About Gweedore
The Gaeltacht area of Gaoth Dobhair is a beautiful area located between Na Rosa and Cloich Cheannfhaola in northwest Donegal.
It is situated between the mountains and the sea and is very picturesque. To the south, the proud peak of An Earagail, “King of the Hills”, dominates the surrounding area; on one side, Taobh an Leithid and Cró na Leacht, and on the other, the Doire Bheatha mountains, while Cró Nimhe (Poison Glen) and Dún Lúiche Lake lie quietly in the glen. To the north, beautiful views from Cnoc Fola (Bloody Foreland); the bogs green with grass and brown with turf; wide secluded beaches and snug little piers look out towards the islands of Gabhla, Inis Meáin, Inis Oirthear and Inis Sionnaigh which form a chain protecting the mainland from storms and Atlantic gales.
The Name
“Gaoth Dobhair” was not originally a placename or parish name. It was the name of the estuary/river which gave birth to the area: the channel or the estuary between Gaoth Dobhair and Na Rosa which is called “An Gaoth” to this day, and the Croithlí river which flows down from Loch an Iúir. “Dobhar” is an old Irish term meaning ”water” and the name “Dobhar” was widely known in the Middle Ages as an important boundary river between the territories of Tír Luighdeach and Tír Bháineach. That river is known today as the Croithlí River.
Visiting Gweedore
There’s an excellent choice of hotels and B&B’s in the parish and the new Errigal Youth Hostel in Dún Lúiche. Large numbers come to Gaoth Dobhair throughout the year to attend festivals such as Loinneag Lúnasa, Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair, Féile Chnoc Fola , Féile an Eargail in Dún Lúiche and other events, and to experience the beauty and the rich cultural heritage of this Gaeltacht area on the Wild Atlantic Way.
You will not be idle here in Gaoth Dobhair.........
Delightful walks by the sea or in the foothills..... expansive unspoilt beaches…. A day with the family in Ionad Cois Locha in Dún Lúiche…. a fine golf course by the seashore in Machaire Gathlán....... spend a day in Gabhla Island strolling and sight-seeing….. take in the breathtaking views from the top of An Eargail…. taste the best of the local seafood in the excellent restaurants…... good fishing in our sparkling rivers and in the crystal clear sea…, Glenveagh National Park and Oileán Thoraigh nearby.
Getting Here
Despite being located in the northwest corner of Ireland, Gaoth Dobhair is not as remote as it was once was. Aer Lingus operate flights twice daily from Dublin to Donegal airport in Carraig Fhinne (across the estuary from Gaoth Dobhair) and from Glasgow three days per week. McGinley Coaches run a service from Dublin to Gaoth Dobhair a few times a day. Pádraig Ó Gallchóir operates a coach service from Belfast and Feda O’ Donnell has a service running daily from Galway.
