Local Attractions

Fanad Lighthouse

Enjoy a scenic trip from Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort to the Fanad head Peninsula by crossing the Harry Blaney Bridge and visit the much photographed lighthouse. Following the shipwreck of the HMS Saldanha in the waters of Lough Swilly in 1812, the lighthouse was built. The lighthouse was designed by one of the foremost civil engineers of the time, George Halpin and first lit on 17th March 1817. Its fixed light showed red to sea and white towards the Lough, and could be seen for fourteen miles (22 kilometres) in clear weather. Fanad Head is just one of the 15 Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The park consists of 16,000 hectares of wilderness, lakes and mountains. You can take a guided tour of the castle, walk in the gardens or wander through the fantastic scenery. Glenveagh also boasts the largest herd of red deer in Ireland and has also re-introduced the Golden Eagle to Irish Shores.

For more information, visit their website.

Rita Wilson Gallery

Rita Wilson Photography Gallery is located in the heart of Downings, less than a mile from the hotel. The gallery opened in 2014 and displays images of Donegal's dramatic and beautiful coastline along with the Aurora Borealis. The gallery is open all year round and has a wide selection of greeting cards, prints and framed work. Whether you live in Ireland or are just visiting, Rita's gallery is well worth viewing to see what our beautiful peninsula has to offer.

For more information, visit their website.

Dunlewey Centre

The Dunlewey Centre is situated on the shores of Dunlewey Lough in the shadow of the haunting and mysterious Poison Glen.

Attractions include a restaurant & tea room, craft shop, adventure play area, historic homestead guided visit, tweed weaving demonstration, audio-visual show on Dunlewey, lakeside walks, boat cruise on Dunlewey lake, farmyard animals to feed, pony & trap, and traditional music.

For more information, visit their website.

Sliabh League

Situated on the southwest coast of Donegal, Sliabh League, is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe rising almost 2000 ft / 598 m from the Atlantic, and is twice as high as the Cliffs of Moher. There are terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay as you walk towards the high point of the cliffs.

For more information, visit their website.

Grianan of Aileach

The Grianan of Aileach is an historic monument built on the hill of Grianán which is 244 metres high. Most writers have identified the site as being the great “royal fort” of Aileach. The fort looks out over the beautiful waters of Lough Swilly and is located in the village of Burt.

Ards Forest Park is the most northerly forested park in Ireland, located on Sheephaven Bay and one of the few in Ireland situated by the seaside. It is 480 hectares in extent and contains a large diversity of plant and wildlife forms, sandy beaches, rivers, viewing points, nature walks, picnic and play areas. Ards Forest Park has many features of historical and archaeological interest. The remains of four ring forts are to be seen in the park as well as a number of megalithic tombs. You can enjoy many forest walks; these include the Arts Heritage Trail which is 3.5 kilometres long, the Nature Trail and the Green Trail which are both 3 kilometres long and the Red Trail which is 13 kilometres long.

For more information: 00353 (0)74 912 1139