Get double the bang for your buck with a long-weekend break in Ireland that combines outdoor adventure with cultural treasures.
Struggling to choose between a rural escape and a culture-packed city break? County Donegal and Derry-Londonderry make perfect companions for a long-weekend trip.
Donegal in the Republic of Ireland wows with its picturesque coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way, so you can make a splash with fun sea-based activities and reconnect with nature. Then, it's only an hour's drive to Derry-Londonderry, a Northern Irish city full to the brim with historic and cultural attractions.
Ready for a dual adventure? Here are ten things you should do in Donegal and Derry-Londonderry.
READ MORE: Under-the-radar Ireland: what to do on the Copper Coast
1. Visit Wild Ireland
Tucked away in Donegal woodland and founded by conservationist Killian McLaughlin, Wild Ireland is a unique wild animal sanctuary home to brown bears, wolves and lynx.
Wild Ireland has recreated the natural habitat of these animals – many of which had sadly been exploited, abused or hunted – so they can live as wildly as possible.
You can learn more about the animals, and even be inspired to help preserve wildlife in the future, at one of the regular keeper talks. Or you can wander the sanctuary and spot fallow deer waggling their tails or brown bears playing.
2. Try out sea kayaking
If you want to explore the stunning Inishowen coastline around County Donegal and (if you’re lucky) see some dolphins, try sea kayaking with Inish Adventures, which offers experiences for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
While sea kayaking can be challenging and the water can be choppy (expect a workout and to get wet!), the Inishowen coastline is your ultimate reward and you'll get the chance to explore some mysterious caves.
You can choose between a taster session, a half day or a full day of kayaking with experienced instructors.
3. Walk with friendly alpacas
If you're looking for an offbeat family activity in Donegal, why not try a walk with alpacas? You can take a stroll with these gentle creatures, while taking in the spectacular views of Glashedy Rock, Knockamany Bens and Malin Head, where Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed.
There are three daily scheduled walks, each taking approximately an hour, and more than 20 adorable alpacas waiting to meet you, including Bart, Badger and Shay. It’s advisable to book in advance, or a ‘meet and greet’ option is available for those unable to do the trek.
4. Look out for dolphins
Step aboard The Amazing Grace yacht and you may be able to spot friendly bottlenose dolphins.
You can enjoy a half-day tour that departs Bunagee Pier and explores the Inishowen coast around Malin Head or Kinnagoe Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for those majestic marine mammals.
Fancy a longer trip? Opt for one that goes to Inishtrahull, where you’re likely to be greeted by resident seals, and can spend a few hours discovering the local area.
5. Try world-famous seafood chowder
If you love seafood, it’s worth visiting Nancy’s Barn in County Donegal, where friendly staff serve award-winning seafood chowder in a rustic setting.
Owner Kieran Doherty, who was crowned World Seafood Chowder Champion in 2017, tried hundreds of chowder recipes and finally struck gold with his dish with a Spanish twist.
It's made up of salmon, mussels and prawns in a distinctive smooth sauce, and served with either crispy chorizo oil bread or wheaten bread.
READ MORE: Ireland's most beautiful hidden treasures
6. Discover Derry-Londonderry’s history and Derry Girls locations
Derry-Londonderry is Ireland’s only completely walled city and you can delve into its history on a walking tour.
The award-winning Martin McCrossan City Tours explores the walls and also offers background on the city's bold murals and on Free Derry Corner, a Bogside neighbourhood landmark and civil rights symbol.
You can also visit key locations from hit TV show Derry Girls, which follows five students growing up amid The Troubles and see the street art inspired by it.
7. Visit the Museum of Free Derry
The Museum of Free Derry covers the civil unrest in the city between 1968–1972, and includes displays on pivotal events such as Bloody Sunday, the Battle of the Bogside and Operation Motorman.
Situated at the site of Bloody Sunday, where many tragically lost their lives, the museum shares stories by those directly affected by The Troubles, and displays shocking footage and images.
The museum is also within walking distance of Free Derry Corner and many historic murals.
8. Explore Derry-Londonderry on a scooter
If you’re looking for a thrilling tour and a workout rolled into one, you can try what's dubbed as the only scooter tour in the North West of Ireland, by Far and Wild.
Starting at a woodland park and led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll scoot your way through trees and cross the iconic Peace Bridge in Derry-Londonderry, which offers views over the River Foyle and the city.
Far and Wild also offers a mini foodie tour, on which you can try tasty cuisine such as tempura fried oysters and award-winning scones in the Craft Village.
9. Go to a traditional music night or try local brews
Looking for a fun night out and for some Irish entertainment? Check out a traditional music night at one of Derry-Londonderry’s many bars.
Peadar O’Donnell’s is worth a visit – its walls are decked with memorabilia from Ireland, but also from around the world. But the real attraction is its trad sessions where a few musicians play upbeat songs while patrons enjoy a drink and dance.
If you’re interested in local craft beers, the award-winning Walled City Brewery boasts more than 200 varieties of beer, Derry Girls-inspired cocktails and delicious food, including salt and chilli squid and Irish lamb rump.
10. Visit Craft Village
Have a wander around Craft Village, a reconstruction of an 18th-century street and 19th-century square filled with artisanal shops and independent eateries.
Tucked away in a busy area of Derry-Londonderry, the tranquil Craft Village feels like stepping into the past. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for locally made and handcrafted gifts, including art, clothes and souvenirs and for a casual bite to eat.
READ MORE: The most magical castles in Ireland
Lead image: Francesco Scatena/Shutterstock