County Donegal

Sea angling

From portnablagh near dunfanaghy and downings is a good day out. the trip takes in a stop at tory island (http://www.toryhotel.com/). rods and tackle are supplied and you can fish for mackerel, cod and pollock.

Deep sea fishing

Is also available from many of the towns and villages located on the coast

Letterkenny is home to hundreds of high street shops, including branches of many international fashion boutiques. Ballybofey, in the centre of the county, also features a large contingent of shops, including a large indigenious local department store, McElhinney's.

Letterkenny also features a multiplex cinema, and a theatre, An Grianán (http://www.angrianan.com/). Nightclubs of varying size and quality are dotted throughout the counties tourist resorts, including Letterkenny, Glenties and Bundoran. Bundoran is Ireland's answer to Blackpool, and features large amusement arcades as well as a Waterpark, not to mention being a good base for surfers, beside some of the best surfing sites in Ireland.

The Ionad Cois Locha (http://www.littleireland....) in Dunlewey, part of the Poisoned Glen, is a tourist attraction, originally built by the countries main power company, the ESB, to employ workers it was laying off from a nearby power plant. Based around a restored two storey farm house, it features a museum of weaving equipment and weaving demonstrations; boat tours of a man-made lake caused by an ESB hydro electric power station the station itself is an eyesore, really, on the landscape, and often hosts concerts or art exhibitions.

walking and climbing

The cliffs at Slieve League (http://www.sliabhleague.com/) are a "must-see", but only in fair weather, and a visit to Glencolumcille could be included in this outing. Similarly, a visit to Grianan of Aileach could be included in a trip to the Inishowen Peninsula.

Weather will dictate whether one should climb Mount Errigal. Other easier climbs in the area include Muckish and Lough Salt Mountain, both of which are easier climbs but offer equally rewarding views from the top. Always leave details of time of departure and expected time of return with your local contacts when undertaking walking, climbing and boating activities, as bad weather can descend very quickly without warning.

Glenveagh National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with its scenic walks and climbs, together with its gardens adn castle grounds. Plan to spend at least half a day here. Nearby Ards Forest Park is also worth a visit, with a great combination of wooded and beach walks.

Glenties is a good hillwalking base, situated at the meeting of two glens on the edge of the Bluestack Mountains.

music

Music is an important part of the regions culture, and its tourist industry. Music tours often head to Kincasslagh, home of Daniel O'Donnell, a favourite with elderly ladies across the UK and Ireland; or to Gweedore to Leo's Tavern, run by the brother of Enya and her siblings' band, Clannad. Traditional Irish music is more prevalent in places like Glencolumcille, Ardara and Glenties, where a traditional fiddlers' festival is held every year. In addition, in recent years Letterkenny has been home to the national Fleadh Cheoil, Ireland's largest traditional music festival.

golfing

Golf is a major pastime for tourists in the region, with many 9 and 18 hole courses dotted around the county. Due to the lack of flat land in many areas, many of the courses are superb links courses formed by nature offering scenic views as well as world-class golf. Serious golfers should include Ballyliffen, Murvagh outside Donegal Town and Portsalon in their itinerary as they are three of the best courses in the county. Green fees will vary from €30 upwards, depending on the season and day of the week.