North-West Ireland comprises the counties of Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and
Monaghan. Donegal and Sligo contain dramatic coastal scenery whilst inland Leitrim,
Cavan and Monaghan are dotted with loughs and rivers and provide some of Ireland's
best angling waters amongst unspoilt country offering a taste of Ireland away from
the tourist trail. A driving tour of this region might start in the west in County
Sligo.
The Ox Mountains around Coolaney is a great area for hill walkers, cyclists, salmon
fishing, falconry and horse riding. Coolaney has been awarded "tidiest village
in Ireland" six times! Sligo town is well worth visiting, a lovely old town
on the banks of the river Garavogue and close to many beautiful sandy beaches. County
Sligo has more prehistoric sites than anywhere else in Ireland.
Northwards is what many consider Ireland's most spectacular county, Donegal.
The precipitous cliffs, windswept headlands and golden beaches of its long and rugged
coastline are the main attraction. From Donegal town in the south, divert via the
Alpine-like Glen Gash Pass en route to Rossnawlagh, the ideal base for exploring
the beautiful and rugged northwest. The area is a golfers paradise with 3 excellent
championship links courses nearby.
A little further up the coast Narin and neighbouring Portnoo are both attractive
coastal villages. The beach in Narin is a glorious stretch of sand, and the coast
features many small sandy bays, rocky headlands, and river estuaries. In the north
Dunfanaghy is a discreet but popular resort. There are vast sandy beaches and nearby
Horn Head has some of Donegal's most spectacular scenery.
Rathmullan is on the shores of Lough Swilly in North Donegal. This beautiful part
of Ireland offers walking, angling (including sea angling in hired boats), sailing,
horse-riding and cycling. Golfers are well-catered for with 4 courses within 45
minutes' drive. Just 20 miles will take you to the Glenveagh National Park,
14,000 acres of mountains, bogs lakes, glens and woodlands with a herd of red deer.
If you prefer unspoilt countryside with loughs and rivers at every turn, great fishing,
walking, cycling and horse-riding, then counties Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan are
for you. Try the north-east of County Leitrim, in the triangle formed by Ballinamore,
Bawnboy and Carrigalen, between Lough Allen and Lough Oughter. where you'll
aslo find the Killykeen Forest Park. On the way back east, stop in Kingscourt in
the far east of Cavan and admire the stained-glass windows in St Mary's Church.