Ballybofey

Travel 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 P6,176 per night from May 14 to May 15
P6,176
P7,009 total
May 14 - May 15
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (160 reviews)
Staff were all lovely, good food, comfortable room. We travelled with our 1 year old. Staff couldn’t have been friendlier, surprised that other residents or members of public in for dinner seemed to be annoyed when he got a little bit upset towards the end of eating. He was waving and they looked ...

Reviewed on May 1, 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 P6,742 per night from May 17 to May 18
P6,742
P7,653 total
May 17 - May 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor ...
8/10 Very Good! (460 reviews)
Great wee family hotel. Clean, responsibly priced. Short staffed in bar. Staff ignoring due to same. Food surprising not great in bar and we normally aren’t very picky. Breakfast fine. Pool etc. great but needs modernised. Room grand. Can’t beat Jackson’s for value. Music in bar was great too.

Reviewed on May 5, 2026

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Jackson's Hotel

Jackson's Hotel

2 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey F93 RD40 Ballybofey County Donegal
Stay at this hotel in Ballybofey. Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor Arts Centre are located nearby.
Jackson's Hotel
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 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 Apr 3, 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 vacation home in Stranorlar. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Mar 17, 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 WiFi, 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 Nov 1, 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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