Ballybofey

Travel Guide

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
Stay at this 4-star 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! (124 reviews)
Immaculate room,pleasant staff,good food

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

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 P5,901 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
P5,901
P6,698 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor ...
7.8/10 Good! (423 reviews)
Breakfast was limited, had to ask for refills when things were empty and for was not warm.

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2025

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny

Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny

4 out of 5
Paddy Harte Road, Letterkenny, Donegal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,402 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
P8,402
P9,536 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Letterkenny. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
Close to downtown.

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny
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! (47 reviews)
good property, good location near grocery and public transit. clean. would stay again.

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Rosie's Bar Apartment -

Rosie's Bar Apartment -

3.5 out of 5
Drumkeen
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Drumkeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Newmills Corn and Flax Mills and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Kitchen had everything needed too if the range equipment. House was clean and comfortable. No food places near buy so would be nice if the bar made food. Only down side was some of the visitors to the bar

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2025

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
Stay at this 3.5-star 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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