Downings, Co. Donegal

Downings (Irish: Na Dúnaibh) is a pleasant resort 5km (3 miles) from Carrigart in County Donegal. Na Dunaibh The name is ambiguous and could refer to either the wealth of Hill forts in the area , or as a hibernicisation of the English to describe the sandy dunes connecting the peninsula to the mainland. Downings is in one of the most eastern areas in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area).

Downings commands a superb view of the Ards Peninsula and has a good sandy beach. The handwoven tweed for which Donegal is famous may be inspected by visitors at the McNutts factory.

Downings used to be a significant fishing port with a substantial Herring fleet. Today however, the local economy survives on tourism, and only three Crab boats make a traditional living from the sea. Situated as it is, in one of the safest anchorages on the North west coast, Sheephaven Bay (whose name is derived from Ship-Haven), Downings has started to cater for International game fishermen, the North west of Ireland being on the migration route of the Bluefin Tuna and other game species.

The dunes that connect the Rosguill peninsula to the mainland are also home to the Rosapenna Links course designed by Old Tom Morris, and although the original hotel and clubhouse that was patronised by the likes of John Wayne and Errol Flynn burnt down in the sixties, the new buildings seek to emulate the charm.

Downings is the start and finish of the world famous Atlantic Drive, one of the most dramatic and glorious scenic routes in Ireland.

Gardens

Glenveagh Castle Gardens - County Donegal Ireland
Glenveagh Castle Gardens
Glenveagh, Co. Donegal
The more improbable the location the more exotic a garden seems, like some silken tent pitched in a savage wilderness. There could hardly be more Gothic setting for Glenveagh Castle than the wild vastness of Lough Veagh. The isolated ice age vall ...

Golf

Portsalon Clubhouse
Portsalon Golf Club
Fanad, Co. Donegal
Course Type: Links
Port Salon golf club is located towards Ireland's most northerly point and is surrounded by the wild atlantic ocean. This area is amongst Europe's windiest, and within this wind swept beauty lies one of Ireland's biggest golfing secrets. Port Sal ...

Self Catering

There is no featured selfcatering establishment in the area

What's On

There is no featured What's On in the area

Tourist Attractions

Glebe House & Gallery - The Derek Hill Collection - Churchill Letterkenny County Donegal Ireland
Glebe House & Gallery - The Derek Hill Collection
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Regency House built in 1828 that is set in woodland gardens, decorated with William Morris textiles, Islamic and Japanese art etc. The English portrait and landscape painter Derek Hill lived and worked there from 1954 until he presented the house ...

Wedding Venues

Rathmullan House - County Donegal Wedding Venue - Set Up
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan, Co. Donegal
Donegal has an other-worldliness that is increasingly hard to capture and, although recently extended, the Wheeler family’s gracious early nineteenth century house - set in lovely gardens on the shores of Lough Swilly - retains a laid-back ...
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