Page 220 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

218 BACK ROADS IRELAND

ª Drive back to Gweedore, but carry
on along the N56 to Crolly, then turn
right onto the R259 to Annagry
(signposted Donegal Airport).
q The Rosses (Na Rosa)
Co Donegal
This Irish-speaking region is a pretty,
hilly corner of Donegal, with a
hinterland full of small lake-filled
valleys and a jagged coast with
sandy coves. Almost every brown
sign for a Trá (beach) leads to an
idyllic stretch of sand, very often
deserted. Many well-known
musicians have roots in the area,
including the popular Irish music
group Clannad and the singer Enya.
The famous Irish country singer
Daniel O’Donnell is from the small
village of Kincasslagh (Cionn
Caslach). From the village, follow the
Above Isolated cottage near Burtonport in signs for the airport and head for
The Rosses Above top right Grassy 0 Dunlewey (Dún Lúiche) the car park behind the airport; from
landscape around the village of Ardara, the Dunlewey, Co Donegal here a short walk leads to a lovely
start of the Glengesh Pass Above right Low The 30-m (100-ft) high round tower beach backed by dunes.
tide exposes the mudflats at The Rosses of the Church of the Sacred Heart – a Just offshore, joined to the
19th-century take on early Christian mainland by bridge, is scenic Cruit
forms – signals the approach to Island (An Chruit), which has one of
Dunlewey, set on the shores of the most scenic links golf courses in
Lough Dunlewey under Donegal’s the country. To get to the island, turn
highest mountain, Mount Errigal. right just after Kincasslagh’s Viking
The various attractions of Dunlewey House Hotel. Drive to the end of the
VISITING ARAN ISLAND Lakeside Centre (Ionad Cois Locha), island to take in the outstanding
(open daily) include a recreated 19th- views on all sides.
Ferries make the 15-minute crossing century weaver’s cottage, a small Ferries for nearby Aran Island
from Burtonport to Aran (Arranmore) farm with animals to pet, and boat (Árainn Mhór), a large, populated
Island frequently in Jun, Jul and Aug.
Arranmore Fast Ferry; (087) 317 1810; trips on the lake. There is also a crafts island, leave from Burtonport (Ailt an
www.arranmorefastferry.com shop, which sells Donegal Tweed. Chorráin), a small fishing port which
was once one of the most important
Below The spectacular Glengesh Pass between ports in the country and has a couple
WHERE TO STAY Glengesh Hill and Common Mountain of excellent seafood restaurants.
DUNLEWEY
Errigal Youth Hostel inexpensive
This hostel enjoys a spectacular
location at the foot of Mount Errigal
in Dunlewey. It’s an ideal base for
exploring Glenveagh National Park
or Mount Errigal itself.
Dunlewey; 074 953 1180;
www.anoige.ie
THE ROSSES
Donegal Thatched Cottages
inexpensive–moderate
A selection of attractive cottages on
Cruit Island, set in the midst of some
of the most breathtaking scenery
in Donegal.
Cruit Island, Kincasslagh; 071 9177197;
www.donegalthatchedcottages.com

Where to Stay: inexpensive under €100; moderate €100–€200; expensive over €200

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