Darren & Milena
Things To Do
Malin Head
Needless to say, it can be windy, but wow is it gorgeous. This is Ireland's northernmost point, where they also filmed much of Star Wars! Also be sure to check out Farren's pub after - it's a town gem.
Wild Alpaca Way
Situated along the Wild Atlantic Way Route, this is a good stop if you're in Malin Head and want some Alpaca loving. The family run business offers walking tours and guides, and we're considering a group excursion for anyone interested before the wedding. All weather pending, of course:)
Gap of Mamore
Close to Clonmany or Ballyliffin, and about 13 kms north of Buncrana, this is a popular narrow, winding, scenic road in the Urris Hills on the Inishowen Peninsula. Approach it from the south and if you're like our brother-in-law Sam challenge yourself riding up and through it on a bike! (That's really his bike)
Urris Lakes Loop
One of Milena's favorite days in Donegal, she walked from Dunaff Hill to Lenan Bay and swore to do the whole loop one day (aka w/ no small kids or cold rain). There are probably many other options like it- so many bays, loops, and walking trails to explore.
Pollan Bay/ Ballyliffen beach playground/play park
This is the beach facing our venue, Ballyliffin Lodge, and it's just one of many gorgeous beaches to visit: https://www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com/top-5-most-beautiful-beaches-in-donegal-ranked/
Glenevin Waterfall
Located in Clonmany, this would be a nice respite from the crowds and pubs as it's a pretty nice stroll to the falls. This was Darren attempting to make his head look bigger than Milena's because someone (ahem!) told her (repeatedly) that she has a very large head:)
Inish Adventures
Inish Adventures is an Outdoor Activity Centre located in Moville, Co Donegal, Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way. It offers a variety of activities for kids and adults alike, including kayaking to see dolphins and braving the cold Atlantic to experience their new Sea Adventure Waterpark with huge inflatables.
Wild Ireland
This sanctuary is located in an ancient Celtic rainforest and home to animals like wolves, wild boars, and bears. A nice respite from what will be a busy week and for kids in particular: enjoy the fairy walk around the forest or have fun in the state of the art play park!
Londonderry, plus
A must-visit city in Northern Ireland and only 45 mins from Clonmany/Ballyliffin or 15 mins from the Derry airport (for folks flying in from Europe), this walled historic wonder has so much to offer. If you want to make a trip of it, consider these couple of short trips: 1) go up to the Giants Causeway and if you're a Games of Thrones fan, make sure to see the Dark Hedges! 2) from Derry or Giants Causeway, continue to Belfast! If you have more time, consider Isle of Man (and of course Dublin, if you're flying out of there).
Giants Causeway & The Dark Hedges
Do a day trip to the legendary footsteps of giants (about a 1.5hr drive from Ballyliffin) or make a trip out of it altogether and also go to Belfast. Hiiiighly recommend passing through The Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim--they got popular after being on Game of Thrones! From Belfast, maybe even take a ferry to Isle of Man.
West Coast + Peninsulas
Go down the West Coast through Sligo and then Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and/or the Iveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry). Obvi a loooong drive, but one we really want to do too! Check out 'The Irish Road Trip', and a specific take on Dingle vs Iveragh Peninsula: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/dingle-peninsula-vs-ring-of-kerry/ Or this scenic road trip circling Ring of Kerry: https://www.hotels.com/go/ireland/road-trip-ireland#
Other local trips, obvi Dublin!
Check out Rick Steve's Ireland Itinerary options based on # of days - https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/ireland/itinerary - though he doesn't credit Donegal, which is SO not cool! It's literally been voted one of the world's most beautiful places (by Lonely Planet, Nat Geo, etc). Dublin really is an absolute must--such a cosmopolitan, diverse city bearing cuisines from all around the globe and local music ev-ery-where. If you want to take a boat tour, def book ahead and know where your mtg point is. We got super lost so we ended up doing an open bus tour instead, which was also amazing. From Dublin, you can also go down South to Kinsale in Cork, passing through Blarney Castle and Gardens. (But this is a loooong drive so you need more than a day or two)