Page 223 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 21: Dramatic Donegal 221

when they fled Ireland for Spain in
the misguided hope of rallying
Catholic support against the English.
The castle was granted to Sir Basil
Brooke, an English captain, who
remodelled it in the Jacobean style,
retaining the original tower. Guided
tours of the castle reveal interiors
representative of these two eras.
Brooke also laid out the town’s
market square, known as the
Diamond. An obelisk in the centre
commemorates four Franciscan Above Teelin Bay, departure point for boat
monks from Donegal Abbey who Lough Derg trips around Slieve League
wrote the Annals of the Four Masters Thirty-three kilometres (20 miles)
(1630s), a history of Gaelic people southeast of Donegal, Lough Derg
from 40 days before the Great Flood is the site of an annual pilgrimage SHOPPING IN KILLYBEGS
until the end of the 16th century. The known as St Patrick’s Purgatory,
ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (1474) marking the 40 days St Patrick spent Donegal Carpets, next to the
in prayer here, trying to rid Ireland
– a few cloister arches and Gothic of evil spirits. Between June and Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre
windows – lie on the mouth of the August thousands of pilgrims (074 9741944; www.visitkillybegs.com),
River Eske. descend on Station Island for a produces world-famous hand-knotted
rugs, many of which grace stately
ª From Donegal Town, follow the three-day fast and 24-hour vigil. homes across the world. There is also
signs for Sligo, turning right onto Only pilgrims can attend, but it is a crafts shop at the centre.
the N15. At Ballintra, turn right atmospheric to go to the jetty and
view the basilica from the shore.
onto the R231 for Rossnowlagh. There is also an exhibition in the EAT AND DRINK
visitor centre on the lakeshore. ROSSNOWLAGH
Smugglers Creek moderate
u Rossnowlagh Tuck into bar food or dine in style in
the restaurant (Fri–Sun only) at this
Co Donegal cosy, lively pub near Rossnowlagh.
The main attraction here is the long Accommodation is also available.
sandy beach. There is a surf school Rossnowlagh; 071 985 2366;
and a surf club, and the gently www.smugglerscreekinn.com
sloping beach offers suitable AROUND ROSSNOWLAGH
conditions for beginners, as well as Creevy Pier Hotel moderate
good swimming. Another attraction Remote location 5 km (3 miles) south
is the Sandhouse Hotel on the of Rossnowlagh on the R231, with
seafront. Dating from the 1830s, it is superb views of Donegal Bay. Seafood
is a speciality and you can either dine
a nice spot for afternoon tea. in the restaurant or eat in the bar.
Above Lake in the craggy, boulder-strewn ª Return via the R231 to the main Kildoney Glebe, Ballyshannon; 071 985
mountains around Slieve League N15 to Sligo. 8355; www.creevy.ie
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Get there on the N56, turning off onto Clifftop walks and winter woollies
If time is short, three places are the R255 before Termon. Starting from Donegal, head to the
relatively easy to access – Glenveagh western end of the peninsula for the
National Park, The Rosses and Rocky coasts and Irish music towering cliffs at Slieve League r,
Donegal Bay. A Gaeltacht area, The Rosses q stopping at Killybegs t for a walk
is one of the loveliest corners of
Outdoor activities Ireland, with a rocky coast enclosing around its busy harbour and to shop
Glenveagh National Park 3 runs a sandy bays, easily accessed islands for hand knits and tweeds. Returning
wide programme of free events and such as Aran and Cruit, and a to Donegal, stop for dinner at Castle
activities, including ranger-led walks hinterland with many lake-filled Murray Hotel on St John’s Point, a
through the park. For information valleys. It also has a strong musical slender finger of land with lovely
about events, contact 074 913 7090; tradition, evident in its pubs, and views on all sides.
www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie. good seafood restaurants.
The gardens at Glenveagh Castle Donegal is quickly accessed on the
within the park are known for their Access The Rosses on the N56, turning N15. From there, the N56 links up with
rhododendrons and walled garden. onto the R259 at Crolly. the R263 to Slieve League.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive under €25; moderate €25–€50; expensive over €50

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