Shopping parks are plentiful in Letterkenny, as are pubs and restaurants. Fortunately, cultural centers break the routine that sometimes weighs on local life. The most developed town in County Donegal is an excellent base for discovering Ireland's West.

History

Letterkenny was a small village in the early 17th century, during the Ulster Plantations. Leitir Ceannain in Irish means "hill of the O'Cannons", a reference to the first recorded clan in this region of the Swilly River. Once a thriving maritime port for trading goods such as grain and coal, the town also had a railway service. Places and monuments still evoke these past activities, such as Port Bridge or Station Road.

Discovering Letterkenny

Letterkenny won the title of Ireland's largest urban area at Tidy Towns 2007. It is a market town with a vibrant nightlife, an ideal base to unwind and recharge before continuing your journey through Ireland's West.

Letterkenny, a town for relaxation

The main street of Letterkenny serves numerous shopping centers, but you'll also find traditional shops. Upper Main Street extends from traffic lights near the Courthouse to the market square where the Courtyard shopping arcade is located. From there, Lower Main Street descends to the Dunnes shopping roundabout.

Letterkenny and its immediate surroundings are home to a range of fascinating tourist attractions. On the outskirts, the Newmills corn and flax mill dates back over 400 years and is considered the town's oldest monument. The Donegal County Museum offers a journey through the region's history from the Stone Age, featuring a collection of ancient artifacts and contemporary photographs. Throughout the year, the facility hosts temporary exhibitions in its ground floor gallery.

Letterkenny boasts a cinema, bowling alley and several leisure centers perfect for a rainy afternoon. On fine days, try your hand at golf at Letterkenny Golf Course on the banks of Lough Swilly, try go-kart racing or climbing with specialized centers. And for those seeking simpler pleasures, restaurants and galleries keep their doors open.

Letterkenny, your springboard to a wide range of holiday destinations

From the town, you can easily explore Donegal's west coast or reach the magnificent coves and beaches to the north. On the road to Londonderry, discover the ancient fort of Grianan of Aileach. To the west, before Mount Errigal, the Glenveagh National Park welcomes adventurers. For beach lovers, Portnoo, Portsalon and Marble Hill are not far away. In August, the Letterkenny Folk Festival showcases numerous folk dance troupes from across Europe. The town is also home to the Donegal Motor Rally, held each June.

When to visit Letterkenny?

During the first quarter of the year, temperatures (8°C) and heavy rainfall are not particularly conducive to tourism in Letterkenny. Weather remains unfavorable in April, which sees an average of 81 mm of precipitation. By May, the climate improves, despite humidity – average early evening temperatures reach 13°C. The weather cools from June through December.

By car

Letterkenny is served by three main roads. One comes from Londonderry, if you're traveling from Northern Irlande. The N13 connects Letterkenny to Sligo via Bundoran and Donegal town. If you're coming from Dublin, take the N2 via Monaghan and Lifford. The journey to Letterkenny takes approximately four hours.

By bus

Regular buses serve the rural west of County Donegal from Dublin, Belfast and Galway.

By plane

The nearest airports are Donegal and Londonderry, which receive flights from Dublin, Glasgow and London.

Taxi

You'll find numerous taxis around the market square in the town center. There's also parking near the bus station at the Port Road junction. You can book a vehicle by phone. Numbers are typically posted in telephone boxes.

By bus

Buses cover most of Letterkenny's popular attractions.

On foot

The main street is an excellent place for a leisurely stroll.

By bike

It's pleasant to visit Letterkenny by bicycle. However, as the town is hilly, you'll need to put in some effort to reach certain areas. Additionally, cyclists often share roads with motorists who aren't always accommodating.

What to do in Letterkenny?

• Shop in the shopping centers along Upper Main Street
• Visit the Donegal County Museum
• Play golf on the shores of Lough Swilly
• Explore Glenveagh National Park
• Head to the beaches of Portnoo, Portsalon and Marble Hill, etc.