Go Wild in Inishowen!
If you feel you need a break or won’t be attending the Annual General Meeting or DNA/Genealogy session, we have put together some On Your Own options. Enjoy!
Note, these activities are not included in your registration fee.
What is there to do near the hotel that I can walk to?
Buncrana has an abundance of activities to avail of by foot. There are superb walking routes just as you exit the hotel and along the shore path. The Amazing Grace lookout point is located along the shore front, there is a fantastic playpark along the shore front and the ferry connecting you to Rathmullan is located at the harbour in front of the hotel, great for day trips. Buncrana Town is only a short walk from our grounds and offers loads of shops, cafes and bistros to enjoy.
Golfing
- Buncrana Golf Club – Walk from the hotel. If you are interested in golfing there is the 9-hold Buncrana Golf Course, located conveniently beside the hotel. Golfing is at no charge if you are staying at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel; please contact the Hotel at to arrange golf bookings
- North West Golf Club (2 minute drive from hotel)
- Ballyliffin Golf Club
Iconic Movies/TV Shows
Things to do near the hotel that I can drive to during/before/after the Gathering?
Inishowen/County Donegal offers an amazing array of activites that really showcase the Peninsula in all its glory such as:
- The Northern Light Gallery – home to the artistry of Adam Rory Porter, who graciously let us use his image for our logo
- Doagh Famine Village – discover the Famine years all the way up to the Troubles in Northern Ireland
- Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium with its planetarium and history of the fishing industry in Inishowen.
- Crolly Distillery
- Fort Dunree
- Northburgh Castle
- Carrickabraghy Castle
- St. Columba’s Church Straid
- Slieve League Cliffs – Nearly 3 times the height of the Cliffs of Moher and they’re almost twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. Walking trails and scenic photography location.
- The Inishowen 100 drive – ½ day road trip drive around the Inishowen Peninsula with scenery that will knock you sideways – Inishowen 100 Drive/Cycle: Map With Stops (2024) (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Glenveagh National Park – Castle, walks that vary in difficulty and lengths, forests and animal watching – Glenveagh National Park: Walks, History + Map (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Glenevin Waterfall – Glenevin Waterfall: Parking, The Walk + Map (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Fanad Lighthouse – Opened on St. Patrick’s Day 1817 – Fanad Lighthouse: History + Visitor Guide (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Assaranca Waterfall – Assaranca Waterfall: Parking + What to See (theirishroadtrip.com)
- The Caves of Maghera – They are only accessible when the tide is out – Maghera Beach and Caves: Map, Parking + Safety (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Glencolmcille Folk Village – Replica of a typical rural Irish village – Glencolmcille Folk Village: Tour, Prices + History (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Wild Ireland – Animal sanctuary – Wild Ireland Donegal: See Brown Bears + Wolves (theirishroadtrip.com)
- Donegal’s Secret Waterfall – Caution due to slippery rocks and tide times
- Donegal Castle – Constructed by O’Donnell chieftains during 15th century and rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire
- Tory Island – Most remote inhabited island in Ireland, archeological and monastic sites and they have a KING!
- Glebe Gallery and Garden – Art gallery in regency era historic home
- Lough Eske – Lake great for fishing surrounded by the Blue Stack Mountains
- Donagh Cross – This is one of the earliest Christian crosses outside mainland Europe. It dates back to the 7th Century.
- Old Church of Dunlewey – The Donegal Taj Mahal
- Caves of Kesh
- Plus walking routes, cycling routes, hill walks, looped walks, waterfalls and wee caves all dot the landscape of Inishowen. You can best plan an itinerary by visiting www.govisitinishowen.com
Northern Ireland
- Titanic Museum in Belfast
- Giant’s Causeway
- Crumlin Road Goal – Historic prison with interactive exhibits
- Dunluce Castle – Clifftop castle ruins
- Ulster Museum – Interactive museum with children’s activities, history, art and science
- Ulster Folk Museum – Living museum
- Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge – Challenging coastal walk leads to sturdy rope bridge with panoramic views
- George’s Market – Indoor market in a Victorian-era building with arts, crafts and street food
- Bushmills Distillery
- Marble Arch Caves
- Belfast Castle
- Mount Stewart – Historic house and garden
- Belleek Pottery
- Hillsborough Castle and Garden
- Belfast Cathedral
- Belfast Zoo
- Castlewellan Forest Park
- War Years Remembered – War Museum – In Ballyclare
- Kinedale Donkeys – Goat yoga and donkey walk
- The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail – Seasonal fairy trails with interactive characters and activities
- Limitless Adventure Center – Family friendly venue with activities like hovercrafting, archery and clay pigeon shooting
- Kelly’s Cellars – Pub dating back to 1720
Check back for more On Your Own options!
