Local Attractions
Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre in Rathmullan
Rathmullan
Rathmullan, a place steeped in history, is a strikingly attractive village with a long pier and a sandy beach. The Mac Sweeney's chieftains built a castle here in the 13th Century and the Carmelite Priory in the 15th Century. At nearby Portamurray, in 1607, the O'Neill and O'Donnell chieftains, the most powerful leaders in Ireland at that time, fled the country for Spain. This became known as the Flight of the Earls and left the way clear for the confiscation of their vast estates and the subsequent plantation of Ulster with English and Scottish colonists and the subjugation of the native Irish.Flight of The Earls Heritage Centre, Rathmullan
The Centre commemorates this key event in Irish history, The Flight of the Earls, and houses many historical documents and artefacts. The event signalled the end of the old Gaelic order. From this spot in 1607 a small ship left for Spain. On board were the chieftains of some of the leading Gaelic families of Ulster, including the O'Donnells and the O'Neills. Those chieftains who could not live with the new English order sought refuge with England's main enemy, with the hope either of making a new life for themselves, or of living to fight another day.Rathmullan Festival
Rathmullan Festival takes place in August with activities for the whole family. Activities include fancy dress competition, fun fair, live bands, traditional Irish music and dancing and the Lough Swilly Yacht Club RegattaRamelton
The town of Ramelton has a very rich history and has been designated a National Heritage Town. The name Ramelton comes from the Irish 'Ráth Mealtain', meaning 'The fort of Mealtain'. Dating back to the 17th Century, it is situated on the River Lennon and has a wealth of architectural heritage with fine old Georgian town houses and a lovely tree lined mall. According to archaeological evidence there have been settlements in the Ramelton area since the early Stone Age and there is evidence of a Viking settlement from the 10th Century.Donegal Ancestry Ramelton
The Donegal County Genealogical Centre is located in the Old Meeting House, which is one of the oldest Presbyterian Churches in Ireland. One of Ramelton's famous sons was Francis Makemie who was the founder of the American Presbyterian Church.Ramelton Lennon Festival
The Lennon Festival, Ramelton takes place in July. Activities include street parades, treasure hunt, talent contests, bonny baby competition, horse riding and canoeing.Letterkenny
The town of Letterkenny is only 20 minutes drive from Glenalla Lodge. Letterkenny has a lively nightlife. The restaurants and pubs vary from the traditional to the contemporary with night clubs playing all the latest sounds. Here you will also find the An Grianán Theatre, cinema complexes, leisure centres, museums and parks. Letterkenny also has impressive modern shopping centres as well as traditional craft and art shops.Letterkenny plays host to a number of major events. The Earagail Arts Festival, features international music, drama, art and children's events, and takes place in July each year with over 100 events in more than thirty venues throughout North Donegal. The Donegal International Car Rally takes place in June each year.