Discover Letterkenny

Letterkenny brings together distinctive buildings, city history, walking tours and cultural offerings. If you're looking for a hotel in Letterkenny, you can first consider whether you'd mainly like to explore historic places on foot, plan visits to exhibitions and cultural events, or also explore the surrounding area. The different themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Buildings and history in Letterkenny

The tower of Conwal Parish Church is believed to be the oldest surviving building in Letterkenny. St Eunan's Cathedral was consecrated and opened in 1901. Its tall spire welcomes visitors arriving from various directions and is a distinctive landmark. St Eunan's College has also shaped the city's educational landscape since it opened in 1906; its building has a castle-like appearance.

Market Square offers another way to explore the city's history: it is an example of an urban layout developed after the Plantation of Ulster. Speers' Shop on Main Street has changed little since it was built. The World War One Monument commemorates the young men from Letterkenny who served in the First World War from 1914 to 1918. Together, these places reveal different aspects of local heritage—from older buildings and urban planning to remembrance of those who served in the war.

Two ways to explore Letterkenny

The Letterkenny History Trail is a walking route of about an hour, with directions to points of interest, as well as descriptions, images and videos. The Letterkenny Town Trail, by contrast, is a self-guided walk through the town's sights, historic sites and cultural highlights. For planning purposes, the difference lies in how they are presented: one offers an approximate timeframe and accompanying materials, while the other provides a self-guided overview of a range of themes. You can choose the type of orientation that best suits your visit.

Museum and cultural programme

Donegal County Museum displays historical artefacts relating to all aspects of life in Donegal. It is housed in an old stone building that was once part of the historic Letterkenny Workhouse. The collection and the building therefore offer different historical perspectives: the exhibits tell the story of life in Donegal, while the building's former connection with the workhouse offers an additional perspective on the site.

The Regional Cultural Centre presents a curated concert programme throughout the year, featuring classical, jazz, traditional, world and alternative music. The venue also offers exhibitions, concerts, film, digital media and educational programmes. Specific concert dates and individual programme items vary; if you want to plan your visit around an event, check the latest dates before your trip.

A destination in the surrounding area

The area around Letterkenny also has a notable connection to industrial history: at Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, you can still see the waterwheel in operation. The oldest surviving building on the site is 400 years old. A visit therefore combines the chance to see a working waterwheel with a look at a historic building—a different focus from the buildings and walking tours within Letterkenny.

Information for your stay

The Letterkenny Tourist Information Centre offers local tips and tailored information about attractions and services in Letterkenny and the surrounding area. If you'd like advice in person, check the latest visitor information beforehand. When choosing your hotel, you can use the themes of your stay as a guide: city history, a walking tour, a concert or a visit to the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Portsalon, Loughanure, Inishowen, Fintragh, Bun Cranncha, Ballyliffin, Pettigo, Moville.

Back to the main travel overview: County Donegal.