The name Donegal comes from the Irish 'Dun na nGall' meaning fort of the foreigner. Ireland's most northerly county has little in common with its neighbours in the Republic, either geographically or historically. Donegal's supreme appeal lies in the natural beauty of its coast, with windswept peninsulas, precipitous cliffs and a host of golden beaches that rival any in Europe. Blanket bogs, now rare in the world, cover much of the county. Donegal has been occupied by humans for over 9,000 years and is renowned for its history and archaeology. Pre-Christian farmers left tomb monuments which still dot the county, while evidence of Viking settlements can be seen in Raphoe and Donegal town. Christianity had a profound influence in Donegal and many early Christian monuments can be seen today. These include churches and religious sites commemorating St. Colmcille, the Donegal man who converted Scotland to Christianity. To the south, Lough Derg is a famous pilgrimage site while Donegal town has a Franciscan monastery dating from the early 17th century. Letterkenny, Donegal's ecclesiastical and administrative headquarters, is home to St. Eunan's Cathedral. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Donegal has preserved its Gaelic culture and language longer than most places. Today, that language and culture remain strong in its extensive Gaeltacht area stretching from Fanad Head to Slieve League. Fishing and tweed production are Donegal's major industries, with exports world-wide. The county's friendly people, lively pubs and fine restaurants all add to the charm of Donegal. With just two miles of coastline, Leitrim is a mainly inland county of rolling hills, lakes, rivers, pastures and boglands. River cruising is one of the most popular activities in the area with Carrick-on-Shannon one of the best developed centres on the River Shannon for hiring cruising boats. The county boasts numerous activities. You can go horse-riding, explore the River Shannon by boat, sail dinghies, play golf at one of the well-kept uncrowded courses, or go fishing. Wherever you are in Leitrim, you are sure to be kept busy! County Sligo's beautiful scenery inspired many of the great writings of W.B. Yeats. This will come as no surprise to the visitor when experiencing the county's fine mountains, lakes and beaches. In Celtic mythology, Sligo was the power base of the warrior Queen Maeve of Connaught and the county's legacy of prehistoric sites indicate that the area was heavily populated in Celtic times. Sligo town, the busy thriving capital of the North West, is rich in culture and history with a heritage going back 6,000 years. The Ox Mountains in the west of the county form a background to the coastal plain, while north of Sligo town, the landscape is dominated by steep sided and flat topped limestone hills. The loaf-shaped Benbulben is Sligo's most famous mountain. There are some excellent beaches at Strandhill, Mullaghmore, Rosses Point and Enniscrone. Indoor and outdoor activities are well catered for in the area. Traditional Irish music is widely played locally, especially around Tubbercurry and Ballymote.
In Tyrone, the largest county in Northern Ireland, you'll find fascinating prehistoric sites, lovely forest parks with herds of deer, and of course the beautiful Sperrin Mountains, which stretch for nearly 65 kilometres. With blanket bogs and heather on the upper reaches and farmland and wooded valleys in the foothills, the Sperrins offer excellent attractions for hill walkers and cyclists. Visitors can fish for trout in the tributaries of the River Foyle, or see the many standing stones and burial cairns in the area. Near Cookstown, you'll find the 10th Century Ardboe Cross, the Iron Age fort at Tullyhogue, and the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Take a trip to the Tyrone Crystal factory in Dungannon where you can see molten glass being hand-blown. Omagh and Strabane, County Tyrone The largest town in County Tyrone is Omagh, which makes a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, including the picturesque Gortin Glen. The nearby Ulster-American Folk Park, one of the country's best museums, tells the story of Northern Ireland's unique contribution to the 'New World'. Strabane, a charming town with good accommodation and tourist facilities, is located in the midst of some of the most beautiful countryside in County Tyrone. The area around Lower Lough Erne boasts a rich combination of natural and historic sights. From pre-Christian times, settlers sought the security offered by the lake's forests and inlets. Exploring Lough Erne by land or by boat is a delightful experience. In summer, ferries serve several islands and cruisers are available to hire. The limestone hills of west Fermanagh contain many interesting cave systems. Explore this delightful county at your leisure, stopping off in one of the many welcoming towns and villages. The most remarkable natural feature in County Fermanagh is the River Erne, which winds through the centre of the county. It expands into an extensive, island-studded lake split into two parts - Upper and Lower Lough Erne - by the town of Enniskillen. This bustling regional centre boasts a great range of shops and pubs, but still manages to retain a sense of traditional charm and character. Enniskillen's location between the two lochs gives it an almost continental feel. Spectacular Enniskillen Castle was once the stronghold of the Maguire chieftains.
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