Ireland · TOURS IN DONEGAL
Every Irish trip has one free day too few. These 15 tours in Donegal justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Explore Oakfield Park independently, then ride its diesel-powered miniature train through flower meadows, woodlands, willow tunnels, lakes, and gardens. Allow about three hours for the 4.5 km railway, walled gardens, maze, sculptures, ponds, and walking trails. The mobile ticket combines park entry with the train ride.
“Buffers restaurant was delightful. The park itself is a very peaceful place and well manicured.”
Set out from Roxborough Glebe with a quality e-bike, helmet, high-visibility vest, pannier, route map, and notes from Seamus or Nora at Ireland By Bike. Ride at your own pace to Slieve League, Silver Strand Beach, Glencolmcille, and more. Expect quiet country roads, steep hills, changing weather, and on-call help if needed.
“An overdue review... where to begin! We were on a Norwegian cruise with a stop in Killybegs. We took a town bus to Ireland by Bike where we met Seamus and his wife, Nora! They gave us directions with a map, and sent us on our journey! We rode from the shop in Carrick, down to Silver Strand beach, got lost a little bit, ventured around the very pretty Glencolmcille, and rode our way up to Slieve League cliffs as fast as we could, so we could make our bus on time! We told Nora and Seamus our plan, which comes into play soon... We ended up taking a wrong…”
Set out from Killybegs for a 1 hour 45 minute guided cruise along Donegal’s Atlantic coast. You’ll pass lighthouses, Fintra Beach, Muckross Head, and Carrigan Head before reaching the 1,972-foot Slieve League Cliffs. Expect indoor seating, outdoor decks, life jackets, onboard refreshments for purchase, and possible sightings of dolphins, porpoises, seals, or basking sharks.
“Very professional and friendly captain and crew. Wonderful experience and very worth the price. Ship has two levels and an indoor space in the event of weather.”
Set out from Killybegs Harbour with Chieftain Tours for a 6 to 7 hour journey through County Donegal. Visit Donegal Castle and its Franciscan abbey, shop in Donegal Town, stop at Muckross Head, and reach Sliabh Liag’s huge Atlantic cliffs. Guides such as Kevin, Joe, Brian, and Seamus add local stories, music, and practical help along the way.
“Absolutely excellent Jo and Brian were fantastic hosts. We had a fabulous day. Saw lots had fun. Highly recommended !”
Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Inishowen with a private guide from Donegal Tour Guide. Visit Grianan of Aileach, Fort Dunree, Mamore Gap, Doagh Famine Village, and Malin Head, with pickup available from Buncrana, Letterkenny, and Donegal Town. Henry and Harry are named guides, and the route can be shaped around your interests.
“Henry was GREAT! He made sure we did all the important things for us and got to see the most beautiful scenery. We got a taste of local culture and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Ireland.”
Join guide Sharon for a two-hour walk through an ancient Donegal bog near Ballyannon. You’ll learn how peatlands formed, hear local myths, see traditional turf cutting and an old monastic site, and take in wide views across Inishowen and West Donegal. The small group size keeps the outing personal.
“I highly recommend taking the Bog Tour. Sharon shares wisdom, information and lore in a chatty and approachable manner. Plus you get to hike in a BOG! I was lucky to have Sharon to myself and relatively good weather. We met up with one of her neighbors out working in the big so got to see how the bog places a role in the daily lives of people still. It is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!”
Ride a fat-tire electric bike from Bunbeg Harbour through Donegal’s coastal and mountain scenery. With a local English-speaking guide, you’ll visit an abandoned famine village, the Poisoned Glen, Dunlewey Church, two lakes, and the wreck of Bád Eddie. The three-hour tour suits most participants and is limited to 10 people.
“The views were great and our guide was very informative! The e-bikes were easy to use and he did a good job showing us how to use them. There are microphones in the helmets, however, it wasn't working well so we didn't use them. This would've been a good feature so we could've heard what he was saying.”
Travel privately through Inishowen with guide and driver Connie, stopping at Grianan of Aileach, Fort Dunree, Mamore Gap, Five Fingers Strand, Carrickabraghy Castle, and Malin Head. Pickup and drop-off are available anywhere in County Donegal, with onboard WiFi and a flexible 6 to 8 hour schedule.
“It was a rainy day to begin with...and we had not received any contact from the tour guide prior. We had a port of call delay that we communicated to the tour company, with a new pickup time of 10 am. No change to the itinerary was suggested. Connie (owner and driver) didn't arrive until 10:45 am. She apologized for being late. She said she couldn't find our number on WhatsApp to inform us. After 45 min waiting in the rain, one member from our group went back to the cruise ship. We had to walk the distance past the security gates because Connie forgot to register with the Harbour…”
Henry of Donegal Tour Guide takes your private group through Glenveagh National Park and the Donegal Gaeltacht. Expect castle views, red deer country, Errigal, Gaelic culture, Crolly whiskey, coastal stops, and flexible pickup from Donegal, Buncrana, or Letterkenny.
“Three Generations of family traveled to Ireland with our focus on Donegal. We highly recommend Donegal Tour Guide. Henry was fabulous. So incredibly knowledgeable and he knows everyone. He was extremely patient with 83 year old father-in-law who has been studying Irish for about 3 years. Henry answered all his questions. The area is incredibly beautiful. This is an incredible tour and we highly recommend it. You cannot go wrong with Henry. He is extremely professional and will cater tour to your interests.”
Start at Teac Campbell Guesthouse in Bunbeg and follow a self-guided e-bike route past an abandoned famine village, Poison Glen, a ruined church, Lough Nacung, Dunlewy Lough, and Bád Eddie. Rory and Sarah provide the fat-tyre bikes, safety gear, app, and mechanical help. Allow about three hours.
“We absolutely loved our 3.5 hour bike ride in Donegal! Rory, our host, was very friendly and patient with explaining how the e-bikes worked, as none of us had ridden one before. The map was easy to follow and the scenery was incredibly beautiful! This was the most exciting and memorable activity we did during our 10-day Ireland visit, and the memory of the beauty and adventure will last for a long, long time. I think we all want our own e-bikes now! This was so much fun!”
Spend 7 to 8 hours exploring South Donegal with a private driver, including Donegal Castle, Killybegs fishing port, Slieve League cliffs, and Glencolmcille Folk Village. Joe may guide your day, sharing local history and adapting the route to your interests. Hotel pickup in Donegal is available, with wheelchair-accessible transport by request.
“Joe was an amazing tour guide. Not only did we experience the beauty of Ireland, we learned a great deal about the history. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and recommend as a “not to be missed” while in Ireland. Maybe if you are lucky, Joe will share his special talent.”
Start at the Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience and Visitor Centre for a two-hour guided walk with Teresa. Follow the route toward the Bunglas lookout and Slieve League, Ireland’s highest accessible sea cliffs, while hearing local history, folklore, culture, and geology. Groups are limited to 10 people.
“Teresa took us on a leisurely walk from the visitor center, all the way to the look out point. She provided lots of history and background along the way. She clearly knows the area and adds context to every vista. By the end of the walk, Teresa felt like an old friend.”
Spend 7 to 8 hours with Chieftain Tours exploring Derry and Donegal in a private vehicle. Guide Ian can tailor the day to your interests, with hotel pickup in Derry or North and West Donegal, a walk on Derry’s walls, and visits to Grianan of Aileach, Burt Castle, and Buncrana.
“We had a fabulous day with Ian! He shared personal stories and showed us some beautiful sites in and around Donegal. Because the tour was private, Ian tailored the tour to our preferences and allowed us time to enjoy the day at our own pace. Highly recommend taking time to see this part of Ireland!”
Join Teresa at the Slieve League Visitor Centre for a two-hour guided walk to the cliffs. You’ll hear local stories about sixth-century history, World War II, fairies, mermaids, and nearby people and places, then pause for views across Donegal Bay toward Sligo, Mayo, and Galway. Tea or coffee is included at the end.
“Excellent walk with Teresa to Slieve League. Interesting local information from 6th century, World War II, fairy and mermaids, Local stories and people. Would highly recommend.”
Spend 7 to 8 hours exploring Donegal’s Atlantic coast and ancient sites with a private driver-guide such as Joe or Nicola. Visit Fanad Head Lighthouse, Doe Castle, Glenveagh National Park, and Grianan of Aileach in a luxury car or minibus. Hotel pickup, route changes, and wheelchair-accessible transport are available by request.
“We had Joe as our guide / driver and he was excellent with our time and giving us the information and history of all the areas we visited. Had great stories and knowledge of all the locations we visited.”
Start on a coast road, at a castle gate or on a bar stool.
