Activities in Letterkenny
There is no better touring base for exploring the rugged and un-spoiled
scenery of the North Atlantic coast of County Donegal than Letterkenny.
Letterkenny
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St Eunan’s Cathedral at night. |
Letterkenny roundabout |
The highlight of the town is of course its neo-Gothic cathedral,
which sits on an elevated site in the heart of the town, and whose 212ft
spire dominates the skyline from all approaches to the town, especially
as it is lit up every night. Moreover, the Cathedral sits at the top of
Church Street, the same street as your accommodation! The County Museum,
the Old Courthouse, St Eunan’s College, and the 17th Century Conwall
Parish Church are all well worth a visit. Also, 1998 saw the opening of
the An Grianan Theatre, which since then has offered a wonderful
selection of music, dance, comedy and drama, performed by both local and
international talent (Box Office tel: 074 20777). The town also has its
own six-screen cinema, and leisure centre with public access to swimming
pool and tennis courts.
Festivals and Events
Being Donegal’s principal town, there is no shortage of events
in Letterkenny. In March of course, there is the St Patrick’s day
parade. In June is the Donegal Rally, in July is the Earagail Arts Festival,
and in August falls the renowned Letterkenny Folk Festival which attracts
traditional and folk musicians from all over Ireland and beyond.
Scenic Drives
There are many wonderful options, with the Fanad Peninsula, Inishowen
Peninsula, and the West Coast of the county each offering truly scenic
drives. Each route has its own unique landscape and charm, with many historical
sights of interest to be viewed on the way.
Golf Courses
The County has an abundance of golf courses, with the Letterkenny Golf
Club only a 5 minute drive from the centre of town. Letterkenny Golf
Club has a beautiful 18 hole parkland course situated on the shores
of Lough Swilly. Its undulating layout affords the golfer and visitor
a panoramic view of the lough side and the picturesque wooded countryside.
The fairways are bordered by mature trees and the courses is open all
year round. (Tel: 074 21150).
Glenveagh National Park
This is one of Donegal’s star attractions, and is located only 24
Kilometres from Letterkenny. The Park contains 14,000 hectares of mountain,
raised bogland, lakes and woodlands, and is famous for its red deer. The
park is situated between Donegal’s two highest mountains, Errigal
and Muckish, and is home to a splendid 19th-centruy neo-Gothic style castle
and magnificent gardens. Activities include day hiking, fishing, exploring
the Glenveagh Castle and grounds, and watching the largest herd of red
deer in Western Europe. (tel: 074 37090).
Beaches
Letterkenny has easy access to all the beaches in North West Donegal,
Rathmullan beach being only 15Km, and 30Km from the renowned Ballymastocker
Bay in Portsalon. This 5 Km stretch of golden sand has an EU
Blue Flag and was once voted the “Second Most Beautiful Beach in
the World” by the Observer Magazine.
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