Ballybofey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ifyou’re looking for a remote getaway, then the town of Ballybofeyin Donegal is a great place to visit. Located onthe west coast of Ireland, Donegal is one of Ireland'smost remote counties. Its deep lakes and untouched mountain ranges make it apopular destination with hikers and lovers of the outdoors.

Situatedon the River Finn – roaring upstream, and slower downstream – Ballybofeyis in the prime location for keen anglers. Combine its fishing with a fantasticrange of natural attractions, shopping, culture and great places to stay, and Ballybofeymakes an idyllic getaway for those wanting to explore everything on offer in CountyDonegal.

Historyin Ballybofey

Ballybofeyhas its origins as a market town and was once a part of the 18thcentury Glenmore Estate. During the 19th and 20thcenturies, the town experienced a fast rate of growth. While the nearbyGlenmore Estate manor house was demolished in the 1990s, the town continued toprosper, and today it is a popular riverside retreat. It is unusual for anIrish town in that it has neither a church nor a school.

Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods

It’snot often you’ll find woodland so untouched by city life, but Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods remain unscathed. Though not large, this riversidewoodland area is a prime example of how stunning Ireland can be. Home to manyspecies of wildflower, as well as rabbits, badgers, hedgehogs and threeprotected species of bat, you’ll discover that a trip to the DrumboeWoods feels a little like stepping into Wind in the Willows.

Balleybofey’s River Finn

As a prime fishing and beauty spot, the River Finnattracts anglers from all over Europe. Here you can enjoy the rippling watersof the river, bounded by the lush foliage of the Finn Valley. It boasts excellentsalmon and trout populations, and has areas of fishing perfect for both novicesand anglers. Since the river operates a ‘catch and release’ policy, a trip herewill do no harm to the environment.

Golf in Ballybofey

Iffishing isn’t your thing, the nearby Ballybofey&StranorlarGolf Club is the perfect place to enjoy theIrish countryside whilst practicing your swing. You can enjoy the warmestwelcome in its top-notch clubhouse, built in keeping with the rolls of thenearby hills and the Finn Valley. Set in a mature parkland area, the fairwaysoffer stunning views over the nearby LoughAllen and BluestackMountain range.

Culture in Ballybofey

You could also check out the local arts scene atthe Balor Arts Centre, overlooking the River Finn in central Ballybofey.Rural though the town may be, this arts centre and theatre is modern both in itsevents and its architectural splendour. Promising a year round programme ofcomedy, drama, music, exhibitions and more, you’re certain to find a memorableshow.

Visit Ballybofey

The perfect central place to stay if you’revisiting County Donegal, book your break in Ballybofeywith Expedia today.

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,331 per night from 28 May to 29 May
₹7,331
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge).
7.8/10 Good! (374 reviews)
"It was an okay stay"

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2024

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa.
8.8/10 Excellent! (77 reviews)
"The hotel was perfect and very comfortable, restaurant served lovely food all in all a perfect stay"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2023

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Mill Park Hotel
Mill Park Hotel
4 out of 5
The Mullins, Donegal, Donegal
The price is ₹13,167 per night from 23 May to 24 May
₹13,167
per night
23 May - 24 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a sauna. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (637 reviews)
"Excellent location, great atmosphere with friendly & helpful staff. Food was superb … would definitely stay here again !"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Mill Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Port Rd, Letterkenny, DL
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels.
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"Great holiday in a great spot. :-)"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Lough Mardal Lodge
Lough Mardal Lodge
2 out of 5
Bradlieve, Ballintra, Ballintra, County Donegal
Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and in-room massages.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
What an amazing place!
"What an amazing place - a true hidden gem! The yurts are spaced out (cery private), warm (burners installed), very comfortable, tastefully decorated with come with stunning views. The communual area is large, has all you could need and offers the perfect setting for disconnect and relaxation. The ..."

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2024

Lough Mardal Lodge
Charming 2-bed Apartment in Donegal Town Centre
Charming 2-bed Apartment in Donegal Town Centre
3 out of 5
Donegal, County Donegal
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable TV channels and an in-room coffee maker.
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Highly recommend! Excellent location with view of town center and walking distance to shopping, restaurants and major attractions. Suite contains partial kitchen with two separate bedrooms. Knowledgeable staff spent hours helping me trace the location of my Irish ancestors and connected me to transportation ..."

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2023

Charming 2-bed Apartment in Donegal Town Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ballybofey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Aug 2019

The Bars within the Hotel were excellent some of the local bars where dirty and we refused to drink in some of them.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Jul 2019

The townsfolk of Ballybofey are very friendly and welcoming