How To Have An Amazing Weekend Getaway in Donegal, Ireland
It is time for a short weekend getaway in Ireland! Nonetheless, it was for a weekend only; it was not less remarkable! Especially, as it was my present for myself for my exceptional day – my birthday! So instead of trying to figure out what to do on my special day and with whom I want to spend it, I chose to take the responsibility to make myself happy.
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Ireland is one of my favorite countries. I fell in love with it for the very first time about seven years ago when I visited a friend of mine in Dublin. After a few more visits and a two-week road trip in June 2017, I went back one more time for my birthday weekend.
This time, I also made a better job of planning this trip. Different from my June trip, I checked the dates of the return flight first before I booked it making sure that I did not choose the wrong day for the return flight.
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A Getaway in Ireland – A Weekend Itinerary
Because I had a weekend this time, I could do a few things only. I drove from Rush to the North-West which is the other side of the island. Not a lot of time for a getaway in Ireland as there is so much more to see and visit. Anyways, I made the most out of it, and I had a blast during these three days.
Do you plan your trip to Ireland and are looking for a beautiful place to stay? Just click HERE* and book your accommodation for your next stay!
Day 1
I flew into Dublin, got my car, and headed directly to my AirBnB in Rush on Thursday evening. The master plan for Friday was to arrive in Dungloe, County Donegal in the afternoon. So there was no significant hurry to start the day too early. This first route took me to the North of County Dublin, further through Northern Ireland, and back again over Sligo.
Rush
Rush is a little town, which is located about half an hour north of Dublin Airport on the eastern coast. Easy to find (Google maps or your GPS will help you) and already on the route which I wanted to take the next day. The best about this location was that the house* is so close to the sea that I could have a nice little walk to the beach the next morning.
Skerries
According to my hosts´ recommendation, I followed the main street to Skerries*. This street follows the coastline all the way from Rush to Balbriggan. I stopped by in Skerries at the little harbor with fisher boats and a viewing tower. You could also view a couple of smaller islands. One of them landed St. Patrick when he came back to Ireland as a missionary. And if you like, follow the St. Patrick´s Path and pass some essential stops on his journey.
Ardgillan Castle
The next stop should have been Balbriggan. I did stop here. But not in the city center, instead, I went to Ardgillan Castle. A hidden gem is overlooking the Irish Sea according to their website. And there are right. I looked it up in my travel guide but no word about Balbriggan or the castle. And it so such a lovely and beautiful area. A big park, a playground, a rose garden and the castle itself are well preserved. Castle tours are available for 6.50€ per adult which is not too expensive from my point of view, and afterward, you can have some tea, a hot chocolate, and more in their tea room. I would have loved to take the haunted castle tour, which is currently available as a Halloween special.
Monasterboice
After I had my hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, I continued my journey on the M1 and stopped in Monasterboice, County Louth. The historic ruins are of an early Christian settlement north of Drogheda. Famous for its spectacular high crosses you can also visit a round tower, a graveyard, and an ancient sundial. Some people even say that the most beautiful and elegant high crosses in entire Ireland can be found here. Make your own opinion if this is true. However, the high crosses and also the round tower is impressive. I am always wondering how skilled and smart people in the past were.
However, the high crosses and also the round tower is impressive. I am always wondering how skilled and smart people in the past were. Especially, without all the modern machines or devices.
Day 2
For the second day of my getaway in Ireland, I just wanted to explore the area between Dungloe and Donegal, which is completely enough for a weekend getaway in Ireland. And even in this area are so many different places to visit in only this one short getaway in Ireland.
Dungloe
Dungloe is located approx 50 kilometers north of Donegal and is the main administrative and retail center in Western County Donegal. There are a few pubs, banks, and restaurants around the main street, a nice short river walk, and some hotels and hostels. That is pretty much it. Not too big but perfect as a starting point to explore this region. Both directions are possible, going to the North or going to the South to discover all the amazing things Ireland has to offer.
I stayed in the River House hostel*, which I can highly recommend. All of the staff is super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable when it comes to suggestions of things to visit and do. The most recommended pubs where the Stepping Stone and the Bayview Bar and especially, on Fridays is live music almost everywhere, which is pretty cool if your room is right around the corner.
Statue of Liberty
Finally, I can tick off this point from my bucket list. I already wanted to visit the Irish version of the Statue of Liberty during my stay in Summer. Unfortunately, two weeks were not enough to explore the West/ South and the North.
Besides my obsession with lighthouses, the second one is to find all the replicas of the Statue of Liberty. I already spotted a few of them in France and the USA, and when I learned that Ireland also has one of them, the plan was made to get to know where to find it. Of course, to visit it as well. So thought, so done. I found it!
You will find this one in Mulnami More, County Donegal. If you leave Dungloe and follow the N56 to Donegal, you will pass it automatically after approx 15 kilometers. The little Lady Liberty stays in the front of a home directly on the street. By the way, you can rent the house for your vacation and travels. Would that be cool? To stay in a house with an ocean view and the statue of liberty in your garden? I thought about it. But a minimum four-person home for the single me would have been a bit awkward and expensive, unfortunately.
The story behind that one is easy, short, and funny at the same time. Well, the owner found that one in Limerick in a Pub to be more specific. And somehow he was so fascinated that he bought it from the Pub owner. Ever since it stays in his front garden overlooking Gweebarra Bay.
Glengesh Pass
Following the road, you will come to Ardara, where a couple of possibilities to visit can be found. The Assaranca Waterfall, the Maghera Beach, and Caves or the Deserted Village in Port. As far as I heard, all of them are an excellent opportunity to find natural wonders, ancient cultures, and history or just beautiful and picturesque beaches.
I choose to head into the mountains. The Glengesh Pass is also known as the Donegal Pass and is part of a road that connects Glencolmcille to Ardara. This route is just stunning with its panoramic views. Approximately 24 kilometers of a narrow and windy road with hairpin bends, old cottages, farms, and Sheep alongside the route. Glengesh is one of two glaciated valleys that carve this area.
“This breathtaking route is not the main route to Ardara, but it is a route you will remember for a long time.” (www.irishtourism.com/scenic-attractions-in-ireland/glengesh-pass/)
I could not say it better. I stopped a few times alongside the road to wonder and of course, to take photos, too.
Slieve League Cliffs
The next stop for me after leaving the Glengesh Pass was the Slieve League Cliffs. With 609 meters these cliffs are one of the highest in Europe and almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. There are a couple of stops like the Slieve League Cliffs Centre with a craft shop, local history, and culture. From here it is possible to book a guided hike to the cliffs and back.
Another stop is the car park before you go to the viewing point areas. You can walk up the rest of this path. Or, if you do not want to walk the whole way, especially, when it is raining you can drive up the rest straight to the edge of the cliffs.
Some small stone steps follow the cliffs all the way. Unfortunately, it was too foggy this day to see its whole beauty and wideness. It says that one can see all the way to County Mayo on a bright day.
Donegal
Last but not least, I arrived in Donegal. My favorite part of this small town was the Donegal Castle. A small but well-preserved castle which you can visit for five Euro per adult only. It was built in the 15th century and sits on a bend of the River Eske. Leaflets with detailed information are available in several languages, and guided tours take place once an hour.
After touring the Castle, I had a hot chocolate and a delicious Blueberry Pie at the Blueberry Tearoom. Then I called it a day and left this lovely little town and headed back to my hostel in Dungloe.
Day 3
One more day left to discover some new places. As my return flight is scheduled for Monday morning, I thought it would be a good idea to be back in the Dublin* area by Sunday afternoon or evening. So I chose a different route to go back to Dublin than the one I took to go to Dungloe. My route choice brought me to Sligo and the most massive megalithic cemetery in Ireland.
Carrowmore
Carrowmore is situated four kilometers southwest of Sligo and is not the largest one only but also among the oldest cemeteries of this kind in the whole of Ireland. The most past exemplars are approx 5000 years old. Till today, 27 monuments survived in various stages of preservation. Researchers think that there may have been up to 100 monuments in this area. Unfortunately, most of them were damaged by land clearance and quarrying in the nineteenth century. The tombs are out of boulder circles, many of them with a central dolmen. Definitely, worth a visit, especially, with the five Euro admission fee per adult only.
After dipping into the ancient past of Ireland, I headed back to Drogheda where I stayed the last night. Three more hours of driving. I considered having one or two more stops on this route in Carrick-on Shannon to have lunch and a visit to Belvedere House & Garden in Mullingar. But I felt good enough to go for these three hours in one drive and be as early as possible in Drogheda to have some relaxing time on my last evening.
This time it is a beautiful and comfortable Bed & Breakfast*. Too bad, that I had to skip breakfast. But it would have been too early before I left to catch my flight. Even if Drogheda is only 40 minutes away from the airport to be on time, I started this morning at four a.m.
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Well, my little getaway in Ireland is over now. I loved it, and I miss it already!
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Haven’t been to Ireland yet, but it’s a dream destination. Such a great weekend getaway in Ireland you wrote!
I can’t wait to visit the Emerald Isle for the first time in 2022!
Yeah, Terri! That is awesome! You`ll love it! Do you have already a plan where to go and what to explore?
Ireland is one of my favourite countries to explore, and this looks like a great weekend trip. Your photos of the Glengesh Pass are amazing, I love scenery like this. I hope I can go back to Ireland again soon!
Hi Rachel, thanks a lot! I also hope to go back sooner rather than later! I miss Ireland, too!
Ireland is at the very top of my bucket list! Was planning to visit right before the pandemic started. This is a fantastic guide!
Ireland is so high on my bucket list and your post makes me want to go there even more now! The lush green landscape and all the gorgeous cities and natural sights seem so inviting. Beautiful photos too 🙂
Ah there are so many places in Ireland I want to visit! I can’t wait to be able to visit again! The coastline looks so dramatic! I’d love to visit Donegal Castle, I love exploring old castles and buildings! Thanks for the great guide!
Ireland is so beautiful ..hope to visit someday
Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing – I love visiting Ireland.
Most what i read online is trash and copy paste but i think you offer something different. Keep it like this.
I have been looking for a good blog on Ireland. Thanks for mentioning some of the places that I had never heard of before like Rush. Thanks for the guide book too.
You´re very welcome! I´m happy that you like it, I hope the guide helps you a bit on your journey!
These pictures are beautiful! Looks like a great trip!
Thank you, Stacy! I´m glad that you like it!
These are amazing tips! Ireland is our DREAM destination! I’m hoping to be able to bring my husband here for our 10 or 15 year vow renewal someplace similar to the Pass or the Cliffs! It’s stunning. Thank you for sharing these tips!
Kayla, that is an incredible idea! Such a ceremony at the cliffs would be amazing!
I am obsessed with ruins and Irish crosses, so next time I definitely need to visit Monasterboice! It’s funny how we had a similar history, I also visited Ireland for the first time many years befre and only to see friends in Dublin, and later returned for a better on the road trip (only for a week, though). I really needed to come back, that country is stunning!
HI Eva, it´s so incredible how Irelands ‘Magic affects people. Since I visited, I cannot stop thinking about and look for another opportunity to go back.
Wow have been contemplating a trip here soon! Thanks for sharing. Love the photos.
Hey Lucy, you are very welcome! It´s my pleasure if I could give you some useful suggestions.
Ireland is gorgeous. It looks so green and seeing all those castles. It’s worth exploring
Wow what a getaway. I didn’t know there was a Statue of Liberty in Ireland.
This is a fantastic post, Ireland is filled with so much natural beauty.
You´re absolutely right! There is so much which is just incredible. Where have you been in Ireland so far, Davindra?
Amazing post! I will follow your tips on our next trip to Ireland.
Absolutely Stunning! I would love to visit Ireland one day. Thanks for sharing!
It´s my pleasure, Feira! 🙂
I just decided to take a trip to Ireland next year, but haven’t done any of the research yet to decide where to go. Thanks for the great recommendations!
You´re very welcome, Kiyoko! Let me know if you need more help.
Must save for later. I would love to get to Ireland some day, even if it was just for a weekend.
Oh yes, Samantha, there are loads of possibilities even for a weekend! Let me know if you need help with a nice weekend itinerary
I’ve totally fallen in love with Ireland reading this and seeing those pictures! Will be heading there soon ?
Ireland is highly recommended to visit. There is so much to do and see! You won´t regret it.
Sounds like a plan!
Right! 😀
Love this post and the photos are breathtaking. My husband’s dream is to travel there.
Thank you, Amy! 🙂
Nice! I am currently in Ireland. Is Skerries worth the detour on way back to Dublin from Belfast?
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
Hey Shaun, thanks for stopping by. If you are on that route anyway, I would recommend going through Skerries. It will lead you alongside the coastline which is more enjoyable than any of the M1s or so… Have a little break in Skerries, drink a coffee and just enjoy to walk at the coast for a little while.
Beautiful! I was in Ireland 12 years ago and your article made me remember a lot. I would love to go again. Xo BB
That´s awesome, Babette! Just go again. I believe a lot of things might have changed in twelve years! Would love hear about your then and now experiences!
This sounds so lovely and the photos are gorgeous! I would love to visit Ireland someday ♡. Thanks for sharing, this definitely gave me some inspiration for our future trip ?
I´m so happy that I could give you some ideas. I wish you a lot of fun when you go to Ireland (soon 😉 )
Hello
I have never been to Ireland but reading your post, I feel this is a must visit place.Thanks for sharing
you´re welcome. It is definitely a must-visit-place. It´s so beautiful over there.
This looks like an amazing trip! I would love to see the castle!
Thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like the perfect long weekend. I haven’t been to Ireland yet, but it’s high on my list — I’ll be sure to come back here for ideas after I book my trip! 🙂 xo
That´s awesome, Emily! I would love to go back to Ireland soon. If you like you can sign up for my Newsletter and you will get all the news and ideas straight into your Inbox.
What a wonderful place for a birthday weekend, Ireland and Donegal in particular are just beautiful and a great place for a party
I have never been to Ireland but it’s definitely on my plans. Your post is so nice and your suggestions are great.
thank you so much, Nikos! I hope you will make it to Ireland, soon! Let me know if you need more ideas. Or download my mini guide which you can find in the Freebie section!
My parents are from Ireland and I love to visit! I typically stick to the areas of the country where my relatives live – but your suggestions give me wonderful ideas for seeing more of the Country – great article 🙂
Thank you for the flowers! 😀 I´m so happy that I could give you a couple of ideas what to visit. I love Ireland so much.
Oh my goodness, the views that you viewed and captured are nothing short of amazing. The details and outlined plan sound nothing short of fun and amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland, but this really seals the deal.
I am so happy that you liked the post and that I could give you an idea of what to do. If you like, we could talk that I could help you planning something similar.
WOW looks amazing
Thank you, Zerin!! 😀
I have taken a trip to Ireland via this post. Beautiful pics! I visited Dublin and want to see more of the Emerald Isle!
I agree, Taryn! Dublin is awesome but to see the rest of this Country is a whole different thing.
Fantastic post! Ireland is on our bucket list and you have done a great job of making me want to get there sooner!
MY pleasure, Alisa! It´s like my second home and I could write about it forever 😀
Oh, I love these travel posts! And Ireland {sigh} …the pictures. Love!
Every time I see photos of Ireland I’m reminded of why I SO want to go there. Thanks for the tips on what to see when I’m finally there!
You´re welcome, Sheila! 😀 It´s a pleasure if I could help with some ideas of what to do or what to visit.
Happy Birthday Pia! I hope you had a fabulous time in Ireland; it certainly sounds like you did. Your pictures are amazing. I always hear of the rolling green hills and the cliffs of Ireland, and I’m able to see those captured in your shots. I also think I would love the Ardgillan Castle! It looks so fancy…but no thank you to that haunted tour! Not for me 🙂 And I know we previously talked about this, but I’m still amazed at all the different variations of Statues of Libertys around the world. I would love to know just how many there are, and where they are all located!
Thank you, Larissa! I had a great time there. And yes, I´m fascinated about the Statues as well and they are an additional bucket list, already. So, I will definitely will have an article or more or maybe I should write a book about them. 😀