I will start by saying this - I love, love, LOVE Donegal. The northernmost county of Republic of Ireland, with wild beaches and stunning mountains is surely one place you shouldn't miss if you ever plan a trip to Ireland. In my years of staying in Ireland, I have been up to Donegal for a few roadtrips and every time I come back more amazed than ever!
Here are 6 reasons why I feel Donegal is one place you cannot keep off your Irish road trip checklist:
01. Home to one of Europe's highest sea cliffs - I get amused when people claim Cliffs of Moher is the most scenic part of Ireland. I mean anyone who has been to Sliabh League mountains, would laugh off at that statement. Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher and one of the highest sea cliffs of Europe, this cliff gives a spectacular view of the Atlantic. I was literally awestruck after reaching the viewpoint at Bunglass on a sunny day. If you're lucky you can even spot seals chilling by the bottom of the cliffs.
02. Looking out at the Atlantic from Malin Head (Ireland's northernmost point): Imagine this - you are sitting by Banba's Crown, the waves are crashing by the cliffs and you're witnessing the sunset as the sun goes down by the Atlantic. I cannot explain the vibe - a feeling not to be summed up by words. I would say this is one experience which cannot be missed by anyone travelling in Ireland.
03. Driving in Donegal makes you a better driver: Believe me when I say this, you need heart of steel and really good brakes to drive in some regions of Donegal. Be it The Wee Road near the Sliabh League Mountains or the Mamore Gap - driving in tough roads is a part of the Donegal package. But the scenery of the place makes you forget your worries about your car and you keep driving just to soak up the beauty around you! Also if you are someone who enjoys driving, the roads of Donegal can prove to be addictive (point in case - ME)!
04.Taste Ireland's best seafood dishes: With miles and miles of shorelines across the Atlantic, it comes as no surprise that Donegal gets some of the freshest of seafood in the island. There are few joints which sell lipsmackingly delicious Fish & Chips, Scampi and Seafood Chowder.
Don't believe me? Some of them even have won awards to prove it!
In the town of Killybegs, you'll find a tiny foodjoint (more like a foodtruck). Killbeg's Seafood Shack, that sells seafood fresh from the ocean to your plates.
A meal for two would cost you less than €25 but eating by the harbour while smelling the sea is something an overpriced, fancy restaurant cant provide!
05. Hidden Gems: Pictured here is Assaranca Waterfall - a tiny but magnificent waterfall appears in the middle of nowhere. Similarly Silver Strand Beach, tucked between two cliffs in Malin Beg. These are just two of the MANY hidden gems which Donegal offers. If you're doing a day trip in Donegal, you'd be pleasantly surprised by many such views! They are all tucked in within the WIld Atlantic Way, all you need to do is be curious, ask the locals, and have faith in your navigation skills! Also some of these locations demand good bit of walking, so don't forget to wear a good pair of runners!
06. The view.... THE VIEW: If my previous points have not convinced you, then I am just going to let you decide for yourself.
But I am also going to sneakily leave this picture here.... you know, blue skies, blue ocean, lush green land... I mean who in their right minds will miss this scenery?
The Wild Atlantic Way which starts from Cork and stretches till Donegal surely paints the topmost part of Donegal with a magical Brush.
So get your maps ready, pack yourself a picnic basket, and drive off to Donegal for a trip of a lifetime.