Ballybofey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sheep grazing near Silver Strand, a sandy beach in a sheltered,
Aerial view of Lough EA between Ballybofey and Glenties in Donegal - Ireland
A Sheep on the cliffs at Malin Beg Beach
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
The price is ₹8,963 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
₹8,963
₹10,173 total
26 Apr - 27 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
The whole package is perfect, bar meals were topnotch,breakfast wa tasty and fresh.Our bed was fantastic,really hard to leave!anothergood Galen hotel.we will return.

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026

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

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Co. Donegal
The price is ₹10,608 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
₹10,608
₹12,040 total
26 Apr - 27 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor Arts ...
8/10 Very Good! (457 reviews)
Hotel Location is great. Easy to find just off the high street in Ballybofey. There’s a small car park out front but also a massive overflow car park with cctv around the back. Free to park. Lovely staff at the hotel. They sorted an extra night stay for us without issue and even price matched to ...

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026

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 ₹11,665 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
₹11,665
₹13,240 total
26 Apr - 27 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Diamond ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (701 reviews)
So noisy at night and when we rang reception to complain we were told it's in the small print that rooms be noisy.

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

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 Regional Cultural Centre and Letterkenny ...
9/10 Wonderful! (53 reviews)
Absolutely amazing property, was amazingly clean and easy to follow the check in instructions. The Rooms were well presented and had plenty of space leaving a more comfortable feel.

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Amy's Place Charming 3 Bed House Donegal

Amy's Place Charming 3 Bed House Donegal

3.5 out of 5
Stranorlar DL
Stay at this holiday home in Stranorlar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Drumboe Woods and Balor Arts Centre are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Address was hard to find, third bedroom was a twin bed in a large closet, beds were not comfortable and had an issue with the breaker when the shower and washer were on at the same time. Had some issues communicating with the Owner from a timing stand point.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Amy's Place Charming 3 Bed House Donegal
Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside

Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside

3 out of 5
Birra Birra County Donegal
Stay at this cabin in Birra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Franciscan Friary and Rossnowlagh Beach are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Clean place. No hassel at all.. town just a few minutes drive.. amazing view..

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025

Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside
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.

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