Hilltop Hideaway

Donegal Town (10 minutes’ drive) is home to Donegal Castle, built in 1474 on the banks of the River Eske, and now open for tours of its ruined Jacobean manor house and vast apartments with vaulted timber roofs and Gothic-style stonework. The town is also packed with buzzing pubs, so when you’ve had your cultural fix, you can grab a pint of the black stuff and maybe join in with any live music. Out in bracing sea air, admire the stunning County Donegal coastline on a Donegal Water Bus cruise from the town pier, marvel at the highest cliffs in Europe from the Slieve League Viewing Platform (an hour) or head for dune-backed, sandy Rossnowlagh Beach (20 minutes) with the surfboard and get out on the waves. Continuing with the watery theme, check tide times and head to the Secret Waterfall (35 minutes), found in a sea cave and only accessible on a scramble over rocks at low tide. Another local landmark is Saint John’s Point Lighthouse (40 minutes), worth a visit for the drive itself down a long, narrow peninsula with sea views on both sides.