A slightly different Good Vibes Outside this time round. Our friend @eg_explores takes us on a mini road trip around North Donegal.
Stop 1: Portsalon: A hidden gem nestled on the Fanad Peninsula in North Donegal. This small coastal village has plenty of natural beauty with the star of the show being its stunning Blue Flag beach, stretching for miles along Ballymastocker Bay. Just a short drive away, you'll find the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse - definitely worth a visit. Portsalon is about 35 minutes north of Letterkenny, making it easy to get to but still off the beaten path.
Ellen stopped just south of the beach in one of the laybys before you hit the main car park. There are plenty of places to pull up and check the views from.
Stop 2: Great Pollot Sea Arch: Ireland's largest sea arch, it's like nature decided to carve out its own doorway to the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting there is part of the adventure too. You'll need to take a short walk along the coastline, but the payoff is worth it. As you round the corner, you'll spot this huge arch jutting out into the sea. It's pretty impressive, standing about 40 feet high and stretching across a good chunk of the bay. Take Ellen's advice and wear appropriate footwear!
Overnight Stop 3: If you're fortunate enough to be in a camper, there are countless park-ups along the coastline. Quiet, scenic and the ocean at your van doors. Ellen parked at Ballyhiernan Bay: View Location
Stop 4: Glenveagh National Park: This is Donegal's crown jewel - a sprawling wilderness that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. It's the second-largest national park in Ireland, covering a massive 16,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, and forests.
At the heart of the park is Lough Veagh, a long, narrow lake that's picture-perfect no matter the weather. Perched on its shore is Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century mansion that looks like it's straight out of a movie scene. You can take a tour of the castle and its gardens, which are pretty impressive considering they're in the middle of such rugged terrain.
Ellen headed up into the Derryveagh mountains to a spot called Billy's Pit. There is a natural swimming hole nestled in the mountains, offering a unique and refreshing experience for those willing to seek it out, or you can follow Ellen's path down the Valley towards the Castle. To get to the water you're talking about 90 mins.
Stop 5: Downings: Around this whole headland there are plenty of stunning park-up spots. Ellen stopped off just north of Downings but there are plenty along the way.
Check out the reel by Ellen AKA, @eg_explores and follow the adventure.
Featuring Creator...
@eg_explores
Wearing...
Polar Full Zip Fleece - Beige
Lavender Original Crew
Sequoia Shirt - Charcoal
Drybag 40L - Navy
Let us know what you think of this adventure guide & if you or anyone you know fancies getting involved in our Good Vibes Outside Series, please shout!