Donegal Town is considered the gateway to the county. It is a busy town at the head of Donegal Bay and a good base for exploring the county where the three main roads form Derry, Sligo and West Donegal converge. There are many excellent beaches dotted around the area popular for surfing.

The Bluestack mountains are great for hill-walking and inspiring painters and photographers. Donegal Town is famous for being the home of the O’Donnell clan, the great chieftains who ruled the northwest from the 15th to 17th century. Donegal Castle and a 15th century Franciscan Abbey are worth a visit.