Near Creeslough in County Donegal, a memorial and the remains of a railway viaduct mark the site of the 1925 Owencarrow train disaster, which took four lives. Many travelers would never know to look for it, but it illustrates what can happen when an itinerary leaves room for unexpected stops.
Glenveagh National Park, Fanad Head Lighthouse and Donegal’s coastal villages offer plenty to fill a vacation. But exploring the county at a slower pace, with one hotel as a base and a local driver behind the wheel, allows travelers to spend less time managing logistics and more time experiencing the destination.
Donegal’s rural setting and widely scattered attractions can make planning a visit challenging, particularly for travelers who don’t want to rent a car. With the right arrangements, getting around can be more manageable than the map makes it seem.
A different way to explore Donegal
During a September 2026 group trip to Donegal organized and hosted by Jessy Hamel, 10 women stayed at the Shandon Hotel & Spa near Dunfanaghy, using the property as a base to explore the surrounding region. With transportation arranged through Boyle’s Buses, the itinerary included some of the county’s best-known attractions, unexpected stops and an entire day without scheduled sightseeing.
Staying at one hotel eliminates the need to pack up and move between accommodations repeatedly, leaving more time to enjoy the destination. The Shandon’s two restaurants, spa and leisure facilities also gave travelers options beyond sightseeing without leaving the property.
“What makes the Shandon such a special base for exploring Donegal is that guests don’t have to feel they need to fill every day with plans. Some of the best experiences are the slower ones: waking up to the view across Sheephaven Bay, walking on Marble Hill beach, spending time in the spa, enjoying good food and simply taking in where you are,” said Carolynne Murray, director and general manager of The Shandon Hotel & Spa.
For travelers considering a similar approach, choosing the right base is especially important. On-site dining, access to nearby attractions and the availability of local transportation can make staying in one place practical without limiting opportunities to explore.
The value of local knowledge
Hiring a local driver offers more than transportation between attractions. Someone familiar with the region can suggest places that aren’t on the original itinerary, share stories behind lesser-known landmarks and adjust plans to accommodate travelers’ interests.
Conor Carroll, the fourth generation in his family to run Creeslough-based Boyle’s Buses, added several stops to the group itinerary, including Doe Castle and Horn Head. He also suggested local restaurants and pubs based on conversations with travelers.
On the journey from Belfast to Donegal, Carroll arranged a brief stop in Derry after learning that some travelers had wanted to visit the city but couldn’t fit a separate excursion into the schedule. The group then had an opportunity to see some of the city’s murals and memorials without adding another full day of sightseeing.
Local expertise can help even travelers who prefer to drive themselves. Instead of focusing on directions and unfamiliar roads, passengers spend more time taking in their surroundings and learning about the places they visit.
Beyond the sightseeing checklist
Leaving room for unexpected discoveries doesn’t mean skipping Donegal’s most popular attractions. Places such as Glenveagh National Park and Fanad Head Lighthouse are worth making time for, but they represent only part of what the county has to offer.
At Glenveagh National Park, the Derryveagh Mountains surround a Victorian castle overlooking Lough Veagh. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior and explore its gardens, with walking trails that let you discover more of the surrounding landscape.
Fanad Head Lighthouse, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Swilly, offers more than its coastal views. Beyond climbing the lighthouse tower, visitors can enjoy a virtual reality experience about the lighthouse’s history, an audio installation called Éist, wildlife watching and a film.
The luxury of doing nothing
Not every day in Donegal needs to revolve around sightseeing. On this recent trip, an entire day was left unscheduled, giving travelers the chance to decide how they wanted to spend their time.
Those who wanted to explore took transportation to nearby Dunfanaghy. Others stayed at the Shandon and enjoyed the spa, beach and other amenities without following a timetable.
“We often see guests arrive with a list of places they want to visit and then realize that leaving space to slow down and enjoy the hotel and the surrounding area becomes one of the highlights of their stay. Donegal isn’t only something to be seen; it’s something to be experienced, and sometimes the best way to do that is not to rush it,” Murray said.
Leave room for the unexpected
Planning a slower visit to Donegal starts with deciding which experiences matter most. Instead of filling every day with sightseeing, travelers can choose a few priorities and leave room for unforeseen discoveries and unscheduled time.
While GPS can help travelers navigate Donegal’s roads, a local driver or guide can introduce them to stories and places they might never have known to search for. At the railway disaster memorial, Susan MacQuiddy, a traveler from Omaha, Nebraska, reflected on the value of having someone familiar with the area.“How would I have ever found this if I was just a regular tourist?” she asked.
In Donegal, seeing more doesn’t necessarily require a fuller itinerary. Sometimes it means checking fewer boxes and leaving more room for unplanned experiences.
Jessy Hamel is a syndicated travel writer and the creator of Tartan & Teacups, a travel site that inspires women to stop waiting and start traveling. She covers destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe, with a focus on Scotland, Ireland, Italy and Portugal.