Donegal Town Tour

Like all towns and villages in the Northwest of Ireland, Donegal Town has its own unique story to tell and our guided town walk is perfect for those making their first visit to Donegal or those who have only a little time to spare and want to experience everything this town has to offer. Perhaps, along the way discover places of interest that you can explore further on your own or take time for a tour of Donegal castle, a trip around Donegal Bay on the Waterbus or a visit to the Railway Heritage Centre.

On this walking tour find out which of the four churches, all established around the mid to late 1800s, is a replacement and on whose original site now stands one of the town's most modern developments.

Donegal Castle was once the stronghold of the O'Donnells and it was from here that Sir Basil Brooke designed the present day layout of the town centre in keeping with the terms of his lease when he was granted the castle after the Flight of the Earls around 1610. Why is the circular centre laid out in a triangle known as 'The Diamond'?

The obelisk in the town centre commemorates the authors of The Annals of the Four Masters one of the principal Irish language sources for Gaelic history up to 1616. Partly assembled at Donegal Abbey, home of the Franciscan Friars, hear about it's tumultuous history which has left nothing but the ruins that today stand guard overlooking Donegal Bay.

Other features of the tour include a stroll by the Magee Factory, around Milltown passing the revamped Donegal Railway Station and through one oldest residential areas before returning to the Diamond via Boyce Bridge.

For those who wish to enhance their sense of discovery with local knowledge a guided walking tour is ideal. The walk takes approximately one hour to complete along a wheelchair friendly route and suits most walking abilities and levels.