by Paul McElwee
DONEGAL has been named as the third best staycation hotspot in the country, according to a new survey.
With all its breathtaking landscapes and windswept, rugged beauty, Donegal will not be the ‘forgotten county’ when it comes to staycations.
Findings from the Betfair Casino survey reveal that in a list of the top 15 locations for a staycation, Donegal came in third with 22 per cent.
Top was Galway with 37 per cent, followed by Kerry with 29 per cent. Dublin (18 per cent) and Cork (17 per cent) rounded out the top five.
From Sliabh Liag to Fanad Lighthouse, Malin Head to Downings, Doagh Famine Village to Wild Ireland, Ballyliffin to Glencolumcille,
Donegal has a plethora of outstanding areas of natural beauty which attract thousands from home and abroad every year.
Joan Crawford, manager with Bord Failte’s Wild Atlantic Way team, isn’t surprised by Donegal’s popularity.
“We’ve always worked extremely hard to promote the Wild Atlantic Way, in particular north of Galway and Donegal has always featured very heavily in our marketing campaign and we work very closely with Donegal County Council to promote the county. We also work closely with Tourism Ireland to generate Donegal as a potential holiday destination for those in Great Britain.”
Asked what it is that makes Donegal so appealing, Joan said the county has so many “hidden gems”.
“I think it’s extremely difficult to pin down exactly what it is as there’s so much to see in Donegal; Sliabh Liag, Fanad Lighthouse, Malin head to name but a few. Donegal’s windswept rugged landscape has always proven very popular with people form home and abroad, the county boasts a plethora of sights, small towns and gorgeous scenery for people to enjoy. The county also boasts twelve blue flag beaches.
“I think visitors enjoy finding the wee hidden gems that Donegal has to offer outside of the better-known tourism hotspots and locals are always happy to give their own recommendations to tourists. It should be noted that compared to other areas of the country, like the bog urban centres, Donegal also boasts very good value for money and our brand is one of the best in the country.”
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