Ballybofey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, clear blue waters, and green fields.
A coastal landscape with a beach, grassy hills, and a sheep.
A lake surrounded by mountains during sunset.
A coastal landscape with a grassy hill, a sandy beach, and a rocky cliff.

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 &Stranorlar Golf 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
The price is ฿4,189 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
฿4,189
฿4,755 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
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! (480 reviews)
"Very great hotel with helpful and enthusiastic staff also a lovely quiet atmosphere with great breakfast food. The room was amazing with a cozy bed and great tv and shower with hot water shower caps, the room seemed to have everything you need. An iron board was also a nice bonus. I’d rate the leisure ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

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

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Donegal
The price is ฿4,189 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
฿4,189
฿4,755 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
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! (178 reviews)
"Spacious room that was not cleaned until 4:30pm but as we were in the room decided against it. Breakfast was disappointing for the cost. Hotel busy as had a Wedding Reception and very noisy as woken up at 2am. Felt as though we shouldn’t have been there as Wedding took priority and couldn’t use the ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2026

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
The Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond Donegal County Donegal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,545 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
฿5,545
฿6,294 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (719 reviews)
"Very central, very comfortable with great food and shopping right at your finger tips"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 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
Rosie's Bar Apartment -

Rosie's Bar Apartment -

3.5 out of 5
Drumkeen County Donegal
Stay at this apartment in Drumkeen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Newmills Corn and Flax Mills and Drumboe Woods ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Clean and well kept. large rooms."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

Rosie's Bar Apartment -
Mobile Home - Sleeps 6 - Pets Ok - Parking

Mobile Home - Sleeps 6 - Pets Ok - Parking

3 out of 5
Birra County Donegal
Stay at this chalet in Birra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Franciscan Friary and Rossnowlagh Beach are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Convienent location number of beaches within 10 mins drive. Clean comfortable accomodation in tranquial surroundings."

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Mobile Home - Sleeps 6 - Pets Ok - Parking
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.

Stay near popular Ballybofey attractions