Pubs |
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Olde Castle Bar
If coming from the Hilltown into Donegal town, the Olde
Castle Bar is straight ahead as you enter the diamond. A very cozy pub
to enjoy a relatively quiet drink depending on what time of night. A
great atmosphere and an older crowd where the noise level slowly builds
throughout the night. |
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Charlie’s Star Bar
If coming from the Hilltown into Donegal town, enter the
diamond, take the right turn, then take a left, out of the triangle.
Charlie’s Star Bar will be on your right shortly thereafter. It’s
a pub with below average music and a crowded and lively 20’s and
30’s scene. The best place to park is in the parking lot on the
right as soon as you leave the diamond. |
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The Schooner Inn
If coming from the Hilltown into Donegal town, enter the
triangle intersection, take the right turn, then take a left, out of
the triangle. The Schooner Inn will be on your left, across the street
from the church. It’s a favorite of the younger generation, with
a louder crowd that gets going late. In the past, it has had great live
music. |
Restaurants |
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Smuggler’s Creek Inn
This may be the favorite pub and restaurant. Take N15 (main road) South
and just beyond Ballintra area is a sign to the right for Rossnowlagh
Beach. Follow that road, and you will come to Smuggler’s Creek
Inn on the left. Very cozy and casual with a beautiful view of the beach
and water. It is very important to call as far in advance as possible
for reservations and live music information. Grab a seat in front of
the open fire place if possible for a cocktail and request a table for
dinner next to the windows overlooking the water. There’s a good
chance you’ll end up coming here more than once during your stay.
Closed on Mondays. |
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The Harbor Restaurant
Located in Donegal town, just before the triangle on your left, the
Harbor Restaurant delivers a quality dinner affordably. One of the local
favorites. |
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Blueberry Tea Room
This great little lunch spot is right next to the Olde Castle Bar and
offers sandwiches, soups, and pastries. It is also the only internet
café in Donegal town (in case you forget some of this site’s
precious details!). |
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Castle Murray on St. Johns Point: (073) 37022
This is a Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant on the road out to St. John’s
Point. See St. Johns Point day trip listing for directions. It has a
very cozy little bar and a nice dining room overlooking McSwyne’s
Bay. The food is excellent (mostly French) and quite expensive (more
expensive than Smuggler’s Creek Inn). During the summer when there
is plenty of daylight, it would be great to take the trip out to St.
John’s Point and end up at Castle Murray for dinner. Call well
in advance for reservations. Dress is tidy but casual. |
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Harvey’s Point on Lough Eske: (073) 22208
See Lough Eske/Doonan Waterfall Hike listing for directions. As you’re
driving on Lough Eske road, look for signs for Harvey’s Point to
the right. It is located on Lough Eske. |
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Nancys in Ardara
See Ardara listings for directions. Called Nancys, but not highly visible.
Look for Chas M’Hugh. Great food and reasonably priced with a fireplace,
cozy atmosphere and great Guinness. |
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The Sand House in Rossnowlagh: (072) 51777
Creevy Pier in Ballyshannon: (072) 51236 |
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Teach Jack’s
If you head up to northern Donegal, and you find yourself in the Derrybeg/Gweedore
area, I highly recommend spending the night at Teach Jack’s. The
food is great, there’s a fun pub inside, and they have the nicest
showers in Ireland! Check out http://www.teacjack.com/index.html for
more info. |
