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Ask any American – at least the average East Coast person – which European country they relate to most and where they feel more at home, and chances are most of them will say Ireland:
America’s love for Ireland runs deepand based on the fact that more than 30 million US citizens can trace their origins to the North Island, we’re not exactly surprised that Yankee accents are heard loudest in Dublin’s pub-filled Temple Bar district.
As popular as the Irish capital is for its pub crawls and quirky museums, much of Ireland still is largely undiscovered by his biggest fansToo bad it’s about the size of Indiana and has so much more to offer in terms of culture and nature.
Think of beautiful Donegal, for example: very remote, unspoilt, for lack of a better word, and exactly what you would imagine in Olden Ireland. for Globalization began to take its toll.
Discover the wild, unspoilt north of Ireland
Ranked as Ireland’s best offering in Lonely planet‘S last issue from Best in Travel, this criminally underrated northern province is everything you’d expect from a cultural getaway to the Emerald Isle:
Located in the northernmost tip of Ireland, County Donegal is the place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Irish cities when things get, well, too intense: it is mostly ruraldotted with picturesque towns and villages, and where rolling hills meet a dramatic, rugged coastline.
For example, if you love nature, Donegal is home to one of the highest (and most beautiful) sea cliffs in all of Europe – Sliabh Liag, which looks as beautiful as it sounds – Malin Head, the most northerly point you can reach in Irelandand epic views of the coast, and our personal favourite, Glenveagh National Park:
Cutting through the green heart of the province, this Grade II listed reserve includes serene lakes (or as the Irish call them, loughs), unspoilt habitats and even the odd historic castle with a winding Lough Swilly Fjord behind it. one of only three fjords in Ireland.
Oh, and speaking of castles: if you come to this part of the world to be enchanted by these man-made wonders, as well as the breathtaking natural vistas, then you’ve come to the right place.
Fairytale medieval castles
Castles may look like something out of a fairy tale, but here they tell a much darker story.
Donegal is one of the most culturally rich areas of Ireland, and it is not without reason that it is called the last Gaelic stronghold: in addition to having a high concentration of Gaelic speakers, the area is heavily fortified and has seen centuries of wars between locals and English.
Not that we as modern tourists are complaining. We owe that to the postcard the hinterland dotted with castles.
Think of an imposing Donegal Castle, the ancestral home of the O’Donnell clan, one of the most prominent Gaelic families in Ireland from the 5th to the 16th centuries, Doe Castle, overlooking a picturesque Sheephaven Bay, or even a ruined Carriackabraghy:
Once claimed by the once mighty O’Doherty clan – is there an American here with that name? –– the latter lies on a rugged rock just off the coast. licked by the high North Atlantic wavesand it’s easily one of the most picturesque places you can visit in all of Ireland.
Looking for a hidden gem? Get off the beaten track towards Grianan of Aileachnear the border with Northern Ireland, will take place on a 7th century BC ringfort built by the Gaelic peoples.
We repeat, in the 7th century BC, more than 2,700 years agowith a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.
Gaelic towns frozen in time
The colorful towns along Ireland’s west coast are cool enough, but have you heard of sleepy Ardara, where you can buy handmade tweed goods for a fraction of the price elsewhere, and also explore the many hiking trails that lead to viewpoints? in the surrounding hills?
Don’t forget relaxed, Blue Flag Dunfanaghy sandy beaches and azure waters––we wouldn’t be the first to jump in, especially in winter, but it makes for a pleasant coastal walk, not to mention Doe Castle is just a short drive from the city.
Part of the Gaeltacht––de Gaelic-speaking communities of Ireland––Glencolmcille is just as fascinating, despite its less than impressive size: it is a village of just a handful of houses where the natives have retained their Irish traditions and language.
For a more lively environment, Donegal Town is where the best pubs and bars are concentrated, including a rustic one The Forgewhere you will try meaty, Guinness-infused pieshearty Irish stew and comforting pies at reasonable prices.
By the way, in case you need any more encouragement to take a detour north to Donegal, the average price of a Guinness here is an acceptable €6a whole euro cheaper than in Dublin – it might not sound like much of a difference until you start piling up pints.
According to Numbeothe cost of living in Donegal is 24.8% lower than in Dublinand this is reflected in the prices for beer, food and accommodation:
On that note, overnight stays this season start from a surprisingly affordable $64 The Gateway Lodgea 6-minute walk from the center of Donegal Town, and within driving distance of all the main attractions in the magical county.
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