Bundoran, Sligo & Donegal, Ireland

Bundoran, Sligo & Donegal in the Republic of Ireland have so much to see and do! From beautiful coastal walks, history, culture, great food, and of course, shopping. Here is a five-day itinerary you can also enjoy while exploring Bundoran, Sligo, and Donegal Town.

'Ye Big Eejit' - Ireland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Visiting Bundoran, Sligo & Donegal, Ireland - 5-Day Itinerary

I love Ireland, home from home, the great banter/"Craic", food & drink, and the scenery is just spectacular! When I had the opportunity to host another group trip to Ireland, I jumped at it.

If you have been following me for a while, you will know I love a wee pint of Guinness. Did you know it's good for you?

'A Guinness A Day Is Good For You' ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 1 - Edinburgh to Bundoran

Our day started early with multiple pick-up stops before heading towards the Stena Line Ferry. The ferry crossing from Cairnryan to Belfast takes you from the west coast of Scotland across the Irish Sea into the city of Belfast. Did you know, if you don't want to drive, you can take the Citylink coach from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station, and it takes you all the way? The 2-hour crossing is perfect to take some photos out on deck, treat yourself in the onboard shop, enjoy a bit to eat in the restaurant, and a wee pint of Guinness at the bar, or you might like to visit the Pure Nordic Spa. There is also a movie lounge onboard and Wi-Fi (both free).

Out On Deck - Stena Superfast Ferry VIII With The Island of Alisa Craig In The Background ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Arriving late afternoon at the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran. The 4-star family-run hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean (a key location along the Wild Atlantic Way, known for its natural beauty and dramatic coastal features), with its own 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, and restaurant. It is the perfect location to enjoy “Rougey Cliff Walk” with the legendary Fairy Bridges and Fairy Chair, (natural stone formations, steeped in Irish folklore), watch the surfers ride the incredible waves (renowned as "surfer's paradise," consistently offering waves, even on calm days), or start your quest to find all the sculptures on the Sculpture Trail. There is also horse riding along the beautiful expansive beaches of Tullan Strand (also known as Tullan Sands), crazy golf, Water World with the fastest indoor waterslide “the whizzer”, or the famous wave pool.

Fairy Bridge, Roguey Walk, Bundoran, Ireland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 2 - Sligo

The town of Sligo, in the north of Ireland, straddles the Garavogue River where it meets Sligo Bay. Known as "Yeats Country" with its literary heritage connections to poet W.B. Yeats, and is home to ancient sites like the Carrowmore tombs in the rugged countryside. Ruined medieval Sligo Abbey has carved tombs and a 15th-century altar. Sligo County Museum displays memorabilia of local poet W.B. Yeats, paintings, and Stone Age artefacts. The Model is a contemporary arts centre featuring works by 20th-century Irish artists.

After an autumnal walk along the river, it was time to visit the heritage pub - Thomas Connolly (the oldest award-winning traditional pub in Sligo Town. With a pub on the same site since 1780, and Thomas Connolly first licensed in 1861, bought and named after Mayor of Sligo (1890 same year), enjoy Ireland's famous stout and do a little shopping.

Day 3 - Donegal

The town of Donegal is located at the mouth of the River Eske, in northwest Ireland. Originally built in the 15th century, Donegal Castle has later additions from the Jacobean period. The Four Masters Memorial obelisk honours 4 scribes from the nearby Franciscan friary, now in ruins. Donegal Railway Heritage Centre hosts rail memorabilia in an old station house. The perfect place to enjoy a boat trip along Donegal Bay (home to a seal colony, plus cormorants and cranes).

After a stroll around the award-winning Donegal Railway Heritage Centre that commemorates the operations of County Donegal Railways of two narrow-gauge railways in County Donegal from 1863 until 1959 (allow at least 2-hours, as a really informative video you can watch, explore the exhibition, shop and the opportunity to look onboard an old engine and carridge - Adult Ticket is 7.50 Euros), past Donegal Castle, a bite to eat (there are a few cafes, restaurants, and pubs to choose from around the town square), it was time to board the Donegal Bay Waterbus for the 75-minute cruise around the Seven Green Islands. It was an enjoyable trip with points of interest, the opportunity to enjoy an Irish coffee, and the onboard entertainment for only £25pp.

Donegal Bay Waterbus, Ireland ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 4 - Enniskillen

The largest town in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland - Enniskillen is Northern Ireland's only island town, nestled between two parts of Lough Erne. With interesting places to visit and explore, including the historical Enniskillen Castle, and natural attractions such as the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Enniskillen Castle. Built around 600 years ago by the ruling Gaelic Maguires, today the complex has two museums (Fermanagh County Museum with an exhibition steeped in history dating back to the earliest settlers and crannog living, and The Inniskillings Museum has a rich collection of regimental silver, battlefield curios, personal treasures, weapons, vehicles, medals, and more).

The entrance fee includes access to all (£6 per adult). Don't miss the cafe with delicious tray bakes, the shop selling local handicraft items, military books, and regimental memorabilia.

Enniskillen Castle ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Day 5 - Return Home

It was a slightly later departure this morning than the start of our outward journey. After a leisurely breakfast, it was time to board the coach to make our way to the Stena Ferry Terminal. It wasn't long to wait before the coach was signed to board. We then all disembarked the coach to enjoy the onboard facilities for the 2-hour return ferry journey. The crossing went smoothly, and before we knew it, it was time to join the coach again down on the vehicle deck. Soon it was time to say our sad farewells...until the next coach trip.

The trip was a huge success, everyone loved the places we visited, attractions, scenic drives, and walks. So excited for the next trip to Ireland!

Have you visited Ireland? Do you have a favourite highlight? Perhaps you're planning a trip to Ireland? What area are you planning to visit? Anything a must-see on your itinerary plans? I would love to hear! As always, you can reach out via email or social media.

Until next time...

Happy Travels,

Michelle x