The name Donegal comes from the Irish ‘Dun na nGall’ meaning fort of the foreigner. Ireland’s most northerly county has little in common with its neighbours in the Republic, either geographically or historically. Donegal's supreme appeal lies in the natural beauty of its coast, with windswept peninsulas, precipitous cliffs and a host of golden beaches that rival any in Europe.

Blanket bogs, now rare in the world, cover much of the county. Donegal has been occupied by humans for over 9,000 years and is renowned for its history and archaeology. Pre-Christian farmers left tomb monuments which still dot the county, while evidence of Viking settlements can also be seen.

Christianity had a profound influence in Donegal and many early Christian monuments are still evident today

These include churches and religious sites commemorating St. Colmcille, the Donegal man who converted Scotland to Christianity. To the south, Lough Derg is a famous pilgrimage site while.

Surrounded by mountains and sea, Donegal has preserved its Gaelic culture and language longer than most places. Today, that language and culture remain strong in its extensive Gaeltacht area stretching from Fanad Head to Slieve League. Fishing and tweed production are Donegal’s major industries, with exports world-wide. The county's friendly people, lively pubs and fine restaurants all add to the charm of Donegal.

The Glebe House and Gallery
Located at Churchill, Letterkenny, the Glebe House is a Regency house set in woodland gardens beside Lake Gartan. The Glebe is decorated with William Morris wallpapers and textiles and has Islamic and Japanese art. The Derek Hill permanent collection includes 300 works by leading 20th century artists, including Picasso and Kokosha, as well as Irish and Italian artists.

Glenveagh National Park
Located at Churchill, Letterkenny. Here within a late 19th century setting in a rugged and remote mountain valley, Henry Mc Ilhenny from Philadelphia created one of the most celebrated gardens in Ireland. Woodland gardens and pleasure grounds, an Italian terrace with antique sculpture and terracotta pots, are all skilfully interwoven against the wild and beautiful Donegal landscape.

Ardara Heritage Centre
Located at Ardara, it tells the story of Donegal tweed from the shearing of sheep to the manufacture of the woven cloth. Weavers at work show how a loom operates and the different stitches which make up Aran knitwear can be examined.

Donegal Castle - Donegal Town
Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The Castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O'Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family.

Newmills Corn and Flax Mills - Letterkenny
The oldest surviving building here is said to be 400 years old. Indeed, the whole complex is an interesting reminder of a stage in the industrial development of this country which has now given way to a more sophisticated, but usually far less fascinating technology. The visitor to Newmills can experience the pleasure of seeing one of the largest waterwheels in Ireland in action as it drives the machinery of the corn mill.

Donegal Parian China
Located in Ballyshannon, this is a leading Pottery and Visitor Centre Complex. Donegal Parian China is a delicate, handcrafted product created by local crafts people.

Donegal Craft Village
The village comprises a cluster of small units grouped around a common courtyard and divided into individual workshops leased by professional craftworkers. The crafts include metalwork, batik, jewellery, sculpture and a pipe maker.

The Irish National Knitting Centre
Located at Lisfannon, Buncrana, highlights what is best in the cottage industry in Ireland. In the tourism section an Exhibition Room takes a light hearted look at knitting through the ages. There is a sweater shop and yarn centre tracing the old method of spinning and dyeing.