Things To Do In Dungloe
Your Wild Atlantic Way Adventure Starts Here
Things To Do In Dungloe
Your Wild Atlantic Way
Adventure Starts Here
Your Donegal adventure begins at The Bridge Inn.
Explore some of the most breath-taking scenery and adventurous outdoor activities in Donegal with the help of our friendly team. We’re always happy to provide details on how to get the most from your stay – from golden beaches to hidden fishing getaways and scenic hikes to family fun activities, you’ll discover the perfect places to make your break a memorable one.
Below are a few highlights of many attractions and activities in and around the Dungloe area.
On your doorstep at The Bridge Inn is an instant escape into the magical fairyland of the Dungloe River Walk.
As you move into the wooded area of natural beauty, you’ll encounter a number of large fairy houses which are colourfully decorated with amusing and pretty details.
The clear pathway is in good condition and is suitable for children’s buggies and disability access.
The walk is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and is a particular hit for families with young children.
From fly fishing to deep sea angling, west Donegal offers some world renowned experiences for fishing enthusiasts. The famous Rosses Fishery in Dungloe controls the fishing rights to more than 130 small lakes within a five mile radius of the town. If you enjoy fly fishing for wild brown trout, rainbow trout, wild sea-trout and even the odd salmon, your adventure is just a few minutes away from The Bridge Inn. Fishing licences, permits and boat rentals are all available at Bonner’s fishing tackle store in Dungloe. A season permit costs €50 while a day permit costs €10. Boat rental is subject to availability and priced at €15 per day. The season runs from February to October, with September being renowned for the best catches. A number of fishing competitions are hosted by the Rosses Fishery throughout the year.
Wild Atlantic deep sea angling is practically on your doorstep with chartering available from Burtonport (7km) and Kincasslagh Pier (10km). You can charter a skippered boat for a full day or for shorter periods and try your hand at catching one of the many fascinating species that reside in the deep west Donegal coastal waters.
Donegal is a world famous golf destination and home to some of the most spectacular links courses on the planet.
Dungloe is the perfect base for a golfing holiday with a number of challenging courses just a short drive away.
These nearest links courses include Narin & Portnoo Golf Club (13.3 km), Cruit Island Golf Club (14km), Gweedore Golf Club (14km) Sandfield Pitch and Putt Course (18.3 km). Our friendly staff at The Bridge Inn will be happy to help you find the perfect course to
suit you.
Some of Donegal’s most impressive beaches are just a stone’s throw away from Dungloe. Maghery Beach, famous for its golden sands and clear blue water, is less than 7km away. This is a popular spot for water adventures including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking while also a great destination for rock climbing.
Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach, with its characteristic white sand and ancient dunes soaring skywards, is just 13km from Dungloe. Carrickfinn Beach is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a perfect place to enjoy a fantastic family day out regardless of what the
weather brings.
Dooey Beach, with its sand dunes and clear water, is regarded as a true hidden gem on the Donegal coast, and is just 16 km from The Bridge Inn. Here you can ride the waves under the expert supervision of highly experienced local surf instructors.
Get wet and wild at the picturesque hidden gem that is Dooey Beach – just a 15 minute drive from The Bridge Inn.
Here you will find expert surf instruction from experienced surfers catering for beginners to more seasoned wave lovers.
Speak with our staff for more information on catching some waves in one of the most scenic and exciting surfing hotspots in Ireland.
There are dozens of fantastic walks and trails in west Donegal. The foot of Donegal’s highest peak is just 20km away from the Bridge Inn. Your Mount Errigal hike will reward you with fantastic memories of a challenging summit and spectacular views of Donegal captivating landscape. Take a picnic and head off after breakfast for a Donegal hiking trek to remember.
With its characteristic table-top appearance, Muckish Mountain is slightly further away at 43km. You will be mesmerised by the amazing panoramic views on the summit, while enroute you’ll experience the lunar-esque landscape and challenging scree on the former quartz miner’s pathway to the top. For those who fancy more relaxing scenic walks there are plenty to choose from in the region including Burtonport low-land walk which is just 5km away, the spectacular Glenveagh National Park which is just 38km away and the stunning Ards Forest Park, which is 49k away.
The magnificent Mullaghmullan Peninsula, which features the famously photogenic Crohy Head, is just over 8km from The Bridge Inn. Take in the captivating views of the wide Atlantic Ocean from this internationally renowned beauty spot.
Dotted with strangely shaped rocky outcrops, this location’s highlight is the epic sea arch known locally as ‘The Breeches’. Don’t forget your camera.
Less than 30km from The Bridge Inn, you will find The Poisoned Glen, just outside Dunlewey. An Gleann Neimhe is a truly idyllic setting, steeped in mystery and boasting some of the most magnificent rural scenery in Donegal.
At the foot of Mount Errigal, this spectacular location is the centre of countless tales in Irish folklore and mythology – stories packed with giants and heroism.
You’ll feel a sense of total escape as you soak up the atmosphere created by the bubbling streams, shimmering lakes and steep mountain sides of the valley. It is a veritable feast for experienced hikers and casual walkers with access to the ‘Seven Sisters’ of the Derryveagh mountain range with a host of trails leading to the various summits.
A scenic country drive of just over 10km will lead you to stunning Crolly Waterfall. Experience the mesmerising cascade crashing down the hillside.
It is located close to the Crolly Distillery, which has recently undergone a major investment programme and is being transformed into ‘The Crolly Distillery and Visitor’s Centre’. Opened in 2020, it is Donegal’s first fully functional whiskey distillery in more than 180 years.
Each July, all roads lead to Dungloe for the international Mary From Dungloe Festival. The town is awash with traditional music, as women from Irish communities across the globe vie for the title of being the embodiment of the spirit of the festival.
The winner is crowned Mary of Dungloe and holds that title for the year as she becomes the international ambassador for the festival. The Bridge Inn will be a hive of traditional music activity, playing its important role in this globally renowned celebration of Irish culture.
Fintown Railway is the county’s only operational narrow gauge railway and the only surviving (operational) line in the former County Donegal Railways network. Spectacularly located along the shores of Lough Finn in the shadow of Derryveagh Mountains (Aghla Mountain), this railway track is steeped in tradition, myth and folklore. You will need to travel just 20km from The Bridge Inn, to soak up the old railway atmosphere and enjoy the scenery along the five kilometre journey through time, all powered by a restored 1940s diesel railcar. The line was restored to mark the centenary of the arrival of the first steam train (nicknamed locally as the ‘Black Pig’) in Donegal in 1895.