To travel south from Derry by public transit, the choice is bus. The ride to Galway is about 6 hours so we chose to break it up with a night in Donegal. We booked the Bus Ėireann-Irish Expressway. After the great TransLink system, Expressway was a bit lacking. The bus was 30 minutes late leaving, which is apparently usual due to regulated driver breaks – not sure why they don’t just change the schedule to accommodate this 😉🙄 Also, the bus had definitely seen better days. Nevertheless, while we waited, we were entertained by a talented young man and his harp.

The bus delivered us safely to the centre of Donegal, just steps away from our hotel, aptly named the Central Hotel. Having just the afternoon and evening to explore, we didn’t venture beyond the centre of town.

The River Eske meanders prettily through the town and historic buildings and landmarks dot the streets.

The river drains into the Donegal Bay. Standing guard overlooking the harbour is a statue of Red Hugh O’Donnell. Red Hugh was a chieftain of the powerful O’Donnell clan in Ulster who became a symbol of Gaelic resistance against English rule in the late 16th century. He was held in captivity in Dublin Castle for four years but escaped and fought against the English culminating in a decisive loss at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.

Donegal Friary was founded for the Franciscan Friars in 1474 by the first Hugh O’Donnell and his wife Nual O’Brien. It survived until it was plundered by the English in 1588. The friary was then granted to Sir Basil Brooke who used the church for Protestant worship. All of buildings were arranged around a central cloister or courtyard. Some of the cloister arcade survives as well as the Abbey Graveyard.

Donegal Castle was the principal residence of the great royal family of the O’Donnell’s, who ruled the Kingdom of Tir Chonaill from 1200 until 1601. It was built at a bend on the Eske for defensive reasons, the river protecting it on two sides. Today, it is an interesting visit. We were able to listen to a passionate guide, Ann, give her account of Irish history over the centuries.

We had a great dinner at The Olde Castle Seafood Restaurant. The fish cakes and seafood pie were top notch!

We had a very quick visit to Donegal but enjoyed our time. We know that there are many other places of interest in Donegal County.

Sláinte,

Bev & Harvey