Things to Do

The town of Glen is situated close to Carrigart on the Rosguill Peninsula. Rosguill projects out into the Atlantic between Sheephaven and Mulroy Bay and offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Ireland.

The area boasts a wide range of water based activities suitable for all the family. Downings is a lovely fishing village where you can charter boats for coastal sightseeing or deep sea fishing. Alternatively there is sailing, windsurfing and other watersports on many of the surrounding glorious beaches. The Mevagh Dive Centre is located in Carrigart and the remarkable Marble Hill Beach (Blue Flag Beach) is less than half an hours drive. At Gartan Outdoor Education Centre you can enjoy the superb water activities on Lough Gartan or treat yourself to one of their many exciting shore courses. You could also visit some of the many offshore islands such as Tory, Arranmore or Gola from harbours in west Donegal.

There's plenty of walking in the hills around Harry's and Peter's Houses but for the more energetic Glenveagh National Park with its castle, world famous gardens, trout fishing and endless hill and mountain treks is only a 20 minute drive away. Dunlewey offers spectacular walking opportunities for the more experienced walkers and exciting activities for the kids at the Dunlewey Lake Centre (Ionad Cois Locha). Donegal's highest peak, Mount Errigal, is a short steep walk with excellent views across many of the peninsulas and bays. For more leisurely walking Ards Forest Park offers excellent walking and a children's play area near the beach.

For golfing enthuasists there are a number of excellent championship courses nearby - Portsalon, Dunfanaghy, Rosapenna and St. Patrick's Golf Links. Click here for more information on Donegal Golf Courses.

In nearby Dunfanaghy why not experience the fresh Donegal breeze as you gallop across Dunfanaghy beach (horse riding offered through Arnold's Hotel). At Ashtree Stables in nearby Cranford you'll enjoy the magnificient views across Mulroy Bay and in Carrigart Riding Stables you can trek across beaches and down forest trails. See www.northwestireland.ie for more information on equestrian activities.

For rainy days Letterkenny is Donegal's largest town and has a wide variety of activities for all ages. See www.letterkennyguide.com for more details. Or discover the historic Derry City founded in the 6th century by St. Columcille. Walk its famous walls, explore its cathdedrals, museums and heritage centres, or delight in the hustle and bustle of the Foyleside Shopping Centre, Northern Ireland's largest indoor shopping area. For more information see www.derryvisitor.com.

Donegal has a fascinating array of historical and archaelogical sites to visit and a number of excellent interpretative centres. The Dunfanaghy Workhouse (12km) has an interpretative centre that recounts the horrific suffering by inmates during the Great Famine. Check out www.donegaldirect.ie for more information on other activities and upcoming events in the area.

Whatever your choice of activity staying at Irish Cottages Donegal can offer you a wonderful and memorable hoilday.