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Letterkenny encompasses the best of Donegal. It’s a vibrant town full of history and great nights out. See the intricate architecture of the town’s grand cathedral, before popping into pubs for a memorable evening with f...

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18 Of The Best Things To Do In Letterkenny Town (And Nearby) In 2024

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re in search of the best things to do in Letterkenny in Donegal, you’ve landed in the right place.

For those of you that haven’t visited Letterkenny, you’re in for a treat.

There’s plenty of things to do in Letterkenny Town and it’s also a stone’s throw from many of the best places to visit in Donegal .

It’s the largest town in the county, situated at the southern end of Lough Swilly and it’s surrounded by breathtaking scenery and packed with historic attractions.

Below, you’ll discover what to do in Letterkenny (without leaving the town) and where to visit nearby (without having to drive too far).

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Letterkenny

Photos courtesy of Martin Fleming via Failte Ireland

In the section below, you’ll find what  we  think are the best things to do in Letterkenny for families, couples and everyone in between, with everything from walks and food to tours and trad bars.

In the second section of the guide, you’ll find endless things to do near Letterkenny, like Ards Forest Park and some of the many beaches near Letterkenny .

1. Donegal County Museum

Photos via Donegal County Museum on FB

Those in search of things to do in Letterkenny Town when it’s raining should take note of  Donegal County Museum – a fine place to whittle away a rainy day!

Appropriately located in a former workhouse that dates to 1845, the museum is packed with 8,000 fascinating artefacts recording the history and heritage of Donegal from prehistory to the present.

Displays include archaeological discoveries, pottery, artworks, photos, film archives and other items adding to the story of this historic county.

The permanent displays are complemented by ever-changing temporary exhibitions. For kids there’s an Activity Trail and the Donegal Museum Detective.

2. Glebe House and Gallery

Photos via Glebe House on FB

Glebe House was once the home and studio of English painter Derek Hill. Nearby Lough Gartan was an endless source of inspiration until he donated both the house and art collection to the Irish State in 1981.

Now Glebe House and its beautiful antique furnishings, gardens, tea room and lough vistas are open for all to enjoy!

Decorated with William Morris textiles, the house and gallery contain over 300 artworks by renowned international artists including Picasso and Kokoshka.

A visit here is one of the best things to do in Letterkenny for any history lovers along with anyone who appreciates woodland gardens and beautiful scenery.

3. St. Eunan’s Cathedral

Photos by Martin Fleming via Fáilte Ireland

St. Eunan’s Cathedral is Letterkenny’s most notable landmark and it was built between 1890 and 1900. It was designed by architect William Hauge from Dublin and it overlooks Letterkenny Town.

The cathedral is impressive from the outside but it’s what’s inside that really leaves an imprint upon your memory.

Those that walk through its doors can expect stunning stained glass windows, a solid silver sanctuary lamp, magnificent ceilings and a great arch.

4. Mighty trad bars

Photos left + bottom right: Via The Cottage on FB. Other via Google Maps

If you read our guide to the best pubs in Letterkenny , you’ll already know that the town is jam-packed with excellent trad bars.

Our go-to in the town is The Cottage Bar – it’s a fine spot at any time of the year but it’s hard to beat when the fires roaring on a cold winters afternoon.

Another unique spot is Blake’s – it feels like your stepping into someone’s living room, and I mean that in the best sense possible!

5. Tropical World

Photos via Tropical World on FB

Described as “Donegal’s hidden gem”, a visit to Tropical World is one of the most popular things to do in Letterkenny for families.

This is a fully licensed animal attraction for getting up close to wildlife in a climate-controlled environment.

Immerse yourself in a rainforest setting in the Butterfly House watching hundreds of bright butterflies hatching, flitting and feeding all around you.

This family-friendly attraction in Letterkenny has designated areas for viewing reptiles, marmosets, exotic birds and a pet area. Perfect for enjoying a day with your own “little monkeys”. 

6. An Grianan Theatre

Home to the prominent Earagail Arts Festival, the An Grianan Theatre is a hub for the arts in Letterkenny.

It hosts events by local and visiting theatre companies and it provides a fantastic repertoire of performances in comedy, drama, live music and world-class productions.

Opened in 1999, the theatre has 383 seats with space for workshops and drama classes. It lives up to its name (meaning “sunny place”) with a glass facade that floods the interior with natural light.

Check out the forthcoming performances and book yourself a great night of culture. This is another one for those of you wondering what to do in Letterkenny at night!

7. Newmills Corn and Flax Mills

Photos via Newmills Corn and Flax Mills on FB

The whitewashed Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, just 5km from Letterkenny, features one of the largest operating waterwheels in Ireland with a 1km-long millrace fed by the River Swilly.

Dating back over 400 years, the mill complex provides a fascinating insight into 19th century life during the Industrial Revolution.

Along with the flax mill serving the Irish linen industry, there’s a corn mill. Later the complex opened a pub and a forge.

See the engine house with its belts and gears and explore the Exhibition Centre to learn more about Ulster’s industrial heritage.

8. A bustling food scene

Photos via McCafferty’s Bar on FB

If you’re looking for things to do in Letterkenny for couples, kick back in one of the many highly reviewed restaurants in Letterkenny .

Fresh and zesty, the Lemon Tree Restaurant is a family-run gem in the heart of Letterkenny’s Courtyard Shopping Centre since 1999.

It’s the ideal stop for a hearty calorie boost when exploring the Wild Atlantic Way . This award-winning restaurant for “Best Emerging Irish Cuisine” is open from 5pm daily and is listed in the Michelin 2020 and McKennas Guides.

9. Arena 7 Entertainment Complex

Photos via Arena 7 on FB

If you’re wondering what to do in Letterkenny Town with the kids when it’s lashing down, give this next place a go.

There’s everything from 10-pin bowling, air hockey, snooker, video games and more at the Arena 7 Entertainment Complex along with TVs, a coffee dock and fast food cafe.

Located on the Ballyraine Industrial Estate in Letterkenny, this complex has something for everyone including laser tag, karaoke a bar  and plenty more.

Related read:  Check out our guide to 15 of the best things to do in Donegal for families (there’s a mix of family walks, indoor attractions and very unique tours)

10. Letterkenny Karting Centre

Photo via Letterkenny Karting Centre on Facebook

If you’re in search of fun things to do in Letterkenny for families (this is an activity for the older ones!), Letterkenny Karting Centre should be right up your street.

There’s more competitive fun at the Letterkenny Karting Centre with up to 20 karts at a time lapping the 900-metre course – one of the largest in Ireland.

There are pacer karts for under 7s, full training and safety equipment.

Book a 15, 20 or 30 minute practice session or sign up for the Grand Prix with a guaranteed minimum of 7 races, plus quarter, semi and finals.

11. Lurgybrack Open Farm

Photo via Lurgybrack Open Farm on Facebook

One of the newer things to do in Letterkenny for families is the Lurgybrack Open Farm – a petting farm and home to ducks, birds, rabbits, chipmunks, guinea pigs, goats and other furry friends.

While kids enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas, bouncy castle, zipline and tyre slide, parents can head for the tea room.

Finish off the visit with a stroll along the riverside. With pocket-friendly family tickets, it’s the perfect day out. 

Things to do near Letterkenny

So, as you’ve hopefully gathered, there’s  plenty  of fun things to do in Letterkenny Town to keep you occupied until the cows come home.

However, there’s  endless  things to do near Letterkenny, which is why the town is such a great base to explore from. 

1. Glenveagh National Park (25-minute drive)

Photos via Shutterstock

Just 25 minutes from the bustle of Letterkenny Town, Glenveagh National Park is a spectacular area of natural beauty with signposted trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

Start your trip at the Visitor Centre which has a wildlife museum, cycle hire and cafe.

Free to visit, there’s a lake, plenty of mountain scenery, impressive Glenveagh Castle , stunning walled gardens and more.

2. Ards Forest Park (30-minute drive)

Photos courtesy of Gareth Wray Photograph

A visit to Ards Forest Park is another of the more popular things to do near Letterkenny and it’s here that you’ll find 480 hectares of forest and beach.

There’s a mix of woodland trails at Ards that range from handy to hard. Arguably the highlight of the park is the beautiful beaches that seem to pop up out of nowhere.

There’s also a playground, some picnic areas and an abundance of nature and wildlife.

If you’ve ticked off the various things to do in Letterkenny, put Ards at the top of your to-do list.

3. Grianan of Aileach (30-minute drive)

Located 250m above sea level in Inishowen , the ancient stone fort known as Grianán of Aileach is County Donegal’s best known ancient monument.

Dating back to 1700BC, it was pretty old by the time that St Patrick visited in the 5th century.

The round stone fort has three terraces and the remains of Iron/Bronze Age ramparts, said to be where the Giants of Inishowen are sleeping.

Restored in the 1870s, this amazing site has commanding views across the peninsula including Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.

Related read:  Check out our guide to 10 of the best hotels in Letterkenny (from pricy accommodation to budget stays)

4. The Inishowen Peninsula (30-minute drive)

Whether you’re exploring on foot, on two wheels or four, the Inishowen Peninsula is arguably best explored via the Inishowen 100 route.

The journey packs in one highlight after another from Dunree Fort Military Museum and Mamore Gap to Tullagh Bay , Five Fingers Strand , Greencastle , Malin Head and plenty more.

You’ll want to allow at least 1/2 a day for this spin and at least a whole day if you plan on tackling one of the longer walks.

5. Rosguill Peninsula (35-minute drive)

Photos by Chris Hill via Tourism Ireland

The Rosguill Peninsula is another great spot for a day trip from Letterkenny. It’s arguably best explored on what’s known as the ‘Atlantic Drive’ which takes in the peninsula’s top attractions.

Two of the highlights are Boyeeghter Bay , Melmore Head and Tra na Rossan Beach . You can get a good eyeful of Tra na Rossan from the viewpoint seen in the photos above.

Boyeeghter Bay used to be tricky to get to but there’s now a car park along with an easy-to-follow trail that you can tackle.

6. The Fanad Peninsula (30-minute+ drive)

The Fanad Peninsula is a remote and rugged peninsula that boasts breathtaking landscapes, picturesque coastal views and a handful of great places to visit.

The highlight is the towering  Fanad Head Lighthouse which is one of the more famous landmarks in Ireland .

You can park right next to it and there’s also a tour you can book onto. You’ll also find one of the best beaches in Donegal nearby – I’m talking, of course, about Ballymastocker Bay .

7. Derry (40-minute drive)

You probably didn’t expect to see ‘Visit Derry’ in a guide to the best things to do in Letterkenny Town, but here we are.

Derry City, also known as Londonderry, offers a rich cultural and historical experience. Here are some of the best things to do in Derry :

• Explore the 17th century Derry City Walls
• Visit the Museum of Free Derry
• Explore the Guildhall
• Ramble along the Peace Bridge

What places to visit in Letterkenny have we missed?

“I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant Letterkenny tourist attractions from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!”

FAQs about what to do in Letterkenny Town

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are some fun things to do in Letterkenny for couples?’ to ‘Where’s good to see nearby?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.”

What are the best things to do in Letterkenny?

There’s St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Glebe House and Gallery, Donegal County Museum and there’s heaps of things to do near Letterkenny, like Glenveagh.

What are some things to see in Letterkenny when it rains?

St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Glebe House and Gallery, Donegal County Museum are good rainy day options. You could also do the scenic Inishowen 100 drive.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Lough Swilly, County Donegal

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If County Donegal is the “coolest place on the planet” – and according to National Geographic Traveller, it is – then its biggest town must be something pretty special, right?

Well, yes. Nestled between the epic splendour of Donegal’s mountains and the glacial fjord of Lough Swilly, Letterkenny is a lively market town with a buzzing arts and culture scene, great places to eat, and some of the best traditional pubs on the island.

And with its convenient location close to two regional airports (Donegal and City of Derry), it’s also the perfect place to base yourself while you explore Ireland's north west.

Scenes from Letterkenny, County Donegal

L-R: Market Square; St Eunan's Cathedral © Shutterstock; the Lemon Tree Restaurant; Pole Star Monument

Things to see and do

There’s a reason Letterkenny is known as the Cathedral Town – the towering spire of St Eunan's Cathedral has dominated the skyline since its completion in 1901. If you pay it a visit, look out for the fine stained glass windows by well-known Irish artist, Michael Healey.

Another interesting stop is the Donegal County Museum , located in a fine stone building that was once part of the 19th century Letterkenny Workhouse. As well as a large collection of artefacts from around the county, the museum is home to the North West Film Archive, featuring over 90 hours of news and amateur footage from the past 50 years – all available to view free of charge.

If you’re looking for culture, don’t miss An Grianan theatre , with its busy programme of drama, comedy and music. The Regional Cultural Centre is another great spot for lovers of jazz, folk and traditional music, and also features art exhibitions and film screenings.

Both of these venues come into their own in July during the Earagail Arts Festival , a celebration of music, theatre, visual arts, film and literature, which brings a buzzing energy to the town.

Lemon Tree Restaurant, Letterkenny, County Donegal

A taste of Donegal

Letterkenny has you covered when it comes to local flavours with a range of eateries that cater to all tastes. Try the family-run Quiet Moment Tea Room on the main street for freshly baked goodies (the scones are a particular highlight) and a warm welcome.

For fine dining, the Lemon Tree Restaurant more than deserves its Michelin recommendation. The Molloy family has been at the forefront of Donegal’s food scene for over 20 years, and the food here is locally and sustainably sourced and freshly made on site.

If you’re looking for the whole package, Rockhill House Estate is just a short drive from the town. Stay in the luxurious country house and dine in style on local and seasonal food in The Church Restaurant within the grounds.

When it comes to traditional pubs, the Cottage Bar is a real winner. With its quaint décor (watch out for the teacups hanging from the ceiling) and roaring fire, it’s everything you could want from a traditional Irish pub. And it’s rumoured to serve the best pint of Guinness in the town.

That claim might be challenged by another Letterkenny mainstay, McGinley’s Bar , a popular spot with both locals and visitors. This is the place to come to hear live music with an exciting line-up each week and traditional music sessions every Wednesday.

Fanad Head Lighthouse, County Donegal

Beyond Letterkenny

Donegal’s stunning headlands of Inishowen , Fanad, Rosguill and Horn Head are just a drive away from Letterkenny, which means you can take your time to explore. Don’t-miss experiences include the island’s most northernly point, Malin Head ; Fanad Head Lighthouse , voted one of the world’s most beautiful lighthouses; the stunning Trá na Rossan Beach; and the sea cliffs at Horn Head.

Head inland and you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the Glenveagh National Park – 16,000 hectares of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes on the island, crowned with the dramatic Glenveagh Castle – which in its heyday hosted stars including Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo.

Another stop to include on your itinerary is Glebe House and Gallery . This 19th century rectory was once the home of renowned artist Derek Hill and is now open to the public. It’s a treasure trove of over 300 works of art, including collections of Islamic and Japanese art, as well as works by Picasso.

If you’ve still got time, pay a visit to the Poisoned Glen and the spectacularly located Dunlewy Church (the ultimate Instagram shot awaits) and look out for the glorious pyramid of Errigal Mountain , which glows pink at sunset, thanks to its quartzite composition.

To the east you’ll find the famous walled city of Derry~Londonderry and the wonders of the Causeway Coastal Route – the highlight here is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway , a geological marvel of 40,000 perfectly hexagonal basalt columns tumbling into the ocean.

That is, if you can tear yourself away from the wonders of Donegal...

Want to see more?

Here are some great reads to get you started!

County Donegal

Donegal's northern headlands

Ireland's north west in 72 hours

Donegal's northern headlands: top tours

Wild Atlantic golf

Make a break for Bundoran

Inishowen Peninsula

Ireland’s undiscovered north west

Ireland's undiscovered north west in 72 hours without a car

Slieve League Cliffs

Letterkenny highlights.

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The Yellow Pepper Restaurant

Mourne Antiques & Jewellery

Awaken Adventures

Ceol na Coille – School of Irish Traditional Music

Accommodation

An Grianan Hotel

Castle Grove Country House

Kinnegar Brewing

Eco Atlantic Adventures

McGettigan's Letterkenny at the Clanree Hotel

An Grianán Theatre

Newmills Corn And Flax Mills

In a building that once housed a shirt factory, The Yellow Pepper Restaurant, in Letterkenny, County Donegal, has long collared the market for quality eating out in the North West.

Visitors are invited to browse the collection at Mourne Antiques & Jewellery, located in Letterkenny, County Donegal. It sells a range of magnificent antiques and jewellery.

Irish traditional music school providing week long or weekend master classes and workshops. Individual and small groups catered for.

Located in the blissful village of Burt in Inishowen, Co.Donegal rests our classy & elegant family-run Hotel. In an area of outstanding beauty, close to Letterkenny and Derry~Londonderry. Free Car Parking & High-speed Wifi.

Castle Grove Country House is a wonderful, private estate set overlooking Lough Swilly near Letterkenny, County Donegal. The four-star hotel provides luxury accommodation and award-winning cuisine in the most picturesque location.

Eco Atlantic Adventures is an activity based enterprise located in Cranford, County Donegal.

McGettigan's Letterkenny is located within the 4 star Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny. Unique décor, delicious Irish food and drink along with the best international and Irish entertainment and top quality sporting events.

An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, County Donegal, offers a varied arts and entertainment programme from both a national and international perspective.

Getting to Letterkenny

Fly to Donegal or City of Derry Airport and you’re almost there. Or head to Dublin or Belfast and take the scenic cross-country route. Coming by ferry? Belfast and Larne are your closest ports.

Home » Travel Guides » Ireland » 15 Best Things to Do in Letterkenny (Ireland)

15 Best Things to Do in Letterkenny (Ireland)

Rated Ireland’s “tidiest town” in 2015, Letterkenny is a bonny market town, close to where the River Swilly widens into a fjord on the northwest coast.

Lough Swilly and the Fanad Peninsula are on Ireland’s fabled Wild Atlantic Way, for scenic drives to mountains, rugged promontories, Neolithic dolmens, early medieval hill-forts and martello towers armed with long-range guns.

This is the land that gave the world figures like St Columba, who took Christianity to Scotland in the 6th century.

Letterkenny is also a stepping stone for the Glenveagh National Park, on the lands of a romantic 19th-century castle and exotic gardens.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Letterkenny :

1. Glenveagh National Park

Ireland’s second largest national park is an easy 15 kilometres west of Letterkenny.

The park unfolds across 16,500 hectares of heathland, forest and bare mountain slopes around the glorious Lough Veagh.

All this was once part of the estate of Glenveagh Castle, and has the largest herd of red deer in Ireland, as well as a healthy count of golden eagles, previously extinct in this part of the country but reintroduced in 2000. A first step is the Glenveagh Visitor Centre on the north shore of the lough, blending with the heathland thanks to its heather roof.

There you can get the lowdown on Glenveagh’s nature and human history, and choose from six signposted point-to-point and looped walking paths.

The best short path is the one-kilometre View Point Trail, leading you up to the ridge above Glenveagh Castle for a supreme perspective of the lake.

2. Glenveagh Castle

The centre of attention on the estate is the Scottish Baronial-style Glenveagh Castle, built from granite for Captain John George Adair at the start of the 1870s.

Adair picked an epic lakeside location for his home, and went as far as evicting 244 tenants to get some solitude.

The gardens around the house were planted in a free-flowing style with exotic species from Tasmania, Madeira and Chile, buffered from the wind by large pine groves and rhododendrons.

You can catch a shuttle bus from the national park’s visitor centre to the castle, or walk in a matter of minutes.

The castle can be seen by guided tour only, lasting 45 minutes, on which you’ll hear about the previous owners, like a Harvard Professor who mysteriously disappeared off the west coast of Ireland in 1933.

3. Mount Errigal

One of Ireland’s most beguiling mountains towers over the western boundary of the Glenveagh National Park.

Mount Errigal is 751 metres high and is the southernmost and tallest of the Seven Sisters range.

The striking, conical shape comes from the mountain’s quartzite geology, which has resisted erosion.

That stone takes on a mesmerising pinkish tone when it’s caught by the setting sun.

To look at Errigal you might think it’s a climb for mountaineers only, but you won’t need more than a good pair of hiking shoes and a little experience.

Once you hit the peak you can fight the winds on the narrow and spectacular “One Man’s Pass” to Errigal’s lower sister summit.

4. Cathedral of St. Eunan and St. Columba

In an elevated position looking down on the town, Letterkenny’s cathedral was built during the 1890s and was consecrated in 1901. The architecture is neo-Gothic and was planned by William Hague, responsible for numerous religious monuments in Ireland in Victorian times.

A curious snippet about the cathedral is that it is made from white sandstone quarried some way around the northwest coast at Mountcharles.

The material was shipped along Lough Swilly and carried by the townsfolk up to this lofty perch.

The cathedral’s fantastic stained glass windows were produced by the An Túr Gloine studio and Harry Clarke, while the Great Arch is decorated with images from the lives of St Eunan and St Columba, active in Ireland and Scotland in the 6th and 7th centuries.

5. Lough Swilly

A glacial fjord, Lough Swilly cuts a serpentine path from Letterkenny to the Atlantic Ocean some 40 kilometres to the north.

The Wild Atlantic Way hugs the waterfront all the way around the lough, and for a round of golf in a location you won’t forget there are courses just outside the town at Letterkenny and further north in Portsalon.

During the Napoleonic Wars a system of martello towers (small circular forts) was set up to defend Londonderry to the east.

These were revamped at the start of the First World War, and can still be found in eight scenic spots around Lough Swilly.

Across the water from Portsalon, Fort Dunree has a majestic setting, on a headland and hosts a military museum and restored BL 6-inch Mk VII naval guns from the First World War.

6. Glebe House and Gallery

The English painter Derek Hill lived and worked at this house on Lough Gartan from 1954 until he donated it, along with a top-notch art collection, to the Irish state in 1981. Hill gathered works by leading 20th-century artists like Renoir, Braque, Picasso and Oskar Kokoshka, as well as an array of Islamic and Oriental art and William Morris textiles.

The house and its sublime art can only be visited on guided tours at Easter and then from May to September, when you can also grab coffee and a light snack at the tea rooms.

The woodland gardens around the house stay open all year.

7. Donegal County Museum

The very location of the Donegal County Museum is charged with history: The venue is the old Warden’s House of the Letterkenny Workhouse, a stern stone building completed in 1845 during the Great Famine.

The galleries inside are multifaceted, presenting the folklore, social history, agriculture and archaeology of County Donegal.

For whistle-stop tour through thousands of years of local history, head for the first floor where there’s a timeline beginning in the Neolithic Period and bringing you up to the 21st century.

Historians can really immerse themselves in Donegal’s past, investigating the Donegal Islands Film and Radio archive and the Northwest Film Archive.

8. Newmills Corn and Flax Mill

Ten minutes up the Swilly in Milltown is a state-owned piece of industrial heritage, in superb condition and dating to the beginning of the 19th century.

What makes this such an interesting place is that combined corn and flax mills can only be found in Ulster and Northwest Ireland.

Water is conducted to the complex from the Swilly along a one-kilometre mill race.

This drives two separate mills, one for flax to make linen, and the other for barley and oats, powered by one of the largest functioning mill wheels in Ireland.

That was installed in 1907, and operated right up to 1980. In summer you can go in to see how flax fibre was separated (scutched) from its outer straw, and see the wacky network of hoists, pulleys and elevators at the corn mill.

9. Oakfield Park

On land belonging to a deanery that became a stately manor in the 19th century, Oakfield Park is an exquisite outdoor attraction where you can spend a classy day wandering through woods and formal gardens and next to lakes.

A special attraction at Oakfield Par is the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway, with views of Croaghan Hill to the south.

The 4.5-kilometre line trundles through meadows, forest, over streams and through a wooden causeway.

Amateur horticulturalists will be in heaven in the grounds, which are sprinkled with follies and sculptures, and feature a parterre, historic walled garden and venerable heritage trees.

For refreshment Oakfield Park’s tea rooms have homemade cakes and craft beers brewed in Donegal.

10. Fanad Peninsula

Heading north from Letterkenny you could go on a magical drive on the Wild Atlantic Way with the waters and surrounding hills of Lough Swilly on your shoulder.

Before long you’ll be on the Fanad Peninsula, graced by some of Northwest Ireland’s most dramatic scenery.

It’s a world of dry-stone walls, heather and lush meadows flecked with cattle.

At the centre are bold peaks like the 363 Knockalla, a quartzite hill.

On your drive you can pause at boundless Atlantic beaches like Ballymastocker Bay, or step out to investigate prehistoric dolmens at Saltpans and Gortnavern.

Near the northernmost point is the craggy Fanad Head, where the namesake lighthouse from 1886 is on a narrow promontory lashed by the waves.

11. Tropical World

By Letterkenny Golf Club on the town’s eastern fringe is a small zoo dedicated to species from the tropics.

There are lorikeets and turacos with colourful plumage, as well as lizards, snakes, turtles, meerkats, yellow mongooses and all sorts of miniature monkeys.

Best of all though is the butterfly house, with butterflies big and small in a kaleidoscope of colours . The zoo is attached to a garden centre, and has a play area, picnic benches and a cafe.

12. Lurgybrack Open Farm

One of a few days out for people holidaying with younger children, the Lurgybrack Open Farm is a place where kids can come into contact with tame and friendly animals.

The farm has highland cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, draft horses, turkeys, exotic birds, chinchillas and rabbits.

Under the supervision of the staff, kids can feed and handle many of these animals and pick up some fun facts about them.

Also on the farm is a soft play area, an adventure playground with zip-line, sunken trampoline and a barrel train.

13. Letterkenny Town Park

If you have time to spare in Letterkenny, the four-hectare town park is just the ticket for a sunny day.

Plotted in 1999, the park is on a patch of 18th-century forest and has a recently upgraded playground for youngsters.

There’s a tea room here, as well as an orchard, flowerbeds, mature trees and a herb garden.

At the end of August the family-oriented Party in the Car Park takes place here, organising music, arts, food, bouncy castles and games for kids.

14. Colmcille Heritage Centre

Fifteen minutes west of Letterkenny next to the Gartan Lough is a small museum about St Columba (Colmcille in Irish), who helped spread Christianity in Ireland in the 6th century.

The Colmcille Heritage Centre is near where the saint was born, and casts some light on this intriguing figure.

One of the most interesting chapters in his life came after he spent a year copying a manuscript of the Book of Psalms.

In essence he was found guilty of copyright theft for this act and was banished to Scotland, which he introduced to Christianity for the first time.

The heritage centre has well-presented information panels, a wax figure of Columba and replica artefacts showing the instruments and dyes Columba used for his manuscript.

15. Killydonnell Friary

A little way along Lough Swilly you’ll come to an abandoned 15th century friary, in the grounds of a cemetery that is still in use today.

Killydonnell Friary is a remarkably peaceful spot, overlooking the fjord.

The Franciscan friary was begun in 1471 by the O’Donnell clan, and was built on the site of an older church from the 900s.

Little more than a century later, in 1603, the friary was closed down in the Plantation of Ulster.

What remains is a church with a nave and chancel, clad with ivy, and the vestiges of monastic buildings to the north.

These have vaults and partly been adapted as the family tomb of the Stewarts of Fort Stewart.

15 Best Things to Do in Letterkenny (Ireland):

• Glenveagh National Park
• Glenveagh Castle
• Mount Errigal
• Cathedral of St. Eunan and St. Columba
• Lough Swilly
• Glebe House and Gallery
• Donegal County Museum
• Newmills Corn and Flax Mill
• Oakfield Park
• Fanad Peninsula
• Tropical World
• Lurgybrack Open Farm
• Letterkenny Town Park
• Colmcille Heritage Centre
• Killydonnell Friary

Top Things to Do in Letterkenny - Letterkenny Must-See Attractions

Things to do in letterkenny, explore popular experiences, tours in and around letterkenny.

7 Arches Kayak Tour

• DAY TOUR: Highlights of Derry and Donegal

Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

• Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour

DONEGAL DAY TOUR: Coast and Castles

DAY TOUR: Highlights Of South Donegal

Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

Bog Safari Hike

A Walk Through Time in Fort Dunree

Walking Tour Buncrana

Private sightseeing tours.

Top Attractions in Letterkenny

Other Top Attractions around Letterkenny

Tours & Sightseeing

Cultural & Theme Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Glenveagh Castle
• Tropical World
• Mount Errigal
• Glebe House and Gallery
• Newmills Corn and Flax Mill
• Ballymacool Town Park
• Ballyarr Wood
• Cluain na dTor
• Christian Tour of East Donegal
• Donegal Tours
• Arena 7 Entertainment Complex

8 Things To Do In Letterkenny, Donegal (For 2024)

Categories Donegal , Things To Do

Letterkenny is a town in County Donegal, in the north of Ireland . If you’re planning a visit to this town, there are heaps of fun things to do in Letterkenny. It is known as the Cathedral town and the largest and most populous town in Donegal .

Things you'll find in this article

1.Donegal County Museum

2.main street letterkenny, 3.glenveagh castle, 4.glenveagh national park, 5.newmills corn and flax mills, 6.letterkenny town park/ bernard mcglinchey town park, 7.ballymacool town park, 8.cathedral of st. eunan and st. columba, letterkenny, 8 things to do in letterkenny donegal (for 2024).

Letterkenny’s 19th-century workhouse, built to provide Famine relief, now houses the local museum. The permanent collection offers 8000-plus artifacts from prehistoric times onwards. This county museum is officially recognized by the Government of Ireland as the best museum in the country .

Admission Fee

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm

Contact Information

Address: High Rd, Ballyboe Glencar

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 74 912 4613

Main Street is an important thoroughfare in Letterkenny and it said to be the longest street in Ireland. Letterkenny’s long, sloping main street is graced by a cute little market square halfway down and red-brick Georgian houses which some of it owned by famous people.

Set in some 16,500 hectares of County Donegal mountains, Glenveagh Castle is a 19th Century castellated mansion built between 1870 and 1873. The Scottish Baronial-style castle is built by Captain John George Adair. When he picked the location for his castle, he went as far as evicting 244 tenants to have privacy.

The gardens around the house were planted in a free-flowing style with exotic species from Tasmania, Madeira, and Chile. The Glenveagh gardens itself is a major attraction aside from the surrounding lakes and forest in the area.

Adult Castle Ticket €7.00 | Concession Castle Ticket €5.00 | Family Castle Ticket €15.00

9 am to 5 pm but check in advance first as the castle tour is limited during off-peak and winter season. To verify the schedule, click here .

Address: Glenveagh, Churchhill, Letterkenny, Donegal

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 76 1002537

Glenveagh National Park is one of Donegal’s treasures and Ireland’s second largest national park . The park is located 15 kilometers west of Letterkenny. It unfolds across 16,500 hectares of heathland, forest and bare mountain slopes around the amazing Lough Veagh.

Glenveagh National Park offers several things to do in Letterkenny. From the Glenveagh Castle, lovely gardens, viewpoint, hiking trails , lake and the visitor center that shows the history of this famous attraction in Letterkenny.

The visitor center is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The park is open from dawn till dusk.

Address: Church Hill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

One of the few monuments of industrial archaeology in Ireland is the complex of mills at Newmills. The oldest surviving building in the complex is said to be 400 years old. New mills is an interesting reminder of a stage in the industrial development of this country which has now given way to more sophisticated but usually far less fascinating technology.

The complex of industrial buildings includes both corn and flax mills powered by the river Swilly. The visitor can also check out one of the largest waterwheels in Ireland in action.

Summer: Monday – Friday 08:00-20:00 Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays 09:00-20:00 | Winter: Monday – Friday 08:00-17:00 Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays 09:00-17:00

Address: Churchill Road

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 74 9125115

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Emmett Scott (@emmett.scott) on May 13, 2017 at 12:24pm PDT

Bernard McGlinchey Town Park is a public park located on the site of an 18th-century woodland. The park is often used as the venue for festivals and French markets. There are also work out equipment for adults and playground for children so it’s a good place for the entire family to spend a day.

Address: Ballyboe Glencar

Phone: 074 9194200

Currently, the biggest public park in Donegal , Ballymacool Town Park is a good place for kids and the entire family. It is also located outside of the city and in the countryside area so it’s a good place to relax after a crazy week. The park has a picnic and park benches located throughout. It also has toilet facilities.

 8 am to 9 pm

Address: Ballymacool, Creeve (Smith)

St. Eunan’s Cathedral or the Cathedral of St. Eunan and St Columba as it is also known, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the parish of Conwal and Leck in Letterkenny. It was built between 1890 to 1900 and is the only Catholic cathedral in the county. St Eunan’s Cathedral should definitely be on your plan when you visit Letterkenny. The ergonomic design of the Cathedral was built in the Victorian neo-Gothic style and it surely one of its kind.

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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

100 Top Things To Do In Ireland For 2019 - Ireland Travel Guides

Friday 21st of December 2018

[…] For more things to do in Letterkenny, click here.  […]

The Best Castles In Ireland To Visit - Ireland Travel Guides

Thursday 22nd of November 2018

[…] mountains, Glenveagh Castle is a 19th Century, a castellated mansion built between 1870 and 1873 in Letterkenny. The Scottish Baronial-style castle is built by Captain John George Adair. When he picked the […]

National Parks In Ireland: Your Guide To Your First Time Visit - Ireland Travel Guides

Tuesday 20th of November 2018

[…] treasures and Ireland’s second largest national park. The park is located 15 kilometers west of Letterkenny. It unfolds across 16,500 hectares of heathland, forest and bare mountain slopes around the amazing […]

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Letterkenny

Things to do in letterkenny, explore popular experiences, tours in and around letterkenny.

7 Arches Kayak Tour

• DAY TOUR: Highlights of Derry and Donegal

Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

• Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour

DONEGAL DAY TOUR: Coast and Castles

DAY TOUR: Highlights Of South Donegal

Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

Bog Safari Hike

A Walk Through Time in Fort Dunree

Walking Tour Buncrana

Private sightseeing tours.

Top Attractions in Letterkenny

Other Top Attractions around Letterkenny

Tours & Sightseeing

Cultural & Theme Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Glenveagh Castle
• Tropical World
• Mount Errigal
• Glebe House and Gallery
• Newmills Corn and Flax Mill
• Ballymacool Town Park
• Ballyarr Wood
• Cluain na dTor
• Christian Tour of East Donegal
• Donegal Tours
• Arena 7 Entertainment Complex

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Towns & Regions in Donegal

Places to see.

Donegal has abundance of spots to simply stop and take in the breathtaking views. And from top to bottom, it’s also home to wonderful towns and villages where you can make your base and really get under the skin of these close-knit communities.

• Blue Flag Beaches
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Letterkenny

Co. Donegal,Letterkenny

• E: contact via website

Go Visit Letterkenny - Heart of the Northwest

Letterkenny is County Donegal’s largest town with a population of more than 19,000. It is in the heart of the Northwest and offers plenty for all types of holidaymakers. Combine the best of an urban experience with a Wild Atlantic Way Adventure when you base yourself in Letterkenny.

Letterkenny has a large selection of the finest accommodation, excellent choice of restaurants, pubs, night clubs and an array of indoor and outdoor activities to suit all types of holiday goers.

No holidaymaker will be short of options during a holiday or a break spent in Letterkenny. The friendly nature of the locals and the range of activities offered for all ages will make any stay a pleasure.

Information

Co. Donegal, Letterkenny

Phone: 353N/A Email: contact via website Website: www.govisitletterkenny.ie Facebook: www.facebook.com/GovisitLetterkenny/?fref=ts Twitter: twitter.com/GoVisitLK YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC_TfpeIosh5vluN54IjZ5Hw

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Letterkenny

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Further out
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Letterkenny [dead link] is the largest town in County Donegal , with a population of 19,274 in 2016. It's a workaday place, frankly not scenic, but with lots of accommodation and other visitor amenities. It's the county transport hub and a good base for exploring the rest of Donegal, especially the north coast.

Understand [ edit ]

Glaciers carved out deep valleys around the coast of Donegal, which flooded to become fjords during the post-glacial rise of the sea. The largest were Lough Foyle (now by Derry city) and at Lough Swilly by Letterkenny, with Inishowen peninsula between. Their deep sea channels assisted transport of people and goods in an era when overland roads were muddy tracks in fair weather and morasses at other times. The Vikings (who enjoyed sailing into fjords) are the first documented outsiders, but there were many others including the Celts / Gaels to give Donegal its name Dún na nGall , fort of the foreigners.

The Irish ousted the Vikings but from the 12th century came under attack by the Normans. Those incursions never got far in northwest Ireland, so it was only from the 16th century that the English Tudors could resume their land-grab. Stiff resistance from the chieftains of Tyrconnell (Donegal) and Tyrone was only broken in 1603 by the Nine Years' War; the chieftains fled to Europe and their land was seized for "plantation" by English and Scottish colonists, laying the seeds for the partition of Ireland. The local tracts were granted in 1611 to Patrick Crawford from Scotland: he and his successors developed a town north of the River Foyle, eclipsing the original Irish settlement on the south bank.

In Irish Leitir means a hillside littered with stones, and Letterkenny is the stony hillside of the O'Cannon tribe. Until the 17th century it was a seaport, but vessels grew larger while the Swilly estuary silted up. The harbour at Ballyraine stayed in business into the 19th century, importing salt and grain, while Donegal's people drained out - some to North America, but a large contingent went to Glasgow. The last act of the 1798 rebellion of United Irishmen was played out here: the main uprising in County Wexford was already crushed when the French invasion forces arrived, too little too late. The French landing in County Mayo caught the government off-guard and they campaigned almost unopposed for 11 days before being encircled. The final sortie brought the rebellion's leader Theobald Wolfe Tone into Lough Swilly, but they were captured by the Royal Navy. Wolfe Tone was brought ashore at Letterkenny, carted off to Dublin for trial, sentenced to hang but committed suicide in prison.

The 1921 partition of Ireland bore especially hard upon the northwest, as towns such as Lettekenny lost their traditional links to both Dublin and Belfast. The manufacturing economy has always been small, though a service sector has grown and made the town into the largest in the county. Revival came with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which enshrined an open border and end to hostilities, so you can hop on a bus in Derry and come here with no border checks. As elsewhere in Ulster, the big question is the long-term effect of Brexit on this.

54.949 -7.717 1 The Tourist Office is at Port Bridge Roundabout as N14 enters town. It's not open in 2021. On the roundabout is "Polestar", a public sculpture that's supposed to commemorate the town's transport history. Mmm, maybe a boat's timbers, or the innards of a locomotive, or a tourist driver unsure of the correct roundabout exit through inability to navigate by the Pole Star?

Get in [ edit ]

The nearest airport is City of Derry ( LDY  IATA ), with flights from London Stansted, Liverpool and Glasgow. You might also fly into one of the Belfast airports or Donegal Airport on the west coast, or even Dublin. They all have car hire.

By road from Belfast follow M2 / A6 to Derry then N13. From Dublin follow M3 / A3 to Cavan, A5 through Omagh to Strabane, then N14. From Sligo follow N15 via Donegal Town to Ballybofey then N13.

The nearest railway station is Derry , with hourly trains from Belfast, taking two hours via Antrim, Ballymena and Coleraine.

By bus Expressway 32 runs every couple of hours from Dublin Busáras, taking 4 hours via Dublin Airport, Ardee, Carrickmacross, Monaghan , Omagh , Newtonstewart, Strabane and Lifford, with the last bus starting at 23:00. An adult single might be €23. John McGinley Bus 932 shares this route.

From Belfast travel via Derry : Ulsterbus and Gallagher are the bus operators.

Expressway 64 runs every two hours from Derry to Letterkenny (30 min) and continues to Ballybofey, Donegal Town , Ballyshannon , Bundoran, Sligo , Charlestown, Knock airport and village, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Tuam and Galway . Bus Feda 964 shares this route.

McGonagle Bus 951 takes 40 min from Buncrana via Burnfoot, Bridgend and Burt; one bus a day starts from Carndonagh. It runs three times M-F and twice on Saturday.

Local Link Bus 271 runs from Burtonport (for Arranmore ) taking 1 hr 40 min via Dungloe , Loughanure, Crolly, Dunlewey, Glenveagh (for National Park) and Churchill. There are three or four M-Sa.

Bus 953 runs from Moville on the Foyle coast, taking an hour via Muff and Bridgend, with three M-Sa and one on Sunday.

Bus 300 runs from Ballylar on the Fanad peninsula, taking 70 min via Kerrykeel, Rathmullen and Ramelton, with three Su-Th and five F Sa.

Letterkenny 54.954 -7.728 1 bus station is northeast side of town at the top of Port Road. Some local buses start from the nearby streets.

Get around [ edit ]

Walk around town, but you need wheels for outlying sights such as Newmills and Glenveagh.

Enterprise have a car hire base in Letterkenny (+353 74 910 3202) but it's usually more convenient to hire from the airport. There's no bike hire shop.

By bus: Letterkenny is the hub for local buses around the north end of the county, but they're too sparse for sight-seeing. As well as those above, Local Link Bus 989 from Carrigans (on the south edge of Derry) orbits Letterkenny via the college and hospital, with three M-Th and five F Sa.

Taxis wait on Market St and by the bus station. Operators include Letterkenny Taxis (+353 87 952 5124), Swilly Cabs (+353 74 912 1666), Paddy's (+353 86 874 2961) and Star Cabs (+353 85 118 0600).

Fares are nationally regulated and taxis must use the meter. As of March 2021, fares M-Sa 08:00 to 20:00 are €3.60 flagfall then €1.10-1.50 per km, 20:00 to 08:00 and Sunday €4.00 flagfall then €1.40-1.80 per km. In slow traffic or if asked to wait they charge by the minute, 40-50 cents. Fares are negotiable for longer out of town trips.

See [ edit ]

• Main Street (one way traffic south) is a mix of 19th century and modern low rise. Market Square is a little green space, with a statue commemorating its Hiring Fairs: bring any spare members of your family along and hope to hire them out for the season to local farmers. Especially your children - that's money in your pocket, fewer mouths to feed, and their education taken care of; it's just like Montessori only with cuffs to the earlugs instead of violin lessons.
• Town Park is a pleasant green area north end of High Road by the hospital.
• St Eunan's Cathedral (RC) on Castle St was built in the 1890s and is open daily 07:00-21:00. The Adoration Chapel adjacent within the Loretto Convent is also usually open similar hours but is closed in 2021.
• Cathedral Square outside has a tall Celtic Cross, erected in 2006.
• Conwal Parish Church (C of I) across the square is from 17th century, with an interesting interior and graveyard.
• County Museum , High Rd , ☏ +353 74 912 4613 , [email protected] . M-F 10:00-16:30, Sa 13:00-16:30 . Local history and exhibitions in the 19th century Workhouse. Free . ( updated Aug 2021 )

Further out [ edit ]

• 55.025 -7.823 4 Doon Well is up a very narrow lane above the village of Termon. It was a prehistoric religious site then became a Christian site from the 1670s.
• 54.85 -7.605 5 Beltany Stone Circle is 14 km southeast near Raphoe village. It has suffered pillaging of its stones but remains a clear circle of 64, with a central platform. It was adopted for Celtic ritual such as Beltane (1 May) but is much earlier, probably late Stone Age / early Iron Age circa 1000 BC. It's free to stroll any time.

Do [ edit ]

• What's on? Listen to Highland Radio on 103.3 MHz or read Donegal News , Donegal Live or Donegal Daily .
• Walk: a footpath follows the north bank of the Swilly until you loop onto Ramelton Rd or return the same way.
• An Grianán Theatre , Port Road F92 RV1F ( near bus station ), ☏ +353 74 912 0777 . This stages drama and music in a modern building with a 383-seat auditorium. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Regional Cultural Centre behind the theatre has an auditorium, film theatre and exhibition space. There isn't a permanent art collection.
• Century Cinema , Paddy Harte Rd F92 DA02 , ☏ +353 74 912 1976 . Mainstream film releases. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Aura Leisure Centre , O'Donnell Park ( off R250 near GAA grounds ), ☏ +353 74 910 6422 . M-F 07:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 09:00-16:00 . Gym, fitness classes and swimming pool. You can sign up or pay as you go. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Arena7 is a family entertainment complex on Ramelton Rd, R245 near the junction with the ring road. They have bowling lanes, laser arcades, party rooms, a bar and restaurant. They're open daily 14:00-21:30, so not a late spot, but their packages include passes for the town's nightclubs. So edgy and off-the-way is the Arena, it even caters for First Communion and Confirmation celebrations.
• Zoo: Tropical World at Hazelwood House near the golf course is open M-Sa 10:00-16:30, Su 13:00-16:30.
• Coral Island is a casino and amusement arcade on Ballyraine Retail Park, open daily 09:00-03:00.
• Gaelic games: Donegal GAA play football and hurling at Sean Mac Cumhaill Park in Ballybofey / Stranorlar.
• Golf: Letterkenny Golf Club is 3 km east of town on R245 at Barnhill. Blue tees 6428 yards, par 72, GUI members round €35, non-members €75.
• Go-karting: LK Activity Centre is 5 km north of town on R245 Ramelton road.
• Gartan Adventure Centre , Churchill F92 T853 ( off R251 ), ☏ +353 74 913 7032 . Outdoor education centre, with training and organised activities. Their base is on Lough Gartan towards Glebe House (see above) 20 km west of town, but activities are at various sites on land and off the coast. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Donegal International Rally is an on-road car rally over 3 days in June, based in Letterkenny but touring the county. It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021; dates and routes for 2022 are tba.

Buy [ edit ]

• Letterkenny Shopping Centre is next to the bus station.
• The Courtyard is in Market Square.
• Forte Shopping Centre is opposite the Radisson on the link road.
• For local shopping and giftware look along Main St. There are several ATMs and banks along here.
• Farmers Market and the car-boot sale is on the gap-site on Port Rd on Saturday 09:00-13:00.

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ]

• Fast food outlets include McDonald's, KFC, Domino's Pizzas and Subway. Clustered around the bus station are Four Star Pizza , Mr Chippie , Bamboo Court , Abrakebabra , Fry Dayz, Kiki's Kitchen , Apache Pizza , Four Lanterns and Burrito Loco .
• Pat's on the Square [dead link] at 9 Market Square serves pizza W-Su 17:00-21:00. They've another outlet at 84 Upper Main St.
• Friar's Rest , Glencar Shopping Centre , ☏ +353 74 912 8808 . Daily 10:00-22:00 . Good value Irish breakfasts, served till noon. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Charley's Cafe , Pearse Rd , ☏ +353 74 912 5961 . Tu-Sa 12:00-20:00 . Long-established fish and chips cafe, portions small. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.947 -7.711 1 Shapla , Port Road , ☏ +353 74 910 3625 . Daily 17:00-23:00 . Bangladeshi restaurant, uneven quality. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Tin Tai , Lower Main St , ☏ +353 74 912 1015 . Th-Su 16:30-20:30 . Thai and Chinese food, mostly good reviews. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• China Town , 24 Port Road , ☏ +353 74 912 9610 . Daily 16:30-00:00 . Food okay, delivery service unreliable. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Money Tree , 22 Upper Main Street F92 W744 , ☏ +353 74 912 1888 . Daily 16:00-23:00 . Chinese restaurant, usually reliable. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• The Quiet Moment , 94 Upper Main St F92 E792 , ☏ +353 74 912 8382 . M-Sa 08:00-18:00, Su 10:00-16:00 . Tearooms for cuppas and light bites. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Mac's Deli , High Road F92 K4WP , ☏ +353 74 912 5885 . M-Sa 08:00-18:00, Su 09:00-15:00 . Small friendly deli cafe. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.955 -7.734 2 Orchard Inn , High Road , ☏ +353 74 912 1112 . Sa Su 15:00-21:00 . Serves bar food all day, with a buffet lunch at weekdays. ( updated Aug 2021 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Brewery Bar and Restaurant , Market Square , ☏ +353 74 912 7330 . Good pub ambience and food, no booking, first come first served. It's not a brewery though. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Lemon Tree , Unit 32/34, Courtyard Shopping Centre, Lower Main Street F92 EK13 , ☏ +353 74 912 5788 . M-Sa 17:00-21:00, Su 13:00-14:30, 17:00-20:00 . A pleasant, mid-priced place to eat. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Yellow Pepper , 36 Lower Main Street F92 K125 , ☏ +353 74 912 4133 . M-F 15:00-22:00, Sa Su 13:00-22:00 . Modern Irish cuisine, mostly favourable reviews. ( updated Aug 2021 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• Nothing outstanding in town, but see Sleep for the hotel restaurants - Rathmullen House gets rave reviews.

Drink [ edit ]

• Sister Sara's , Port Road , ☏ +353 74 912 2238 . M-Th 14:00-23:00, Sa 12:00-01:30, F Su 12:00-00:00 . Pub and entertainment venue on 3 floors with food, live shows, TV sport and Saturday nightclub. ( updated Sep 2021 )
• Glencar Inn , Glencar Shopping Centre, Circular Rd , ☏ +353 74 912 9151 . Tu-Th 10:30-23:30, F Sa 10:30-00:30, Su M 12:00-00:00 . Well-run modern place with decent food. ( updated Sep 2021 )
• Tír Na nÓg , Ballymacool , ☏ +353 74 916 8883 . Out of the way in a residential area near the GAA, and remains closed in 2021. ( updated Sep 2021 )
• Central Bar , 58 Upper Main St F92 T2C5 , ☏ +353 74 912 4088 . Daily 12:00-02:20 . Comfy sports bar established 1808, with pleasant whitewashed courtyard. Occasional music gigs and nightclub. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Blake's Bar , 50 Upper Main St F92 XKN5 , ☏ +353 74 912 1616 . Daily 10:30-23:30 . A grand lively bar, founded in 1842, with TV sport, live music and beer-garden. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Cottage Bar , 49 Upper Main St F92 T9EK , ☏ +353 74 912 1338 . 24 hours . Traditional bar, built to look like an old Irish cottage, with an open turf fire. ( updated Sep 2021 )
• McGinleys Bar , 25-27 Lower Main St F92 EN8X , ☏ +353 74 912 1106 . Daily 11:00-01:00 . Atmospheric old-style pub with open turf fire and live music most nights. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Pulse , 55 Port Rd , ☏ +353 74 912 2689 . W, Sa 23:00-02:30 . Late-night entertainment venue. ( updated Sep 2021 )
• Kinnegar Brewing , Ballyraine Industrial Estate F92 R263 , ☏ +353 74 910 3890 . M-F 11:00-17:00 . Microbrewery producing a range of ales and lagers, tours available. Try the Scraggy Bay IPA. ( updated Aug 2021 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• There is no regular camping or caravan site. There's a pop-up site at St Eunan's GAA on R250 west edge of town, but it's only open for the rally in June.
• 54.955 -7.73 1 Apple Hotel ( formerly Port Hostel ), Port Road F92 NFX9 , ☏ +353 74 911 3291 . Clean well-run hostel close to town centre. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Pennsylvania House B&B , Curraghleas F92 KN12 , ☏ +353 74 912 6808 . This didn't open in 2021. B&B double €100 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Pearse Road Guesthouse , ☏ +353 74 912 3002 . This didn't open in 2021. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• McGettigan's Hotel ( formerly Gallagher's ), 100 Upper Main St F92 NFX9 , ☏ +353 74 912 2066 . Glass-fronted place at the top of Main St, friendly and efficient. It's partnered with Clanree and shares facilities. B&B double €80 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Clanree Hotel . This was closed in 2021. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Dillon's Hotel , 29-43 Upper Main St F92 F9DX , ☏ +353 74 912 2977 . Slick welcoming central hotel with popular bar and grill. B&B double €90 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Station House Hotel , Lower Main St F92 ERV1 , ☏ +353 74 912 3100 . Modern comfy central hotel. B&B double €90 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• Radisson Blu Hotel , Paddy Harte Rd F92 FK15 ( in retail park ), ☏ +353 74 919 4444 . Modern central place with pool. No air con so rooms were stuffy in the heatwave of July 2021. Food is so-so. B&B double €110 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.95 -7.714 2 Mount Errigal Hotel , Ramelton Rd F92 FKX6 , ☏ +353 74 912 2700 . Clean modern place with 139 rooms, some older, and those at the front get traffic noise. With pool. B&B double €85 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.987 -7.648 3 Castle Grove Hotel , Ramelton Rd, Ballymaleel F92 A462 , ☏ +353 74 915 1118 . Grand Georgian mansion on lakeside with top scores for comfort, service and cuisine. B&B double from €180 . ( updated Aug 2021 )
• See Fanad Peninsula for Frewin House and Rathmullan House .

Connect [ edit ]

As of Aug 2021, Letterkenny has 5G from Eir and Three, and 4G from Vodafone.

Go next [ edit ]

• The Ulster American Folk Park on the road to Omagh depicts the Irish emigrant experience in this region.
• Donegal Town 's abbey and castle won't take you long, but nearby are fine Atlantic beaches such as Rossnowlagh.
• Arranmore and Tory Island have ferries and accommodation.
• Derry is a fascinating walled city.

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Explore Letterkenny

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Essential Letterkenny

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• Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny
• Dillons Hotel
• Mount Errigal Hotel
• Castle Grove Country House Hotel
• Station House Hotel Letterkenny
• The Lemon Tree
• Yellow Pepper
• The Brewery Bar and Restaurant
• Silver Tassie Bar & Restaurant
• McGettigan's Pub Clanree Hotel Letterkenny
• Glenveagh Castle
• Mount Errigal
• Tropical World
• Glebe House and Gallery
• McGinleys Bar
• DAY TOUR: Highlights of Derry and Donegal
• 7 Arches Kayak Tour
• DONEGAL DAY TOUR: Coast and Castles
• Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour
• eBiking Glenveagh National Park. Donegal. Self guided. 3 hours.

Top Things to Do in Letterkenny, Ireland - Letterkenny Must-See Attractions

Things to do in letterkenny, explore popular experiences, tours in and around letterkenny.

7 Arches Kayak Tour

• DAY TOUR: Highlights of Derry and Donegal

Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

• Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour

DONEGAL DAY TOUR: Coast and Castles

DAY TOUR: Highlights Of South Donegal

Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

Bog Safari Hike

A Walk Through Time in Fort Dunree

Walking Tour Buncrana

Private sightseeing tours.

Top Attractions in Letterkenny

Other Top Attractions around Letterkenny

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What travellers are saying.

• Glenveagh Castle
• Tropical World
• Mount Errigal
• Glebe House and Gallery
• Newmills Corn and Flax Mill
• Ballymacool Town Park
• Ballyarr Wood
• Cluain na dTor
• Christian Tour of East Donegal
• Donegal Tours
• Arena 7 Entertainment Complex

Top Things to Do in Letterkenny, Ireland

Places to visit in letterkenny, explore popular experiences, tours in and around letterkenny.

7 Arches Kayak Tour

• DAY TOUR: Highlights of Derry and Donegal

Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

• Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour

DONEGAL DAY TOUR: Coast and Castles

DAY TOUR: Highlights Of South Donegal

Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

Bog Safari Hike

A Walk Through Time in Fort Dunree

Walking Tour Buncrana

Private sightseeing tours.

Top Attractions in Letterkenny

Other Top Attractions around Letterkenny

Tours & Sightseeing

Cultural & Theme Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Glenveagh Castle
• Tropical World
• Mount Errigal
• Glebe House and Gallery
• Newmills Corn and Flax Mill
• Ballymacool Town Park
• Ballyarr Wood
• Cluain na dTor
• Christian Tour of East Donegal
• Donegal Tours
• Arena 7 Entertainment Complex

Letterkenny

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Letterkenny is located at the mouth of the deep and lovely Lough Swilly . The town grew in the 17th century from a small fishing village to a prosperous centre of commerce. It is now the principal town in Donegal and the Ecclesiastical Seat for the Diocese of Raphoe.

Check out Speer's Lane, at the corner of Upper Main Street - this was the site of two Rabble Days held annually in May and November. These were hiring days when children between the ages of 11 ands 16 were sold for periods of 6 months to wealthy farmers of the Lagan Valley.

St. Eunan's Cathedral dominates the skyline on all approaches to the town and at night, the warm floodlit and graceful spire is a welcoming sight. When the Cathedral at Raphoe passed to the Church of Ireland after the Reformation, the Catholic Bishop had no permanent seat until the Letterkenny cathedral was opened and dedicated to St. Eunan and Columba in 1901. The design is inspirational and it is well worth a visit to savour the atmosphere and the art of this fine building.

Surely a definite inclusion within your visit to this area of County Donegal must be the Glenveagh National Park . 15 miles northwest of Letterkenny, lies 16,500 hectares of mountains, lakes and woodland. The Scottish style castle and the spectacular gardens which surround it contrast magically with the rugged landscape. A herd of red deer was introduced into the Park in the late 19th century by the wife of the landlord at the time. John Adair, the landlord, was notorious after he evicted 240 tenant farmers from his land, immediately after the Great Famine. This and more of the history of the Park is explained by an audio visual display in the informative Visitor Centre while morning and afternoon teas are served in the adjoining tearooms.

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Things to Do in Letterkenny, Ireland 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Letterkenny, a vibrant town nestled in County Donegal, Ireland, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and lively culture, Letterkenny offers a plethora of activities for every kind of traveler. From the towering spire of the Gothic-style St. Eunan’s Cathedral to the bustling Main Street, touted as the longest in Ireland, there’s no shortage of things to do in Letterkenny, Ireland.

Table of Contents

Popular Tourist Attractions in Letterkenny

Tropical world.

Tropical World is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. This zoo offers an immersive experience into the world of exotic flora and fauna. With over 1,000 species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and more, it’s a vibrant splash of color and life that’s sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

St. Eunan’s Cathedral

St. Eunan’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, is a testament to Letterkenny’s rich religious history. The towering spire and intricate stained glass windows are a sight to behold. The cathedral’s serene ambiance offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling town.

An Grianan Theatre

For the culture vultures, An Grianan Theatre is a must-visit. This performing arts theater hosts a variety of shows, from local productions to touring performances. The theater’s intimate setting ensures every seat is the best in the house.

Glenveagh Castle

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle is a majestic sight. The castle and its surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past. The castle’s history and the breathtaking views of the park make it a must-visit.

Top Things to Do in Letterkenny

Visit the donegal county museum.

The Donegal County Museum, housed in a 19th-century workhouse building, offers a deep dive into the local history of Letterkenny and Donegal County. The museum’s exhibits offer a fascinating insight into the area’s past, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Explore Main Street Letterkenny

Main Street Letterkenny, said to be the longest in Ireland, is a bustling hub of activity. With a variety of shops, cafes, and pubs, it’s the perfect place to soak in the local culture. Don’t forget to check out the local boutiques for unique souvenirs.

Discover Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park, home to the stunning Glenveagh Castle, is a nature lover’s paradise. The park’s rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife offer endless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Visit Newmills Corn and Flax Mills

The Newmills Corn and Flax Mills offer a unique glimpse into Ireland’s industrial heritage. The mills, powered by the River Swilly, are still operational and offer a fascinating insight into traditional milling techniques.

Must-See Places in Letterkenny

Lough swilly.

Lough Swilly, a glacial fjord or sea inlet, is a natural wonder that’s a must-visit. The lough’s serene waters and surrounding landscapes offer stunning views, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic or a boat ride.

Letterkenny Town Park

Letterkenny Town Park, with its well-maintained gardens and walking paths, is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. The park also hosts various events throughout the year, adding to its charm.

Fanad Peninsula

The Fanad Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and stunningbeaches, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The peninsula is also home to the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse, a must-visit for its panoramic views.

Oakfield Park

Oakfield Park is a beautifully restored 18th Century Georgian Deanery, boasting 100 acres of lush landscapes, sparkling lakes, and themed gardens. The park also features a narrow gauge railway, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Best Places to Visit in Letterkenny for First-Time Visitors

Arena 7 entertainment complex.

For those looking for a fun-filled day, the Arena 7 Entertainment Complex is the place to be. With a variety of activities like bowling, laser quest, and pool, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Glebe House and Gallery

Art enthusiasts should not miss the Glebe House and Gallery. Once the home of renowned artist Derek Hill, the house now displays a collection of his works along with other contemporary Irish art.

Grianan Aileach Ring Fort

The Grianan Aileach Ring Fort, perched atop Greenan Mountain, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The fort’s ancient stone structure and its rich history make it a must-visit.

Letterkenny Golf Club

For golf enthusiasts, the Letterkenny Golf Club offers a challenging course with stunning views. The club’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place for both seasoned golfers and beginners.

Best Places to Visit in Letterkenny for Families

Lurgybrack open farm.

Lurgybrack Open Farm is a fantastic family-friendly destination. With a variety of animals to see and feed, and a playground for the little ones, it’s a day of fun guaranteed for the whole family.

Creggan Country Park

Creggan Country Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family. From canoeing and fishing to nature walks, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun.

City Sightseeing Derry Londonderry Hop on Hop off Tour

The City Sightseeing Derry Londonderry Hop on Hop off Tour is a great way for families to explore the area. The tour covers various attractions, and you can hop on and off at your leisure, making it a convenient and fun way to see the sights.

Locknload Adventure Park

For families seeking some adrenaline-pumping fun, Locknload Adventure Park is a must-visit. With activities like paintball and airsoft, it’s a day of thrilling fun guaranteed.

Best Places to Visit in Letterkenny for Couples

Letterkenny Town Park, with its tranquil setting and beautiful landscapes, is a perfect spot for a romantic stroll. The park’s serene ambiance makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

A visit to Glenveagh Castle is a must for couples. The castle’s romantic setting, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking a serene lake, makes it a perfect spot for a romantic outing.

A drive along the ruggedly beautiful Fanad Peninsula is a must for couples. The breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse make for a romantic and memorable experience.

For a cultured evening out, couples can head to An Grianan Theatre. The theatre’s diverse lineup of shows ensures there’s something for every taste.

Best Places to Visit in Letterkenny on a Budget

Donegal county museum.

The Donegal County Museum, with its fascinating exhibits on local history, is a budget-friendly attraction. The museum’s free entry ensures you can delve into Letterkenny’s past without breaking the bank.

Glenveagh National ParkGlenveagh National Park, with its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, is a budget-friendly destination. The park’s free entry allows you to explore its beauty without worrying about the cost.

Letterkenny Town Park, with its well-maintained gardens and walking paths, is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The park’s free entry makes it a budget-friendly option.

Main Street Letterkenny

Main Street Letterkenny, with its variety of shops and cafes, is a great place to soak in the local culture without spending a fortune. Window shopping and people watching are free!

Best Day Trips from Letterkenny

Glenveagh national park.

A day trip to Glenveagh National Park is a must when in Letterkenny. The park’s stunning landscapes and the majestic Glenveagh Castle make it a perfect day trip destination.

The Fanad Peninsula, with its rugged cliffs and stunning beaches, is a great day trip destination. The iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse and the breathtaking views of the Atlantic make it worth the trip.

A short drive from Letterkenny, Derry is a city rich in history and culture. From the historic city walls to the Peace Bridge, there’s plenty to explore in this vibrant city.

Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point, is a great day trip destination. The stunning coastal landscapes and the rich birdlife make it a must-visit.

Hidden Gems in Letterkenny

Newmills corn and flax mills.

The Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, with their operational waterwheel powered by the River Swilly, offer a unique glimpse into Ireland’s industrial heritage. This hidden gem is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Oakfield Park, with its beautifully restored Georgian Deanery and themed gardens, is a hidden gem. The park’s narrow gauge railway adds to its charm.

Lough Swilly, a glacial fjord or sea inlet, is a hidden gem. The lough’s serene waters and surrounding landscapes offer stunning views, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic or a boat ride.

The Grianan Aileach Ring Fort, perched atop Greenan Mountain, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This hidden gem’s ancient stone structure and rich history make it a must-visit.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in Letterkenny

For those looking for a less touristy experience, the Letterkenny Golf Club offers a challenging course with stunning views. The club’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place for both seasoned golfers and beginners.

Lurgybrack Open Farm is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path destination. With a variety of animals to see and feed, and a playground for the little ones, it’s a day of fun guaranteed for the whole family.

For those seeking some adrenaline-pumping fun, Locknload Adventure Park is a must-visit. With activities like paintball and airsoft, it’s a day of thrilling fun guaranteed.

Best Places to Eat in Letterkenny

Letterkenny’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its culture. From traditional Irish pubs to modern cafes, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss thelocal seafood, and be sure to try some of the region’s craft beers.

Must-See Sporting Teams in Letterkenny

For sports enthusiasts, a visit to a local Gaelic football or hurling match is a must. The Letterkenny Gaels and St Eunan’s are the town’s local Gaelic Athletic Association clubs, offering a chance to experience these uniquely Irish sports.

Night-Life in Letterkenny

As the sun sets, Letterkenny comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. From traditional Irish pubs with live music to modern nightclubs, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a pint of Guinness while listening to some live traditional Irish music.

In conclusion, Letterkenny, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking for a fun-filled vacation, Letterkenny has something for you. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all the things to do in Letterkenny, Ireland.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Letterkenny today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions in letterkenny.

There are numerous attractions in Letterkenny that cater to a variety of interests. Some of the top attractions include:

This is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience into the world of exotic flora and fauna.

A stunning example of Gothic architecture, it’s a testament to Letterkenny’s rich religious history.

A must-visit for culture enthusiasts, this performing arts theater hosts a variety of shows.

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Glenveagh National Park, the castle and its surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past.

What are some family-friendly activities in Letterkenny?

Letterkenny offers a range of family-friendly activities. Some of the top picks include:

A fantastic family-friendly destination with a variety of animals to see and feed, and a playground for the little ones.

Offers a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family, from canoeing and fishing to nature walks.

A great way for families to explore the area, covering various attractions.

For families seeking some adrenaline-pumping fun, with activities like paintball and airsoft.

What are some romantic activities for couples in Letterkenny?

Letterkenny offers a range of activities perfect for a romantic outing. Some of the top picks include:

With its tranquil setting and beautiful landscapes, it’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

The castle’s romantic setting, surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking a serene lake, makes it a perfect spot for a romantic outing.

What are some budget-friendly activities in Letterkenny?

Letterkenny offers a range of budget-friendly activities. Some of the top picks include:

With its fascinating exhibits on local history, it’s a budget-friendly attraction. The museum’s free entry ensures you can delve into Letterkenny’s past without breaking the bank.

With its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, it’s a budget-friendly destination. The park’s free entry allows you to explore its beauty without worrying about the cost.

With its well-maintained gardens and walking paths, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The park’s free entry makes it a budget-friendly option.

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Historic market town in County Donegal

Letterkenny is the main town of County Donegal, so plan to stop by if you’re in the area. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Donegal, the town offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history and warm hospitality.

As the main centre of the region, Letterkenny is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene as well as its great nights out. You’ll also find plenty of traditional Irish pubs and cosy eateries to try here.

The history of Letterkenny goes back centuries as it was officially a market town in the 1600s. Make sure to wander along its high street to find charming boutiques selling Irish crafts and handmade goods.

The town’s jewel is the St. Eunan’s Cathedral that you’re sure to spot with its distinct tall spire. Letterkenny was even nicknamed “Cathedral Town” thanks to the importance of St. Eunan’s.

Another highlight to visit while you’re in town is the Donegal County Museum. Here you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating history. The gallery features artefacts for a comprehensive look at the local heritage.

Nearby, you won’t want to miss the grandeur of Glenveagh. Only a short drive away from Letterkenny, this national park is a haven for nature lovers.

Tours including Letterkenny

You could experience Letterkenny through any one of these tours below.

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Letterkenny

The town is the largest in Donegal with a population nearing 20,000 it is known as the Cathedral Town as it is the only town in Donegal to have a Cathedral, which is called St Eunan’s Cathedral .

The town  began as a  market town at the begging of the 17th century and is still to this day the economic centre of the county with many multinational businesses and the main retail spot in Donegal. It is home to the Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT). In the town, there are many activities to take part in including a theatre, multi-screen cinema, museum, sports complex and much more.

If you’re in search of holiday accommodation in Letterkenny, take the opportunity to explore all the available local options in the area. To find the best choices, click the ‘Accommodation’ button below. This will lead you to a selection of places to stay, allowing you to make your holiday in Letterkenny a fantastic and memorable one!

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However, by using this link, you are supporting us as we may receive a small commission. Your support means the world to us! Thank you for choosing Inish View and happy travels!

Accommodation

You will find plenty of activities and sights in and around the town (Click on the links below for more details):-

Aura Leisure Letterkenny

Century cinemas and century play.

• Arena 7 Entertainment Complex
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Donegal County Museum

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The Mount Errigal Hotel – Letterkenny

The Radisson Blu Hotel – Letterkenny

Dillons Hotel – Letterkenny

The Station House Hotel – Letterkenny

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Beltany Stone Circle

Oakfield Park

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Malin Head Tour

Inshowsin tour, letterkenny tour, take a look at tour video.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean.

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Man charged over Donegal driving incident that left pedestrian critically injured

Kevin grant (36) faces eight charges arising out of alleged hit-and-run in early hours of sunday morning.

Gardaí said the pedestrian (60s) remains in a critical condition. Photograph: Collins Photos

A man has appeared in court in Co Donegal after a pedestrian was critically injured in an alleged hit-and-run incident.

Kevin Grant appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Monday evening.

Mr Grant (36) faces a total of eight charges arising out of the incident.

They include endangerment, two counts of dangerous driving, refusing to give information, refusing to give a sample and three charges under the Road Traffic Act connected with an alleged hit-and-run incident.

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His appearance follows an incident on Main Street in Clonmany in the early hours of Sunday morning last at 12.12am.

The incident resulted in a pedestrian aged in his 60s being seriously injured on the street after he was struck by a vehicle.

The court was told that full CCTV footage of the alleged incident had been taken from a number of premises in the immediate area.

The man was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital but was soon transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that the man remains in a critical condition.

In a follow-up operation, Mr Grant, of Páirc Mór, Buncrana, was arrested in Buncrana and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Donegal Division.

At Monday’s special sitting, Det Gda Sergeant Killian Callaghan said gardaí were objecting to bail in the case on a number of grounds.

He gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of Mr Grant and told the court that the accused made no reply when charged with the offences at 4.42pm on Monday at Buncrana Garda Station.

Frank Dorrian, solicitor for the accused man, outlined why he was objecting to bail being refused to his client.

Having considered both applications, Judge Ciaran Liddy said he was granting bail to the accused but under a number of conditions.

The court heard that the accused is currently working for a construction company in Dublin.

The conditions include that he sign on at Buncrana Garda Station on Saturdays and Sundays, provide a €750 cash lodgement, provide a phone number and be of sober habits.

Judge Liddy remanded the accused on bail to Letterkenny District Court this Thursday, May 16th.

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