Getting Oriented
"The Hidden Ireland," the Northwest region covers the most northerly part of Ireland's Atlantic coastline, running from Sligo in the south up to Donegal's remote, windswept peninsulas.
- Sligo. What the poet William Butler Yeats would say about his native Sligo Town—a once-idyllic spot now overrun with modern shopping malls—can only be imagined, but it makes a great jumping-off point for exploring Yeats Country.
- Lough Gill. A freshwater lake shared between Sligo and Leitrim and a place of serene beauty.
- Lake Isle of Inisfree. Famed in the poetry of W. B. Yeats, this island is on most visitors' itinerary.
- Carrick-on-Shannon. A bustling town filled with characterful shops and pubs, and a launching place to see the River Shannon.
- Rosses Point. Small village at the entrance to Sligo Harbour, which features in the paintings of Jack B. Yeats.
- Drumcliff. At the foot of Ben Bulben mountain, the church graveyard is a place of pilgrimage as the burial place of W. B. Yeats.
- Mullaghmore. A long-established holiday village with a superb beach and ocean views.
- Ballyshannon. One of Ireland's oldest towns on the banks of the River Erne and a good base for exploration.
- Donegal Town. A vibrant town noted for its historic 15th-century castle and excellent shopping.
- Killybegs. This fishing town is one of Ireland's busiest ports and a regular stop for cruise liners.
- Gleann Cholm Cille (Glencolumbkille). Wild and remote, Glencolumbkille is a get-away-from-it-all destination by the ocean.
- Ard an Rátha (Ardara). A laid-back, old-fashioned town noted for its weaving shops and time-burnished pubs.
- Letterkenny. A large modern town with many historic buildings, well-suited for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Glenveagh National Park. The wildest part of Donegal is home to a fairy-tale castle and nature trails.
- Gartan Lough. Home to Glebe House and Gallery.
