Ballybofey

Travel 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&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.

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Co. Donegal
The price is P6,728 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
P6,728
P7,636 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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! (503 reviews)
"Lovely stay very comfortable beautiful hotel lovely staff.😊"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 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 P6,163 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
P6,163
P6,995 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
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! (207 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good facilities and good location."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
The Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond Donegal County Donegal
The price is P8,707 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
P8,707
P9,882 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Killaghtee ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (744 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay We were given a lovely room for my disability, right beside lift and perfect bathroom The staff were helpful and nice Thefood was delicious"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 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 WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Letterkenny Regional Cultural Centre and Letterkenny ...
9/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
"Great location in heart of town, beside bars and restaurants. Also beside shopping centre, Tesco penny's etc"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lurgybrack Open Farm and Newmills Corn and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Clean and well kept. large rooms."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2026

Rosie's Bar Apartment -
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 ...
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.

Stay near popular Ballybofey attractions