The town of Letterkenny – things to do and see

Last updated on November 10, 2024

If you’re travelling from the west coast to Northern Ireland, you’ll probably pass the town of Letterkenny. Is it worth staying there overnight and what can you do there….?

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Statues at Letterkenny Market Square (photo by Marie Jirousek on Google Maps)

Intro

The small town of Letterkenny is not necessarily the destination for many people travelling to Ireland, but perhaps a good stopover on the way to Northern Ireland.

The town is simply too conveniently located between the small town of Donegal and the larger city of Londonderry / Derry. I’ve also made several stops in and around Letterkenny.

And also, if you want to visit Glenveagh National Park or the wild north coast of Ireland, for example the region around the beautiful Fanad Head, then Letterkenny can be a good base for several day trips.

But what does the town of Letterkenny itself actually have to offer? That’s what this article is about. I’m not going to give you a guided tour of the town, but simply show you a few great options (and links to further information) that you can use to put together your own programme.

Let’s get started!

St. Eunan`s College Letterkenny (photo: Ljijana Komazec on Google Maps)

Sightseeing

Donegal County Museum: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the region. See: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/culture/countymuseum/.

St Eunan’s Cathedral: Admire the impressive architecture of this neo-Gothic cathedral. Stroll through the Cathedral Quarter with its cute, small, colourful houses. See: https://www.steunanscathedral.ie/.

Newmills Corn and Flax Mills: Explore this restored 19th century watermill just outside the city. https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/newmills-corn-and-flax-mills/.

Killydonnell Friary: Visit the mystical ruins of this ancient monastery on the River Swilly, just north of Letterkenny. See: https://www.donegaldayout.ie/killydonnell-friary.

Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny) — Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny (photo by Soumyodeepa Pal on Google Maps)

Music and culture

An Grianán Theatre: Experience theatre, music and comedy at this modern venue. https://www.angrianan.com/.

Regional Cultural Centre: A varied programme of music, art and film can be found at this venue. See: https://regionalculturalcentre.com/.

Traditional Irish Music Sessions: Listen to Irish live music in pubs such as: https://www.mcginleysbar.ie/, or https://sistersaras.ie/.

The Cottage Bar Letterkenny (photo by Michael Pare on Google Maps)

Eat and drink

Yellow Pepper Restaurant: Enjoy fine Irish cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. See: https://www.yellowpepperrestaurant.com/.

Brewery Bar & Restaurant: Sample local craft beers and traditional dishes. See: https://www.thebrewerybar.ie/.

Burrito Loco: Mexican dishes and a fun atmosphere. See: https://www.burritoloco.com/.

Honeypot Coffee House: A nice cafe with breakfast and all kinds of sweet temptations. See: https://www.honeypotcoffeehouse.ie/.

No.9 Market Square: Fine cuisine on the beautiful Market Square. See: https://www.no9marketsquare.com/.

The Kitchen Main Street: Simply delicious for lunch. See: https://thekitchenlk.com/.

St. Eunan`s Cathedral Letterkenny (photo by Vincent Borrelli on Google Maps)

Self-guided tours and outdoor activities

Letterkenny Town Park: Nice town park in the centre.

Cathedral Quarter Heritage Trail: Follow this tour through the historic quarter.

Letterkenny Arts and Murals Trail: Discover the city’s street art and artworks. See: https://www.letterkennytidytowns.com/art-works.

Letterkenny Local Walks: Various beautiful walks, see: https://www.letterkennytidytowns.com/local-walks.

Swilly Walk: Enjoy a walk along the River Swilly.

Letterkenny Historic Town Trail: Explore the history with information boards.

Statue at St.Eunan`s Cathedral Letterkenny (photo by Marie Jirousek on Google Maps)

Letterkenny Golf Club and Driving Range: Play a round of golf on this 18-hole course on the River Swilly. See: https://www.lkdrivingrange.com/, and: https://www.letterkennygolfclub.com/.

Aura Leisure Centre: Swim or work out at this modern leisure centre. See: https://www.auraleisure.ie/location/letterkenny/.

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre: Try canoeing or archery. See: https://www.gartan.com/individuals/.

Go for a walk or hike in the surrounding woods, for example here: https://www.donegaldayout.ie/corrovaddy-wood, or here: https://www.donegaldayout.ie/ballymonaghan-wood.

River Swilly at Letterkenny (photo by John O`Boyce on Google Maps

More activities

Tropical World: Visit this butterfly park and small animal zoo. https://www.tropicalworld.ie/.

Donegal Garden Trail: Visit some of the most beautiful gardens in the region. See: https://www.donegalgardentrail.com/.

Oakfield Park: Explore the gardens and ride the miniature railway – a family fun park. See: https://oakfieldpark.com.

Grianan of Aileach: Visit this prehistoric stone ring fort with breathtaking views. It’s closer to Londonderry / Derry than Letterkenny, but if you’re travelling in that direction, you should stop by. See: https://www.tuatha.ie/grianan-of-aileach/.

Glenveagh National Park: Enjoy the beauty of nature, the castle and the gardens in the mountains of Donegal. See: https://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/.

Street in Letterkenny (photo by Marie Jirousek on Google Maps)

Conclusion

As you can see, Letterkenny is a good stopover on your round trip in the north of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The small town impresses with its colourful houses, a few beautiful sights and cosy pubs and restaurants. You can take a stroll here and do one or two activities outside – or even inside.

Is Letterkenny a tourist highlight? Perhaps not. But it’s a nice little town where you can spend a cosy night.

I wish you lots of fun in Letterkenny!