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A Guide To Glenties In Donegal (Things To Do, Accommodation, Pubs, Food)

A Guide To Glenties In Donegal (Things To Do, Accommodation, Pubs, Food)

The lovely little village of Glenties in Donegal is a fine base for an adventure.

Taking its name from the unique location where two glens converge into one, Glenties is a charming little village that serves as a great spot to hike and cycle among some of Southwest Donegal’s finest natural treasures.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything from things to do in Glenties to where to eat, sleep and drink. So, go on – dive on in!

Some quick need-to-knows about Glenties

Glenties

Photos via Shutterstock

Although a visit to Glenties is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

You’ll find Glenties in south west Donegal. It’s a 10-minute drive from Ardara and a 30-minute drive from both Donegal Town and Dungloe.

2. Steeped in history

People have been living in and around Glenties since way back in the Bronze Age and there’s a number of ancient sites scatter around the town including ring forts, standing stones and dolmens.

3. A nice base to explore from

Glenties makes a nice base to explore this corner of Donegal from, especially if you’re fond of hikes, walks and glorious coastline. Discover heaps of things to do in Glenties below.

About Glenties in Donegal

glenties in donegal

Photos via Shutterstock

With settlement in the area dating back to the Bronze Age, the area around Glenties in Donegal has always been a hub of activity, even during the dark days of the Famine.

Now, a village full of character and welcome, Glenties is a vibrant stop on the Wild Atlantic Way and its a great base from exploring many of the best things to see in Donegal.

The record five-time (no less!) winner of the Irish Tidy Towns competition, Glenties takes its appearance seriously and its colourful Main Street with rolling green glens in the distance is a lovely scene when entering town.

Only a few miles from the rugged beauty of the Donegal coastline, there’s plenty of things to do in Glenties and within reasonable distance of the village.

Things to do in Glenties in Donegal (and nearby)

Glenties in Donegal is a great place to base yourself from if you fancy exploring the surrounding county (especially if you try our Donegal itinerary!).

Finely positioned near a number of great attractions, there’s a handful of things to do in Glenties and there’s an endless number of places to visit nearby.

1. Kick start your visit with a coffee from Good Earth Farm

things to do in glenties

Photo via Good Earth Farm, Healthfood Shop & Cafe on Facebook

Located on farm just outside of Glenties and across the Owenea River, Good Earth Farm fully embraces nature and sustainability.

They’re also a great spot to grab a coffee! Learn how this friendly farm operates and pick up some organic bits and pieces from their shop too. 

2. Then drop into St Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre

heritage centre glenties

Photo via St Connell’s Museum on Facebook

Speaking of learning, head over to St Connell’s Museum and Heritage Centre to find out about life in this fascinating part of Donegal.

Crammed with old artefacts, letters, photos and many, many stories, you’ll be treated to sublime vignettes of Glenties heritage from years gone by. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Glenties when it’s raining, this is an interesting spot to whittle away a wet evening.

3. Have a gander at Doon Fort

doon fort donegal

Photo by Lukassek on Shutterstock

Let your medieval imagination run wild at Doon Fort. Less than a 20-minute drive from Glenties, the fort now consists of circular walled ruins set on a small island in Doon Lake.

Thought to be the home of the O’Boyle Chieftains, the exact date of its construction is unknown but is undeniably picturesque.

4. Head for a ramble along Portnoo Beach

Portnoo Beach

Photo via Shutterstock

Our next stop is one of the best beaches in Donegal. Just a 15-minute drive from Glenties, Portnoo Beach is a designated Natural Heritage Area that’s perfect for a little ramble. 

With views out to the small island of Inishkeel, the estuary of the Gweebarra River and the southern edge of the Rosses, Portnoo Beach is a relaxing spot to unwind on bright day.

5. Visit the Caves of Maghera

maghera caves

Photo by Lukassek on Shutterstock

Just a 20-minute drive from Glenties, the mysterious Maghera Caves are situated beneath Slievetooey mountain and some are accessible at low tides from Maghera Strand.

The beach is sublime by itself but if you’re in a mood to explore then there are over 20 caves, 8 arches and 5 tunnels to check out (ONLY enter if you understand how to read tide times!).

6. Listen to the water crash at Assaranca Waterfall

Assaranca in Donegal

Photo by Monicami on Shutterstock

One of Ireland’s prettiest waterfalls, Assaranca Waterfall is a gem that’s only a km away from the Caves of Maghera. Regardless of the season, its beauty is well worth the visit.

The cascading water forks at the top into several streams before converging into a powerful finish at the base. You can, quite literally, pull up right next to Assaranca.

7. Glengesh Pass

glengesh pass

Photos by Lukassek/shutterstock.com

One of our favourite things to do near Glenties in Donegal is to take the 15-minute spin out to the incredible Glengesh Pass (it’s just down the road from the village of Ardara).

The road here, similar to Mamore Gap on the magnificent Inishowen Peninsula, is arguably one of the most unique roads in Ireland.

Restaurants in Glenties

restaurants in glenties in donegal

Photos by Ali’s Char Bar on Facebook

There’s a handful of great places to eat in Glenties for those of you looking to kick-back with a hearty post-adventure feed. Here are our favourites:

1. The Thatch Bar and Restaurant

Previously known as Kennedy’s, The Thatch is a bar and restaurant in Glenties in Donegal located on the apex of Main Street. Serving up classic well-prepared hearty food such as traditional beef stew and honey glazed Donegal ham, this is one of our favourite restaurants in Glenties. Head there on a Sunday where their fine three-course Sunday Lunch menu will set you back just €14.95.

2. Jim’s Café

An institution in Glenties since 1976, Jim’s Café is a fine choice to kick your day off with an all-day breakfast. If you’re coming in later in the day then this friendly joint also serves up the likes of burgers, curries and fish and chips. 

3. Ali’s Char Bar

Speaking of curries, just across the road from Jim’s lies Ali’s Char Bar where they do a mighty range of curries, kebabs, wraps and burgers. Easy to spot on Main Street with their bright green décor, they also do weekend specials so keep your eyes open!

Pubs in Glenties

pubs in glenties

Photo left via Roddy’s Bar on Facebook. Photo right via Sonny’s Bar on Facebook.

1. Roddy’s Bar

Friendly and traditional, Roddy’s Bar in Glenties in Donegal is a great spot to enjoy a creamy pint at the end of a long day exploring. Its distinct red and white exterior (complete with decorative wagon wheel) is easy to spot from the outside, while inside you’ll get a friendly Donegal welcome. 

2. Sonny’s

Opened in 2017, there’ll be plenty of beer and plenty of music should you choose to venture into Sonny’s Bar. And if sport’s your thing, this family-run bar also shows all the biggest sporting events on its big screen. 

Where to stay in Glenties

accommodation in glenties

Photos via Highlands Hotel

There’s some great places to stay in Glenties for those of you looking to stay in the town. 

1. Highlands Hotel

A part of Glenties life for over 50 years and one of the best hotels in Donegal, in our opinion, the Highlands Hotel is a classy establishment at the top of Main Street. 

And now, having undergone major renovations and a refit (you can’t miss the bright blue exterior!), it’s a cosy spot serving up fine food with plentiful rooms to rest your head.

2. Marguerite’s B&B

A family-run bed and breakfast right in the middle of town, Marguerite’s B&B is in a perfect location for enjoying Glenties but also getting on the road and exploring the glorious surrounding countryside. And with a full Irish breakfast on offer every morning, they’ll make sure you’re good to go. 

3. Avalon House

Situated just outside of town, Avalon House’s location means you’ll have spectacular views of the Bluestack Mountains to wake up to each morning. Its bright red façade is easy to spot, and it even has an outdoor patio to relax under during the warm summer nights.

FAQs about visiting Glenties

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where to stay in the town?’ to ‘What are good things to do near Glenties?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Glenties?

Kick start your visit with a coffee from Good Earth Farm followed by a visit to St Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre then visit one of the many nearby attractions above.

What are good things to do near Glenties?

Nearby you’ve everywhere from Doon Fort and Portnoo Beach to Assaranca Waterfall, Glengesh Pass and much, much more (see above).

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Mr G.Ferrie

Sunday 27th of February 2022

Ardara, and Glenties are both lovely, and not forgetting Dungloe....it is a..........pleasure to visit Donegal.......

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