Letterkenny is a town in the northwestern Irish county of Donegal. This vibrant town offers a great urban experience in the scenic Wild Atlantic Way adventure. It was also rated as the ‘tidiest town’ in Ireland in 2015.
It offers a wide range of luxurious accommodations and a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs, with some indoor and outdoor activities.
If you’re planning a trip to Letterkenny, there are plenty of exciting things to do. It is also the largest and the most desired town in Donegal and is known as the Cathedral Town. Here you can explore a variety of things to do.
Useful Info for Letterkenny Trip
Location
Letterkenny is a town located in County Donegal, Ireland. Letterkenny has experienced significant urban expansion over the years, evolving from its original outskirts to now being part of the town proper.
How To Get To Letterkenny?
You can even rent a car and travel to the city if you’re planning on a long trip and want to visit the nearby towns. Take William Penn Hwy/US-22, then turn right onto US-522 S/US-522/James Dicosimo Byp. Continue on US-522 S for approximately 16.6 miles, then turn left onto Neelyton Rd/PA-641.
The nearest bus stops to Letterkenny are Sister Sara’s, Mr. Chippy Chip Shop Station, St Brigids Centre, and Letterkenny Bus Station.
How To Travel Around Letterkenny?
You can travel around the city by renting a car, as that would be more comfortable as you have the liberty to stop wherever you want. I will link to some of the car renting companies below to save a bit of your time: CarFlexi, Economy Car Rentals, and Naxos Rent A Car.
There are some local buses as well that will take you to the popular tourist spots.
5 Things To Do In Letterkenny
Discover Donegal County Museum
Donegal County Museum was built in 1846 and is presently housed in a beautiful ancient stone structure that was previously a part of the Letterkenny Workhouse. The government of Ireland states that this is the best museum in the country.
It was built to preserve, communicate, and showcase Donegal’s history during the time of the Famine. It is located on Letterkenny’s High Street and includes a wonderful collection of antiques. It also has a permanent collection of around 8000 objects that are back from prehistoric times.
I would surely recommend you visit this place as it has many unique things to offer and you will have fun exploring and discovering about the past.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4:30 pm
Charges: Free
However, I recommend you visit their official website for up-to-date information.
Explore Main Street of Letterkenny
Main Street is a major roadway in Letterkenny and is known to be Ireland’s longest street. Letterkenny’s long main street is lined with red-brick Georgian mansions, some of which are owned by notable persons, and accompanied by a beautiful tiny market square halfway down.
You can shop for a lot of antique items here and take back the memories of this beautiful trip with you, back at your home. Exploring Main Street is among one of the mist amazing things to do in Letterkenny.
Discover Glenveagh Castle
Glenveagh Castle is a 19th-century house that is set amidst 16,500 hectares of County Donegal mountains. It was built between 1870 and 1873 in a Scottish Baronial-style castle.
Exotic species from Tasmania, Madeira, and Chile were planted in a freestyle around the house. Apart from the surrounding lakes and woodland, the Glenveagh gardens are a notable attraction in the area.
It is a beautiful sight, and I would recommend visiting the Castle. You can also take the guided tour if you feel like knowing the history of the place.
If you want to know about Glenveagh National park in detail, click here for our detailed article.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Charges: Adult: €7 and for children (under 6): €5
However, I recommend you visit their official website for up-to-date information.
Explore Newmills Corn and Flax Mills
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills is one of Ireland’s few industrial archaeology monuments. The complex’s oldest remaining structure is reported to be 400 years old. New mills are a fascinating reminder of a period in this country’s economic progress.
You can also see one of Ireland’s largest waterwheels in work. This place will give you a different insight into industrial knowledge.
You can see the whole process and learn a lot of things about such complex industries.
Discover Cathedral of St. Eunan and St. Columba
St. Eunan’s Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Eunan and St Columba, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Letterkenny. It was built in the 1900s and is the only Catholic Church in the county.
When visiting Letterkenny, you should make a point of visiting St Eunan’s Cathedral. The Cathedral’s design is one of a kind and has been created in the Victorian neo-Gothic style.
Letterkenny Town Park is also a place where you can go if you have some extra time in your hand, as this is a place that usually kids will enjoy and have a fun, playful time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where should I stay in Letterkenny?
When considering where to stay in Letterkenny, visitors have several highly-rated options to choose from based on your interest. Dillons Hotel, Mount Errigal Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Station House Hotel, Clanree Hotel, and Killererin House Bed & Breakfast are some of the best options.
Are there cheap things to do in Letterkenny?
Yes, there are affordable activities to enjoy in Letterkenny, Ireland. You can explore a variety of budget-friendly options to make the most of their time in the town. Visiting Glenveagh National Park, Exploring Letterkenny Activity Centre, and discovering local attractions such as St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Donegal County Museum, and An Grianan Theatre are some options.
Is Letterkenny a nice town?
Yes, Letterkenny is indeed a charming town with a lot to offer. Nestled in County Donegal, Ireland, Letterkenny is known for its lively atmosphere, buzzing culture scene, great pubs and restaurants, and spectacular surroundings.
Conclusion
Nestled between the stunning mountains of Donegal and the glacial fjord of Lough Swilly, Letterkenny offers a picturesque setting for you to explore.
I hope that you find this article helpful. I have tried to cover almost every possible detail about the place.
I’ve also covered the articles for nearby places: Donegal, Sligo, and Waterford.
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