Page 217 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 21: Dramatic Donegal 215

Above Errigal Mountain, the highest in Donegal, marks the western end of Glenveagh National Park
EAT AND DRINK
mountain in Donegal, overlooks DUNFANAGHY
the park to the west. The Visitor The Rock of Doon Muck and Muffins inexpensive
Centre (open Jan–Oct) supplies A right turn off the R255 to Termon Watch pottery being made in the clay
information, maps, and tickets for from Glenveagh leads to Garton and pottery studio and then tuck into
and the Rock of Doon (Carraig a
the shuttle bus to the castle (every Duin), where chieftains of Donegal’s cake and coffee or a glass of wine in
15 minutes) for guided tours of the leading clan, the O’Donnells, were this café and wine bar in the centre
late-Victorian interior, walks in inaugurated from 1200 until 1603. of Dunfanaghy.
The Square, 074 913 6780
the gardens – particularly notable A path leads up to the rock from a
for their rhododendrons from March small car park, next to which is the AROUND DUNFANAGHY
to May – tea rooms, and nature trail Well of Doon, one of Ireland’s The Cove moderate
many healing wells. Another path
leading to a viewpoint over Lough leads to the Mass Rocks, where This cosy, family-run restaurant
Veagh. It is also possible to walk the Catholics held Mass in secret after overlooking Sheephaven Bay at
7 km (4 miles) to the castle. the introduction of anti-Catholic Rockhill, a couple of kilometres (miles)
east of Dunfanaghy (from Dunfanaghy,
Regular guided walks are offered penal laws in 1691. take the N56 in the direction of
by park rangers and there are serious Letterkenny), serves contemporary
walking trails for experienced hikers. Irish cuisine with an emphasis on
ª Leaving Glenveagh Visitor Centre, 5 Ards Forest Park fresh seafood.
turn right onto the R251 and take Creeslough, Co Donegal Rockhill, Port na Blagh; 074 913 6300
the second left onto the R255 With woodlands, lakes, rivers, bogs
towards Termon. Turn left at the N56 and good sandy beaches, this forest Below Heather-strewn hills around the Rock
for Creeslough and Dunfanaghy. In park offers signposted hiking trails, of Doon, beyond Glenveagh National Park
Creeslough, turn right at the sign 3–13 km (2–8 miles) in length. Points
for Doe Castle, 3 km (2 miles) off of interest include megalithic tombs
the main road. and four Iron Age ring forts.
ª Rejoin the N56 and continue north
4 Doe Castle to Dunfanaghy.
Creeslough,Co Donegal
Sixteenth-century Doe Castle 6 Dunfanaghy
(open daily) is worth seeing for its Co Donegal
lovely setting on a promontory on The gateway to the Horn Head
Sheephaven Bay, with sea on three Peninsula, this attractive holiday
sides. It was originally the seat of the resort has a fine 18-hole links golf
MacSweeneys, a family of Scottish course. Its other attraction is The
mercenaries who were outlawed in Workhouse (open Apr–Oct: daily; Nov–
1691. Occupied until 1909, it is now Mar: Mon–Wed), once the last refuge
run by the state. It is also a venue for of the desperate poor and now a
traditional music and other events. heritage centre documenting life in
ª Drive back along the same road to the area during the Great Famine.
the N56 and continue north, turning ª Follow Horn Head signs out of town
right at the sign for Ards Forest Park. for the scenic drive, and park at Horn
Park in the marked car park. Head Bridge for walk to Tramore Beach.

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