swilly is famous for its nature and visitors to the area are in for a wildlife watching treat: the lough is home to dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, migratory geese and swans.
Must-see rating: 4/5
Slieve League (Sliabh Liag):
The highest cliffs in Europe (standing at approximately 800 feet) are situated at Slieve League, just under an hour’s drive from Donegal town. In fact one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives is that from the main road to the car park at the cliffs. Easy on the accelerator! This drive is definitely not for the faint hearted but once you’ve parked the car and walked to the top of the cliffs, your reward awaits – an almost other-worldly view out to the Atlantic that you will never forget.
Must-see rating: 4/5
Mount Errigal – Horn Head:
At 752 metres, Mount Errigal is one of the highest mountains in the North West region, and well worth a visit. There is a car park located approximately 1km from Dunlewy and from there you can walk up Errigal Mountain from where you can savour more spectacular views taking in the Atlantic Ocean and its islands, Glenveagh National Park, and the surrounding mountain range.
Must-see rating: 4/5
For further information on renting a car in Donegal, please contact:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Donegal Airport
Carrickfin
Donegal
Tel.: +353 74 910 3202
