County Donegal is stepping into the international spotlight. With a steady rise in visitor numbers in recent years, Ireland’s northwestern corner is drawing global travelers in search of rugged coastlines, charming villages and open spaces far from the usual tourist trail.
Burt Castle, County Donegal, was built during the mid-1500s as a stronghold to protect the southern portion of Ó Dochartaigh land
It didn’t take long for me to understand the appeal. There’s a rhythm to life up here that feels different. You’re not rushing to check sights off a list but lingering to take in the breathtaking views, pulling over because you spotted a castle ruin or a wool shop tucked into the side of the road. It’s spontaneous, a little daring and completely enchanting.
The allure of slow travel in Donegal
According to Fáilte Ireland’s latest tourism barometer, the outlook is positive for inbound visitors, and Donegal is finally getting the international attention it deserves. But even with the growing buzz, it hasn’t lost its heart. The roads are still quiet. The people are still chatty. And there’s still a good chance you’ll have a clifftop view entirely to yourself.
The Grianan of Aileach hillfort, Greenan Mountain, Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal
Even with more travelers catching on, Donegal hasn’t lost its magic. There’s something wild and unfiltered about this part of Ireland. With towering cliffs, winding country roads where sheep have the right of way and tiny villages where the pub’s as much a community center as it is a place for a pint, it’s the kind of place that asks you to slow down, take a breath and just soak it all in.
We spent our days chasing whatever caught our eye: a beach we spotted from the road, a bakery that smelled too good to pass up or a scenic overlook we had entirely to ourselves. That’s the beauty of Donegal. It’s not built around a packed itinerary. It’s about following the winding roads and seeing what unfolds.
For our home base, I wanted something that felt just as rooted and relaxed as the surrounding landscape. We found that at Redcastle Hotel & Spa, tucked right along Lough Foyle. It had everything we needed: a little luxury, a lot of comfort and that warm Irish hospitality you hear people talk about but really have to experience for yourself.
The entrance to the Redcastle Estate could not be more dramatic. The land sweeps past an emerald green golf course and undulating lawns down to the low, long white mansion hotel which sits on the edge of the shore virtually tipping into Lough Foyle, while gentle waves lap the sands below.
The hotel welcomes guests with rich wood furnishings and cozy nooks perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying a quiet conversation. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, making it equally well-suited for couples as it is for families.
Redcastle Hotel & Spa has a prime location
Situated on the Inishowen Peninsula, Redcastle Hotel & Spa is near the beginning of the iconic 1,553-mile Wild Atlantic Way that weaves along the wind-lashed northwestern coastline of Ireland. The building itself combines history and modernity, featuring restored elements from the original 18th-century Redcastle Estate alongside contemporary finishes and conveniences.
Redcastle’s luxurious rooms feel like a proper home from home. Expertly designed, yet wholly unpretentious, these retreats reflect the colours and patterns of the natural world in which Redcastle is so immersed.
Inside, 73 spacious rooms and 21 luxury suites await. Many of them offer uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean or the calm of the surrounding parkland and golf course. You’ll find thoughtfully styled rooms, with plush bedding, modern furnishings, high-speed Wi-Fi and bathrooms outfitted with sleek walk-in showers or deep bathtubs that feel tailor-made for slow evenings.
The hotel staff brings their own brand of Donegal warmth. Their attention to detail and natural friendliness made us feel like family from the moment we arrived, and striking up conversations was as simple as saying good morning.
Leisure Club
The Leisure Club at Redcastle Hotel & Spa is designed for full-body restoration. The space is anchored by a large indoor heated resort-style pool, which provides ample time for the kids to swim, as well as dedicated adult-only hours. Right beside it, the traditional sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room work wonders to support detoxification and melt away stress. Guests also have access to a fully equipped gym with cardio machines, resistance equipment and free weights.
The swimming pool at Redcastle Hotel offers vitality massage jets and views across Lough Foyle
Cara Organic Beauty
Located within the hotel, the Cara Organic Beauty offers a wellness experience rooted in marine and organic therapies. The treatment menu is anchored by specialties like seaweed baths, hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and custom facials that use organic skincare lines sourced with care.
I was impressed by the intentionality of the spa. Not only is it quite large with several treatment rooms, but it’s thoughtfully designed and perfectly integrated into the hotel and doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Each treatment room is designed with nature-inspired decor and soft, calming lighting that immediately sets a tranquil tone. Guests can choose tailored packages that combine massage, skincare and full-body rituals, or opt for standalone treatments that focus on specific needs.
Pro tip: The spa is quite popular. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The Japanese head spa is particularly popular.
The Edge restaurant
Dining at The Edge is a celebration of everything around it. The restaurant sits directly beside and above the water, offering panoramic views of Lough Foyle from nearly every table. The culinary team, led by Executive Head Chef Gordon Smyth, has transformed the restaurant into a destination for regional cuisine.
The award-winning Edge Restaurant at Redcastle Hotel
I met with Chef Smyth and we discussed his menu’s emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, including just-caught seafood. Chef Smyth’s menus are seasonal, and there’s plenty of choice for everyone. From award-winning Irish beef and lamb to seafood, I was delighted by the five-star food and service that matched.
But The Edge leaves its mark beyond the plate. The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated, while the breakfast menu has a following of its own. Their Irish breakfast features house-made potato farls, which are a cross between boxty and pancakes, and the signature blood pudding is a must-try.
The culinary team’s achievements speak for themselves. The restaurant has earned the title of Ulster Hotel Restaurant of the Year for 2024 and 2025 at the Yes Chef Ireland Awards. These awards reinforce its reputation as one of the region’s standout culinary destinations, solidifying The Edge as not just a hotel restaurant but a regional highlight that draws both locals and travelers seeking top-tier food in an unforgettable setting.
A wedding venue with coastal charm
Standing on a waterfront lawn with vows in the air and Donegal’s light wrapping around it captures the kind of moment that turns a wedding into a story guests remember. This sense of equal parts drama and intimacy sets the tone for everything the hotel offers as a wedding venue.
Redcastle is a hotel famous as a wedding venue with a ballroom overlooking an impossibly photogenic bay
The 18th-century Irish estate setting adds a romantic, old-world charm, while modern amenities ensure a seamless celebration from start to finish. It’s a venue that delivers substance with style, ideal for couples seeking something distinctive, beautiful and deeply personal.
A perfect spot for couples
Redcastle Hotel & Spa strikes a rare balance between romance and personal space, making it an ideal destination for couples looking to relax, reconnect or celebrate a shared milestone. One partner might choose to unwind at Cara Organic Beauty, while the other tees off on the scenic nine-hole golf course with views stretching across the water.
Rejuvenate at Cara Spa
Back at the hotel, the rooms and dining settings continue that balance, inviting couples to linger over a meal with views of Lough Foyle, enjoy a drink at the spacious bar or retreat to the comfort of a spacious suite designed with relaxation and privacy in mind. Soft lighting, comfortable furnishings and room layouts prioritize a setting that adapts to how couples want to spend their time together.
Scenic golf
The hotel features a nine-hole parkland golf course set against the dramatic backdrop of Lough Foyle, offering a casual yet scenic round for guests of all skill levels. The course winds through mature trees and opens to sweeping water views at several holes, blending natural beauty with playability. It’s visually rewarding, especially on a calm morning when the light spills over the fairways.
Tee off on Redcastle's private 9-hole parkland golf course
Ideal for exploring Donegal
Redcastle’s location on the Inishowen Peninsula makes it an excellent base for day trips around County Donegal. It’s an easy drive from Dublin, and just around an hour’s drive away, Donegal Town offers a blend of heritage and hospitality, with its historic castle and traditional Irish pubs.
Head north and you’ll find Wild Alpaca Way near Malin Head, where guests can trek with alpacas along dramatic coastal paths. The route offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and a surprisingly calming rhythm, with the alpacas setting an easy pace that turns a scenic hike into something even more memorable.
John McGonagle, Founder of Wild Alpaca Way
Pro tip: Bring your camera as the views are stunning. You can climb to the top of a large hill and see for miles around, if the weather permits.
Closer still is Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary that brings once-native species like wolves, lynxes and bears back into protected habitats. Set within a lush, natural environment, the sanctuary offers a rare chance to see these animals up close while learning about their ecological importance and the efforts to reintroduce them to Ireland’s landscape. We had a chance to explore Wild Ireland, and we were impressed by the conservation efforts and the number of well-cared-for animals.
Killian McLaughlin, Founder of Wild Ireland
Don’t forget about Muff, Ireland. Home to Muff Liquors, this is a must-try stop for whiskey lovers. They brew their own Irish whiskey, gin and vodka. You can book a tour and tasting, or just stop by for a drink at the bar. And don’t forget to take a bottle of Irish whiskey home with you.
A getaway that lingers longer
Redcastle Hotel & Spa proves that even a brief escape can deliver days’ worth of clarity, comfort and connection. With everything from historical excursions to saltwater spa rituals, the hotel pairs reflection with indulgence. In a travel world obsessed with doing more, Redcastle and County Donegal invite you to slow down, soak in the views and enjoy the Irish hospitality.
White Strand Bay, Culoort, Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal