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.

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"amazing service, and took care of my laundry needs on short service."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor ...
7.8/10 Good! (414 reviews)
Freindly place
"Located in a nice area ith a hiking trail nearby. Staff was friendly and the roos were comfortable."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
The Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is ₹12,301 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹12,301
₹13,961 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (646 reviews)
My get away
"We had a wonderful time"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Abbey Hotel Donegal
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

2 out of 5
Port Rd, Letterkenny, DL
Stay at this apartment in Letterkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Letterkenny Leisure Centre and Donegal County ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
"What an amazing service we had with the apartments, we got welcome WhatsApp message from Barry, the owner of the place, he was very nice, my mother got sick so i asked barry if we can check in earlier and he didn’t hesitate and we were in at 12:30, letting my mum sleep. The apartment itself was clean, ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Rosie's Bar Apartment -

Rosie's Bar Apartment -

3.5 out of 5
Drumkeen, County Donegal
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Drumkeen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Newmills Corn and Flax Mills and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Wonderful clean quiet safe fully furnished cable, WiFi apartment! 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6-8. PROs: Terrific option for families/Golf parties who would like ample space, kitchen, washer/dryer and cool Irish Pub downstairs. Buy food and cook at home CONs: one bathroom, one bathroom sink, clean"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Rosie's Bar Apartment -
Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal

Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal

3 out of 5
Stranorlar, DL
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Stranorlar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Drumboe Woods and Balor Arts Centre are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"It was clean, comfortable and lovely to have our dog stay with us with the backyard for her to play in. Good central location to do day trips in all directions with plenty to see."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal
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
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5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

The townsfolk of Ballybofey are very friendly and welcoming