Page 222 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

220 BACK ROADS IRELAND

Above Killybegs’ busy fishing harbour Above
centre Stone-fronted pub in Donegal Town r Slieve League (Sliabh centre has the longest hand-knitting
Above right Rossnowlagh’s wide sandy Liag) loom in the world. There are
beach, popular with families and surfers Bunglas; Co Donegal demonstrations of the town’s
At 600 m (2,000 ft) high, the cliffs hand-knotted carpet industry,
at Slieve League are among the famous since Donegal Carpets was
highest sea cliffs in Europe. It is established in Killybegs in 1898.
possible to walk to their summit, The company’s carpets grace some
but the walking trail, One Man’s of the world’s finest houses, from
VISITING DONEGAL TOWN
Pass, has several narrow ledges and Dublin Castle to the White House.
Parking sheer drops and is only suitable for ª Continue along the N56 to
Park on the street near the castle. extremely experienced hikers. The Donegal Town and park on the street
Tourist Information full 4½-hour walk has far-reaching near the castle in the centre.
The Quay, Donegal Town; 074 972 views, including to the beautiful
1148; www.govisitdonegal.com crescent-shaped strand at Malin y Donegal Town
Beg. Perhaps the best way to view Co Donegal
WHERE TO STAY the cliffs is to take a boat trip, The county town of Donegal is a
departing from Teelin pier. good base for exploring the
AROUND KILLYBEGS ª Rejoin the R263 and follow signs southern part of the county. Its
Castle Murray House Hotel for Killybegs and Donegal Town. name means “Fort of the Foreigners”,
moderate possibly after the Vikings, who built
Situated on a narrow headland jutting t Killybegs a garrison here in the 9th century.
into McSwynes Bay, 8 km (5 miles) east Co Donegal Its main sight is Donegal Castle
of Killybegs, with views over the bay
and the hills. Its French-Irish restaurant A major fishing port, Killybegs (Easter–mid-Sep: daily; mid-Sep–early
specializes in seafood and has a live harbour is always packed with Apr: Thur–Mon), built on a loop in
lobster tank. A romantic treat. trawlers. It is also home to the the River Eske in the town centre.
St John’s Point, Dunkineely; 074 973 Maritime and Heritage Centre (open Restored in the 1990s, it was
7022; www.castlemurray.com
Mon to Fri; daily Jul–Aug), which tells originally the seat of the O’Donnell
AROUND DONEGAL TOWN the story of the area’s history. The clan, rulers of Donegal until 1607
Harvey’s Point expensive
A country hotel on the shores of Below The soaring cliffs of Slieve League, among the highest in Europe
Lough Eske, this is a peaceful haven
a few kilometres north of Donegal
Town. Rooms are huge and luxurious,
with king-size beds and Italian
marble bathrooms.
Lough Eske, Donegal Town; 074 972
2208; www.harveyspoint.com
ROSSNOWLAGH
The Sandhouse Hotel expensive
Imposing hotel on the waterfront.
Watch the sunset from the deck, fall
asleep to the gentle sounds of the
Atlantic rolling, and in the morning
take in sea views from the hotel’s
drawing room or outdoor terrace.
Rossnowlagh, 071 985 1777;
www.sandhouse.ie
Where to Stay: inexpensive under €100; moderate €100–€200; expensive over €200

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