Donegal Discovery

Donegal is a land apart. Its unique heritage and culture, shaped by its rugged coastline and starkly-beautiful mountain scenery, is perfectly complemented by its people - renowned across Ireland for their special warmth and hospitality.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Hotel for 4 nights with welcome drink, breakfast & dinner, glass of wine or beer each evening
• Overnight hotel for 2 nights with breakfast & dinner
• Included excursion to Donegal Castle & Ulster American Folk Park
• Included excursion to Glenveagh Castle & historic LondonderryDAY 1 Departure: Depart this morning, stopping for lunch & refreshments on the way to our overnight hotel in North Wales. Dinner is served this evening at the hotel.

DAY 2 Travel to Ballybofey: Today we continue to Holyhead for the ferry to Dublin, heading northwest across Ireland to our resort hotel in County Donegal.

DAYS 3-5 At leisure with two included excursions. The twin towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar are linked by an arched bridge over the River Finn, known for its salmon runs and hence a popular choice with anglers. Top quality local produce is on offer in the town’s retailers, and you can enjoy the craic with the friendly locals in one of the town’s traditional pubs. For something more active, a number of woodland walks can be enjoyed in the vicinity of our hotel, you can enjoy a swim in the hotel’s 22-metre indoor pool, or simply relax in the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi.

Donegal Castle & Ulster American Folk Park: Today’s excursion starts with a visit to Donegal Town, which occupies a strategic spot on the banks of the River Eske.We’ll tour Donegal Castle, built by the O’Donnell clan in 1474 and re modelled in the 17th Century. Next, we’ll cross the border into Fermanagh for a stop at the world-famous Belleek Pottery, which has been producing fine china since 1857. From here, we’ll drive along the shores of Lower Lough Erne to the fascinating Ulster American Folk Park, which tells the story of Irish emigration to the USA through authentic recreations of life in both the Old and the New Worlds.

Glenveagh & Londonderry: Today, head into the magnificent Glenveagh National Park, whose lakes and hidden glens are home to Ireland’s largest herd of red deer and re introduced golden eagles.We’ll visit Glenveagh Castle, which boasts a fine setting overlooking Lough Veagh, and tour its flamboyantly decorated interiors including the tartan music room and the pink suite which was a favourite of Greta Garbo. The castle’s exotic gardens, rhododendrons and formal terraces are in marked contrast with the untamed wilderness all around. This afternoon, we’ll cross the border into Northern Ireland for a visit to the historic walled city of Derry (Londonderry), with free time to explore.

DAY 6 & LAST DAY Travel to overnight hotel & travel home: After breakfast, it’s time to head for Dublin to catch the afternoon ferry back to Holyhead and the short onward journey to this evening’s overnight accommodation. Next morning we depart for home, arriving during the evening.Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey

The family run Jacksons Hotel pride themselves on offering a warm welcome. On the banks of the River Finn, and bordered by Drumboe Woods, the location couldn’t be any better. The hotel features a lift, restaurant and an authentic Irish bar which offers regular entertainment. All 138 en suite bedrooms have hairdryer, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests enjoy free use of the hotel’s leisure facilities which include swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Porterage, welcome drink and tea/ coffee after dinner are included at this hotel.

Bonus: as a special bonus for Crusader Holidays clients, the hotel offers a nightly ‘happy hour’ where you can enjoy 30% discounts on drinks from the bar.