Ballybofey

Travel Guide

Ifyou’re looking for a remote getaway, then the town of Ballybofeyin Donegal is a great place to visit. Located onthe west coast of Ireland, Donegal is one of Ireland'smost remote counties. Its deep lakes and untouched mountain ranges make it apopular destination with hikers and lovers of the outdoors.

Situatedon the River Finn – roaring upstream, and slower downstream – Ballybofeyis in the prime location for keen anglers. Combine its fishing with a fantasticrange of natural attractions, shopping, culture and great places to stay, and Ballybofeymakes an idyllic getaway for those wanting to explore everything on offer in CountyDonegal.

Historyin Ballybofey

Ballybofeyhas its origins as a market town and was once a part of the 18thcentury Glenmore Estate. During the 19th and 20thcenturies, the town experienced a fast rate of growth. While the nearbyGlenmore Estate manor house was demolished in the 1990s, the town continued toprosper, and today it is a popular riverside retreat. It is unusual for anIrish town in that it has neither a church nor a school.

Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods

It’snot often you’ll find woodland so untouched by city life, but Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods remain unscathed. Though not large, this riversidewoodland area is a prime example of how stunning Ireland can be. Home to manyspecies of wildflower, as well as rabbits, badgers, hedgehogs and threeprotected species of bat, you’ll discover that a trip to the DrumboeWoods feels a little like stepping into Wind in the Willows.

Balleybofey’s River Finn

As a prime fishing and beauty spot, the River Finnattracts anglers from all over Europe. Here you can enjoy the rippling watersof the river, bounded by the lush foliage of the Finn Valley. It boasts excellentsalmon and trout populations, and has areas of fishing perfect for both novicesand anglers. Since the river operates a ‘catch and release’ policy, a trip herewill do no harm to the environment.

Golf in Ballybofey

Iffishing isn’t your thing, the nearby Ballybofey &Stranorlar Golf Club is the perfect place to enjoy theIrish countryside whilst practicing your swing. You can enjoy the warmestwelcome in its top-notch clubhouse, built in keeping with the rolls of thenearby hills and the Finn Valley. Set in a mature parkland area, the fairwaysoffer stunning views over the nearby LoughAllen and BluestackMountain range.

Culture in Ballybofey

You could also check out the local arts scene atthe Balor Arts Centre, overlooking the River Finn in central Ballybofey.Rural though the town may be, this arts centre and theatre is modern both in itsevents and its architectural splendour. Promising a year round programme ofcomedy, drama, music, exhibitions and more, you’re certain to find a memorableshow.

Visit Ballybofey

The perfect central place to stay if you’revisiting County Donegal, book your break in Ballybofeywith Expedia today.

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Donegal
Stay at this spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (136 reviews)
Had a lovely weekend here, the room was just ok, needed a bit of attention in places, safe didnt work, sink badly cracked and constant clicking noise coming from somewhere. What made the weekend was the staff from the lovely Sinead in housekeeping and the fantastic staff in Forges bar where the food ...

Reviewed on 21 Dec, 2025

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Co. Donegal
The price is S$160 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
S$160
11 Jan - 12 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor Arts ...
7.8/10 Good! (428 reviews)
Super place to stay, very clean, friendly staff and fabulous food, best cocktails

Reviewed on 16 Nov, 2025

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
The Central Hotel Donegal

The Central Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond Donegal County Donegal
The price is S$170 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
S$170
12 Jan - 13 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (542 reviews)
Decent rooms and staff were pleasant .

Reviewed on 4 Jan, 2026

The Central Hotel Donegal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny

2 out of 5
Port Rd Letterkenny DL
Stay at this apartment in Letterkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Letterkenny Leisure Centre and Donegal County ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (49 reviews)
Fully equipped clean kitchen /bedrooms/ lounge. Really convenient to shopping and dining , would definitely stay again

Reviewed on 29 Dec, 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal

Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal

3 out of 5
Stranorlar DL
Stay at this holiday home in Stranorlar. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Drumboe Woods and Balor Arts Centre are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
It was clean, comfortable and lovely to have our dog stay with us with the backyard for her to play in. Good central location to do day trips in all directions with plenty to see.

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

Jack's Place Beautiful 3-bed House Donegal
Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside

Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside

3 out of 5
Birra Birra County Donegal
Stay at this cabin in Birra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Franciscan Friary and Rossnowlagh Beach are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Clean place. No hassel at all.. town just a few minutes drive.. amazing view..

Reviewed on 1 Nov, 2025

Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ballybofey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Bars within the Hotel were excellent some of the local bars where dirty and we refused to drink in some of them.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The townsfolk of Ballybofey are very friendly and welcoming