Discover Derrybeg

Derrybeg is a Gaeltacht village in County Donegal. Historic sites, hands-on sailing lessons and a family-run pub and restaurant serving seafood offer different points of interest. When planning your trip, you can decide whether heritage, sailing or local cuisine is of particular interest to you.

Churches, Cemetery and Local History

Teampall agus Reilig Mhachaire Gathlán is an old church with a historic cemetery in Machaire Gathlán in Doirí Beaga. The site is of historical, local, religious and cultural significance. Another historic connection is the former chapel of the Old Church in Derrybeg: it was severely flooded in 1880 and again in 2009. These present two distinct facets of local history: the significance of a church and cemetery site, and flooding at a former chapel.

Sailing and Activities Nearby

Selkie Sailing offers hands-on sailing lessons in Corveen, Derrybeg. One specific boat available is a 16-foot Wayfarer, which can be used by a family or a small group of three or four people. Selkie Sailing also offers opportunities to develop skills for sporting sailing adventures and a professional career in sailing. The range therefore extends from practical lessons to further sporting or professional sailing interests.

Nearby landscape highlights include a classic ascent route on Mount Errigal near Derrybeg, coastal walks along the shoreline at Bloody Foreland, and Port Arthur, a beach reachable from Derrybeg after a short drive. There are several ways to enjoy a break in the landscape: an ascent route, coastal paths or a visit to the beach.

Seafood and Local Tips

Seán Óg’s is a family-run pub and restaurant in Derrybeg. Its daily changing seafood specials feature local mussels and crabs, and it also serves seafood chowder. The staff share their knowledge of events and activities in the area. Over a beer, you can also chat with local people. The food and conversations offer different ways to connect with the local area.

More Places to Visit in County Donegal

If you include other places in County Donegal in your trip, you will also find historic and scenic destinations. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Guided tours tell the castle’s story, from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. Check the availability of a tour in advance.

Fanad Lighthouse lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The tour lasts 45 minutes, and the “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha” virtual reality experience is also available there. Check the availability of the tour and VR experience before your trip.

Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland; a circular route follows the coast to Banba’s Crown. On the southwest coast of County Donegal, you can hike to the cliffs of Sliabh Liag. A seasonal boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour reaches the base of the sea cliffs. Check whether the boat trip is operating during your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Baylet, Ballyliffin, Stranorlar, Drumfree, Teelin, Lettermacaward, Termon, Lifford

For the main travel overview: County Donegal.