Ballybofey

Travel Guide

Aerial view of Lough EA between Ballybofey and Glenties in Donegal - Ireland
Aerial view of Lough EA between Ballybofey and Glenties in Donegal - Ireland

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
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (139 reviews)
We have stayed at the villa rose and Jackson’s multiple times. We got at least 6-7 times per year. Staff are always warm welcoming and go out of their way to make sure we have a great stay. The rooms are beautiful and exceptionally clean. The food in the forge bar is excellent both for adults and ...

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

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

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Co. Donegal
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor ...
7.8/10 Good! (432 reviews)
Nice big room, comfortable bed and good parking.

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Lough Eske Castle

Lough Eske Castle

5 out of 5
Lough Eske Donegal Donegal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P16,771 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P16,771
P19,035 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (792 reviews)
Staff friendly A beautiful setting

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Lough Eske Castle
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 WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Letterkenny Leisure Centre and Donegal County ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (49 reviews)
Fully equipped clean kitchen /bedrooms/ lounge. Really convenient to shopping and dining , would definitely stay again

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
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 vacation home in Stranorlar. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Jun 8, 2025

Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal
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 vacation home in Stranorlar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Drumboe Woods and Balor Arts Centre are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
We’re traveling with our mom who is 83. She no longer climbs stairs. The stairs are steep and we had trouble with the stairs for her state of age. Not really a house problem, but something I think renters should know.

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Amy's Place Charming 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.

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