Things To Do in Donegal, Ireland
Explore Surrounding Areas – 3 Suggested Day Trips
Relaxing in Rossnowlagh
Begin your day with a refreshing dip in the sea, followed by a rinse in our outdoor hot shower. We provide beach towels for your convenience, so please help yourself if needed.
Each morning, enjoy your complimentary breakfast which will be delivered to your pod. After that, you can spend your day however you please – take a leisurely walk on the beach, have a picnic with one of our provided baskets, or try your hand at surfing or kayaking. Don’t forget to book in advance for a relaxing soak in our seaweed baths, which are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
On our site, you can take a relaxing stroll and soak in the sights and sounds of nature while taking in the breathtaking view. Take a break on the double swing seat, read a book, or simply be in the moment.
As the day winds down, get cosy by the fire pit while listening to the wood crackle. Toast some marshmallows and indulge yourself with Siobhan’s own homemade dessert or cheeseboard. All accompanied by a glass of wine, whilst watching the stunning sunset that marks the end of a perfect day at The Bee Pods.
As nature enthusiasts, we love to explore the surrounding areas and are constantly discovering new and exciting places. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hidden gems for you to explore and enjoy during your stay.
While you’re out and about, be sure to bring along our picnic basket, flask, and blanket just in case you stumble upon the perfect spot to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy a cup of tea.
Interested in surfing? Check out the Live Surf Camera.
Day Trip 1 – Sliabh Liag
KILLYBEGS
A major fishing port which is renowned throughout the world for its fresh Atlantic fish. Also famous for its tapestries and Killybegs carpets.
Secret Waterfall (Largy waterfall)
A 5 minute drive from Killybegs en route to Sliabh Liag. This is a beautiful place a stunning site of natural beauty, but please be careful, you need to have suitable footwear as you will be walking on extremely slippy rocks. And only visit if you understand the tide times!
Muckross Head
Take a left towards Kilcar, another beautiful place, best known for its stunning scenery twin beaches and sea cliffs, popular for rock climbers!
Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)
One we have done so many times and always see something new and amazing, every time. Known as one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. There is no doubt that it is one of the most magnificent views in Ireland. just breathtaking, the stunning series of mountains and cliffs at Slieve League soar into the sky, especially on a clear day. One Mans Path is a must, but not for the faint hearted. Also guided tours are available but must be booked in advance.
On the way you can stop at:
St Johns Point: Experience sheer coastal Atlantic beauty, flora, fauna and unique geology with distinctive geological rock formations beyond the lighthouse!
After Slieve League, you can continue on route to…
Malin Beg (Silver Strand) beach
Its worth the drive, stunningly secluded bay, one of my most favourite spots for a swim after the 174 steps down to the beach. Most beautiful for sunrise or sunset.
Glencolmcille Folk Village
Replica of typical Irish rural village, showcasing the heritage culture and ingenuity of the local population and Father McDyer.
Glengesh Pass
Pause and admire it from the top (enjoy an ice cream here in the summer months!) before taking the windy road through the valley! Breathtaking!
Assaranca waterfall
Near the village of Ardara, close to the roadside so you don’t have to leave your car. Just nature at its best!
Day Trip 2 – Benbulben
BENBULBEN
Magalithic tombs and mystical links as far back as Finn McCool.
Creevy Pier
Just 10 minutes drive off to right as you head on the main road towards Ballyshannon, another beautiful setting, especially when the waves are crashing against the rocks at the pier. A favourite spot for ourselves, jumping off the pier at full tide or taking the kayaks out.
Creevy Pier cliff walk takes about 1 hour 30 min. This trail takes you along the stunning coastline on clifftop path (includes uneven surface, soft ground, loose stone and cattle in the fields)
Bundoran
Bundoran is known for its great surfing location, WaterWorld, Rougey walk, Bundoran Adventure Park funfairs and amusements.(Rougey walk takes about 50 minutes, just turn right at KFC. Also you visit the Fairy Bridge en route)
Mullaghmore
Mullaghmore Head is a renowned surfing spot, some of the biggest waves on the planet. The coastal walk/drive is absolutely stunning and you can see Classiebawn Castle (The home of Lord Mountbatten and his family) on the way. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy views of Donegal Bay and Slieve League as well as back towards Benbulben. Ethnas by the Sea is a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat and well known for its incredible seafood!
Gleniff Horseshoe
This is a six-mile (10km) loop of single lane road surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Its about an hour by car, not counting the stops for photos on the way! For the more adventurous you can climb Benwiskin!
Glencar Waterfall
Very impressive, especially after heavy rainfall. (Mentioned in WB Yates poem “The Stolen Child”. There is a car park, public toilets and tea room here.
WB Yates’s Grave
Visit WB Yates grave in Drumcliffe Cemetery. The headstone is inscribed with the poets famous self permel epitaph “cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman pass by”.
Strandhill
Just 7 kilometres from Sligo town, at the foot of Knocknarea mountain (Queen Maeves grave) and another great surfing beach!
The Queen Maeve Trail takes 1-2 hours on sections of raised boardwalk before arriving at the spectacular summit! A lovely wee buzzing village with plenty of options for dining!
GLENVEIGH NATIONAL PARK
Head towards Letterkenny, take the N56 through Kilmacrennan, then R255 for Gweedore or ‘Gaoth Dobhair’ in Irish, which is an inlet at the mouth of the Crolly River. Plenty of walking and hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Tour the splendid castle and the beautiful ornate gardens. The cafe here serves lovely homemade treats.
Mount Errigal
Most people with a moderate degree of fitness will probably complete this in 2.5-3 hours but allow extra time for photos picnics and chatting to people on the way.
Dunlewey Centre
Set in a small Gaeltacht village, at the foot of Errigal mountain and on the shore of Dunlewey Lough at the Poisoned Glen. Take a step back in time and enjoy the boat trip on the lough at the Dunlewey Adventure Centre, which is well worth a visit.
Croithli Distillery
This is a beautifully restored 1902 stone building with loads of history, formerly factory where the world famous crolly doll was produces and now houses the first licensed whiskey distillery in Donegal. We had the tour which we throughly enjoyed and then a taster of their whiskey while listening to live traditional music.
Leo’s Tavern is just around the corner, home of music artists Clannad’s, Enya and Moya Brennan. Then travel head back over Gweebarra Bridge towards Donegal Town taking in all the beautiful scenery on the way. Keep a watchful eye on the bumpy narrow roads.
Brian Seguro2023-12-07The Bee Pods are an absolute gem of a find and hosts Siobhan and William really go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your time there. A lot of thought and detail has gone into everything inside and out and it’s hard to do it justice with a short comment. Breakfast and (evening) dessert delivered to the door every day were delicious. I was there during a cold snap in December (probably the coldest couple of days of the year) but I was more than comfortable inside the Queen Bee pod in just a t-shirt and shorts. The seaweed bath (with views of Donegal Bay) is a nice indulgence and there’s also a cracking pizza oven in the dedicated pizza pod. They’ve even created covered view points for guests further up the hill with commanding views right across the bay to Sliabh Liag. Donegal is a beautiful part of Ireland and the Bee Pods are a great way to enjoy it.
Cody Callender2023-09-24To say that William and Siobhan go the extra mile is a gross understatement. They have gone so far above and beyond that it makes me reconsider every 5 star review I have ever given. They have everything here. The location is incredible- walking distance to the beach. The grounds are gorgeous, picturesque as can be, fresh veggies and berries growing all around, three adorable pigmy goats, and incredible views on every inch of it. The pods themselves are significantly nicer than any similar accomodations we have stayed in. More spacious and more well developed. The seaweed baths, personal fire pits, pizza oven, and private, gated entrance are all wonderful extra touches. The fresh honey, homemade jam, and custom breakfasts were all some of the best we have had while traveling. Siobhan is an incredible cook and a wonderful host. I don't think there is a single thing I could have desired more from an accommodation. If you want a nice relaxing stay in Ireland, the Bee Pods are the #1 place I would recommend.
Hector2023-09-23The K Club of glamping
dr_kerri2023-08-29What’s not to love?! Well constructed, comfortable pods with great views and easy parking! And, the icing on the cake…delicious food delivered to one’s door to begin and end the day. Thank you!
Sandra Lee2023-08-27Enjoyed a two night stay at the Bee Pods. First time glamping but will definitely be back. It was an amazing location and the accommodation was beautiful. Siobhan and William thought of everything!! Loved it!
Stephanie OHalloran2023-08-27Beautiful weekend in busy bee, siobhan and William were exceptional hosts, and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, you can clearly see that they love what they do, and the scenery was spectacular
Richard Hawkins2023-07-22Just back from an absolutely amazing 2 night stay. very relaxing, wonderful location and fantastic service. Breakfast is homemade and delivered to your pod door everymorning. There is also a homemade fresh desert brought everynight! The beach is a 5 min walk and we went to the Smugglers Creek Inn for dinner one night, a 15 min walk along the beach. You can cook your own pizza if you want, main ingrediants all supplied but take you own toppings. BBQ's in each pod along with all utensils needed. We also tried the seaweed bath, highly recommend this. So relaxing, take a glass of wine, some music, sit back and relax and absorb all the nutrients. We will be back!
Maureen Bell2023-07-14We spent four nights at the Bee Pods and enjoyed our stay there very much. William and Siobhan couldn't do enough for us and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. We stayed in the beach hut which was extremely comfortable and met all our needs. The view was stunning. Siobhans food was delicious. We looked forward to breakfast every morning to see what surprises there were in the breakfast box and the desserts in the evening were an additional treat. William was great "craic" and we thoroughly enjoyed our chats with him. We recommend the Bee Pods as a great place to stay .