Letterkenny is more than just a gateway to County Donegal; it is a destination in its own right. A cathedral town with a long history, it has a lively town centre and is a local hub for shopping, culture, and live music. Take some time to visit the Donegal County Museum and the pubs of the Cathedral Quarter before setting off to enjoy the many attractions of the surrounding countryside.
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The Story Of Letterkenny
Letterkenny’s history begins with the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century. This was the colonisation of the region by Protestants from England and Scotland, during which Letterkenny was established as a market town. It became one of the most successful of the plantation schemes, and Letterkenny’s weekly markets and fairs made it an important local centre.
However, the prosperity of the town’s new inhabitants contrasted with the grim reality of life elsewhere in the region. This is summed up by a statue in the Market Square, representing the hiring fairs of the 19th century. These were where seasonal workers – many of them children – were contracted for their labour, often travelling as far as Scotland.
Fortunately the area has fared much better in the 21st century. Letterkenny is now Donegal’s biggest town, with over 19,000 residents. It is a regional hub for education, retail, and culture, and is home to the Atlantic Technological University and a thriving arts scene.
What To See In Letterkenny
Letterkenny’s attractions embrace history, green space and entertainment. The town is also a major retail destination, with shopping centres and retail parks attracting visitors from further afield.
Donegal County Museum
Located in a former workhouse, the free entry Donegal County Museum offers a journey through Donegal’s past. The upstairs gallery explores the history of Donegal, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. And the ground floor is home to a series of special exhibitions: when I visited it was showcasing the stories of local people who had gone to work in Scotland.
St Eunan’s Cathedral
Up the hill from Main Street is the Cathedral Quarter and St Eunan’s Cathedral. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the cathedral is a striking neo-Gothic building with stained glass and sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
Main Street
Main Street, lined with shops, pubs, and cafés, is the lively heart of the town. The Market Square, with its statue of the hiring fair, seats, and bandstand, is a focal point, often hosting outdoor markets and events.
Pubs And Live Music
Letterkenny is renowned for its nightlife. Traditional pubs such as The Cottage Bar and Blake’s offer a warm welcome and regular live music sessions. The oldest establishment is the Central Bar, dating back to 1808.
An Grianán Theatre
The An Grianán Theatre is the largest theatre in Donegal. It stages drama, music, and comedy as well as classes and workshops. It is also one of the venues for the Earagail Arts Festival, a bilingual (Irish and English) multidisciplinary event that takes place each summer.
Letterkenny As A Base
Letterkenny’s location at the centre of County Donegal and close to the border with Northern Ireland makes it an ideal base for exploring. Close by are the small towns of Ramelton (riverside walks and historic buildings) and Raphoe (market town close to the prehistoric Beltany Stone Circle). Glenveagh National Park is just 25 km away.
To the south you will find Donegal Town and Ballyshannon, the latter said to be Ireland’s oldest town. To the north is the mysterious Inishowen Peninsula, full of ancient sites. And travel east to the border city and walled town of Derry/Londonderry.
How To Visit Letterkenny
- Donegal Airport and Derry Airport are each about an hour away.
- Regular bus services connect Letterkenny to Dublin, Belfast and Derry.
- Car rental is recommended for exploring the countryside.
- The Mount Errigal Hotel, on the edge of Letterkenny, has good leisure facilities and is a popular choice with visitors. The Radisson Blu Hotel is more central and is ideal for exploring the town centre. Other options range from boutique guesthouses to countryside B&Bs.
- Good places to eat include The Lemon Tree and No 9 Market Square (booking in advance is recommended). The Brewery Bar and The Orchard Inn are excellent for more casual dining with a lively atmosphere.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Letterkenny.
