Local Attractions
Enjoy the Great Experiences on Our Doorstep!
The Station House Hotel is superbly appointed in the heart of the thriving town of Letterkenny which is the urban hub of the North West and the Shopping Capital of Co. Donegal. Conveniently located within walking distance from the high street shopping area, multi screen cinema, an Grianan theatre and all the culture and nightlife that makes Letterkenny such a delight!
Letterkenny is a wonderful destination, it's unquestionably worth visiting, and an acclaimed destination for its friendliest people! It bustles with excitement and offers entertainment throughout the year. It also has a diverse range of superb related centres to cater for great family days out and it's the perfect base for exploring the diversity of Co. Donegal and all that it has to offer. Letterkenny is also a fantastic shopping destination, from large shopping centers, to individual charming boutiques with an array of designer and fashionable high street brands. The town also features many bars and clubs, cosy pubs, relaxing restaurants, coffee shops and so much more.
When you stay at the Station House Hotel you can avail of exclusive discounts in the following places;
- 10% OFF entry for Oakfield Park
- 10% OFF entry for the Aura Leisure Centre
- 10% OFF entry for Tropical World
- 10% OFF entry for Lurgybrack Open Farm
There is so much to discover! Just a short driving distance from the Station House Hotel you can indulge in the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way and the natural beauty of the County. The most spectacular landscapes, breath taking coastlines, waves known to surfers from around the world, 80 miles of beautiful beaches, the greatest outdoors at its best, stunning scenery, excellent cuisines, cosy pubs, world iconic visitor attractions and more. So much just waiting to be revealed and the only boundary to your relaxation will be your imagination!
"Be Inspired" Explore / Discover / Relax
Glenveagh National Park
A 20 minutes' scenic drive from the Station House Hotel Letterkenny, and tucked in close to the Derryveagh Mountains is a remote and an impressively stunning wilderness of rugged mountains, unspoiled lakes and beautiful waterfalls. This magnificent national park is the second largest park in Ireland and is set on acres of natural habitat and jaw dropping manicured gardens. There is a deer sanctuary on site, the Golden Eagle to meet visitors, and the aroma of homemade fancies and delicious breads from the famous Glenveagh tearooms. It's absolutely stunning and an ideal backdrop for a wedding day photo-shoot! Guided tours of the castle are available at allocated times: www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie Family events are organised for most weekends throughout the summer months and these include; children story time, bird of prey display, medieval weaponry display and more.
Fanad Light House
Is an iconic working Lighthouse standing between idyllic Lough Swilly and Mulry Bay. Fanad Lighthouse has been voted one of the most beautiful Lighthouses in the world. This stunning heritage building is the flagship visitor attraction of the Fanad Peninsula, an area of outstandinf natural beauty which has much to offer the visitor. We have teamed up with Fanad Lighthouse to offer tickets for the Lighthouse Tours. Tickets are on sale here at the Station House Hotel reception. Fanad Lighthouse are open 6 days a week 10am - 6pm (last tour at 5pm) Guided Tour: 45mins. Enjoy a tour, step back in time, hear stories about the light-keepers in days gone by and climb to the top of the tower for spectacular 360 views of North Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Ocean and Lough Swilly. For an exhilarating adventure, try their new virtual reality experience 'The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha'
Sliabh League Cliffs
Just a 45 minutes' drive from our hotel in Letterkenny you can discover the spectacular Sliabh League, situated on the West Coast of Co. Donegal, and standing tall at an incredible 600 metres above the Wild Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are the highest and one of the most gracious cliffs in Europe. In addition to the beautiful breath-taking views at Sliabh League, the surrounding area is steeped in history with points of interest from hundreds of years ago. A truly iconic landmark, you won't be disappointed! Outstanding and highly recommended!
An Grianan of Aileach Ring Fort
On the outskirts of Letterkenny on the top of the Grianan Mountain lies one of the finest stone forts in Ireland. The fort was built in the early centuries of the Christian era, and legend has it that it was built by ancient gods and that the ring fort was held sacred and known as the sun place. The massive stone wall is 3.9m thick and in the walls are small chambers and a series of stairs at regular intervals giving access to the wall walk. The view from Aileach is absolutely breath-taking. The glistening waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly are clear, as is the form of the peninsula. A windy and exposed place, Grianan has been a silent witness to the history of Ireland. Truly spectacular and a must see!
Errigal Mountain
The Errigal Mountain is located in the West of Donegal near the Irish speaking parish called Gweedore and it is the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains, the tallest peak in Co. Donegal and the 26th tallest peak in Ireland. Errigal is also the steepest and the highest of the mountain chain called the "Seven Sisters" by the locals. It is well renowned for the pinkish glow of its quartzite in the setting sun and its every changing shape depending on what direction you view it from.
Donegal County Museum
Located within close walking distance of the Hotel. The Museum was opened in 1987 and the building once formed part of the town's Workhouse which was established for the relief of the poor during the great Famine, it opened in 1843 and operated until 1922. The museum houses many items of local historical importance including artefacts dating from the Stone Age and objects relating to the history and folk life of the County.
Blue Flag Beaches near Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Donegal boasts an abundance of stunningly beautiful beaches, offering an array of magical scenery and an experience of unspoiled and natural breathtaking surroundings, within close proximity of the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny. Donegal has the most blue flag beaches in Ireland!
Arena 7 Entertainment Complex
Offers an excellent variety of services, there is something to suit the whole family and all age groups. Activities include Bowling, Laser World, Arcade Games, Go Karts, American Pool and much more! www.arena7.ie
Lurgybrack Open Farm
Just a 10 minutes' drive from the Station House Hotel Letterkenny you will find a special place where all the family can spend the day together seeing the animals and having fun. The centuries old farm building is home to a range of friendly farm animals that children can come face to face with! There is ample space to play safely, walk by the riverside, bring your own family picnic or enjoy refreshments in the friendly tearooms. www.lurgybrackopenfarm.town.ie
Letterkenny Paintball
On the edge of Letterkenny, a very short distance from the Station House is this exciting natural woodland purpose built facility comprising of paintball game areas, an archery field, raft building, competition sites, military style obstacle course, zip wire and water slide. Ideal facility for a personal challenge, groups or corporate event.
Letterkenny Karting Centre
Located on the Ramelton road, a few miles from the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny Karting Centre at almost 900 metres is one of the longest tracks in Ireland. The best and safest karting experience you can expect and a fun day out for all the family. www.lkactivitycentre.com
Tropical World at Alcorn's Flower & Garden Centre Letterkenny
Tropical World is an incredibly unique nature experience that is well worth the visit and it's just minutes from the Station House, Walk through an exciting thousand square metres of Tropical Birds including Cockatiels, Rosellas and lots of different Parrots! Discover an array of exciting and educational information about an array of Mammals, endangered species and creepy crawlies. A guaranteed fun day out with a difference! www.tropicalworld.ie
Oakfield Park - Voted in the Irish Times as one of the top five parks in the whole of Ireland "Best Day Out"
Is one of Donegal's best loved attractions. Beautiful award winning parkland, woodlands, lakes and formal gardens that have everything you need to entertain the whole family. Spend hours exploring the grounds at your leisure from walled gardens to ponds, lakes, and a lakeside nymphaeum, hedge maze, heritage trees and sculptures. Children can make a wish at Oakfield Parks Faerie tree while navigating their way through adventures on extensive walks and trails. Their crowning glory is a 4.5km narrow gauge railway with diesel and stream train operating passenger trips daily. This magical way to explore the park's gardens as the train passes through flower meadows, beautiful woodlands, willow tunnels, oak circles, boardwalks, heritage trees, a wooden causeway and sparkling streams and lakes. www.oakfieldpark.com
As Twilight falls the magic continues! Santa Express at Oakfield Park is coming soon,
where you can board the Santa Express and enjoy an enchanted train ride through the magnificent woodlands to meet Santa and his special helpers as they prepare for the most wonderful time of the year. For more information about Santa Express visit www.oakfieldpark.com/events
Letterkenny Century Cinema
A family run business that brings stories to life on the big screen for over 75years. With 8 screens, stadium seating, American rocker seating, all the 2D/3D digital cinema projectors and Dolby Digital 7.2 surround sound. Located just 5 minutes walking distance from the hotel. They also have play facilities (Century Play) that have been designed with all the family in mind to ensure maximum fun and excitement. Home to Ireland's second largest play frame, including a junior area, toddler area, sports areas and not to mention an arcade area. For more information visit: www.centurycinemas.ie
Aura Leisure Centre
Just 10 minutes walking distance from the Station House Hotel. The Aura Leisure Centre offers a wide range of facilities and services which include: 25m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, learner pool, kiddies pool, swimming lessons, fitness gym, fitness class studio, group exercise classes, astro pitches, sports halls, running track, kids activities and a playground. For more information please visit www.auraleisure.ie
Letterkenny Golf Club
An impressive 18 hole Golf course that has been highly acclaimed as one of the most scenic parkland courses in the Northwest of Ireland. The course was originally carved out of natural woodlands and beautifully borders on the shore of the Lough Swilly. Truly a magnificent scenic parkland! Located 10 minute from our Hotel. www.letterkennygolfclub.com
New Mills Corn & Flax Mills
Located just outside Letterkenny on the Glenties road. It consists of two separate water driven mills, one for grinding the oats and barley and the other for extracting fibres from the flax plant for use in the linen industry. It has quite an impressive set-up, as the Corn Mill is powered by one of the largest working water wheels in Ireland and truly fascinating from a visitor's perspective to be able to see first-hand the industrial and agricultural method of the bygone era.
Donegal Heritage Trails
Provide guided walking tours of the nearby heritage village of Ramelton and the beautiful seaside village of Rathmullan. Tours are led by a local lady who is an accredited Failte Ireland Tour Guide; Deirdre Friel
An Grianan Theatre
Just 10 minutes walking distance from the Station House Hotel. The theatre opened in 1999 it has 383 seats and hosts all types of entertainment including plays, music, dance, comedy and dramas produced locally, nationally and internationally. For more information visit www.angrianan.com
Wild Ireland
Step back in time into ancient woodland inhabited by extinct creatures to experience some of Ireland's ancient lost wildlife. Walk among the ancien trees and encounter Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Wild Boar on your journey through the past. 'Wild Ireland' is located on the Wild Wild Atlantic Way. Just a few centuries ago, Ireland was clothed in a thick blankey of temperate Celtic Rainforest. Due to destruction and deforestation, this woodland has all disappeared, in a small pocket of remaining woodland on the Inishowen peninsula, the hands of time have been rooled back to an era where ferocious beasts ruled the countryside. Truly spectacular and perfect for a great family day out. Go and see their Brown Bears, European Wolves and Lynx bak together again in the Irish Forest for the first time in thousands of years. There they live in their natural habitat in the temperate rainforest. 'Lots of wild birds call Wild Ireland home and their beautiful lake is home to swans, ducks and even a cheeky pair of otters. They've also got Monkeys. THeres so much to do and see, take the fairy trail around the rainforest, be delighted with their tales of ancient folklore, play in their state of the art play park and finish off with some tasty treats from their Wild Irelanf Shop and Cafe. Open daily from 10am to 4pm. (Last entry 3pm) Tickets are available to book now at www.yourdaysout.com/tickets/widget/4484
Located behind An Grianan Theatre and just 10 minutes walking distance from the Station House Hotel. It is often said that it is the main cultural focal point of the Northwest and described by the Irish TIMES as a cultural beacon. The centre is mainly used for exhibitions and musical performances showcasing local talent from artists and musicians. For more information visit www.regionalculturalcentre.com
Ards Forest Park
The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among them sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. With such a variety of landscapes, it is possible to spend many hours exploring this wonderful park. The sea is one of the real treasures of this forest park and there are several trails, the Binngorm trail, the Salt Marsh Trail and the Sand Dune Trail, which offer the hiker an opportunity to experience it in all its facets. There are a large number of trails in this park giving the walker the opportunity to explore a variety of habitats from foreshore and sand dunes to semi natural oak woodlands on rock outcrops. By “stitching together” a number of trails, it is possible to hike for 5/6 hours on forest tracks and trails, taking in the full circuit of the park. The park is also home to a wide selection of animals and birds and the special hide at the end of the salt marsh trail allows the visitor to watch their winter visitors feed on the salt marsh. For those interested in human history, there are a number of historical and archaeological features. There are the remains of four ring forts together with a holy well and a mass rock. https://www.coillte.ie/site/ards-forest-park/
Fort Dunree
Located in Buncrana, County Donegal, a military museum giving special emphasis on coastal artillery and military history. During World War II Irish forces were stationed at Fort Dunree to prevent the warring nations violating the country’s neutrality. Fort Dunree houses a fascinating display of military memorabilia, large guns and artefacts from the 20th century. Fort Dunree is also rich in wildlife and this is detailed in the Wildlife discovery room in the Saldanha suite. https://www.fortdunree.com/
The Inishowen Maritime Museum
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium is conveniently housed in the old coastguard station, only 100 yards from the Lough Foyle ferry landing at Greencastle, County Donegal. Enjoy the displays of all things relating to the sea, stars and more in the museum with its full dome planetarium theatre.
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium, Greencastle, County Donegal, has an extensive collection of artefacts, exhibitions and memorabilia of all things maritime. You will see fascinating displays about shipwrecks, traditional boat building, fishing, emigration, WWI and WWII sea battles, coastguards, master mariners, basking sharks and more. https://inishowenmaritime.com/
Glebe House Gallery
Is the home for nearly thirty years of the renowned artist Derek Hill, is situated on rising ground, beside Lough Gartan, east of Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal. Originally known as St. Columba’s, the 1828 Regency-style house is decorated with William Morris textiles, and collections of Islamic and Japanese art, as well as 300 works by leading twentieth-century artists such as Picasso and Kokoshka. The house and gardens are displayed in an informal manner, as though Derek Hill was still in residence. Glebe House and Gallery are operated and managed by the Office of Public Works. https://www.glebegallery.ie/
Doe Castle
Is situated about 1 mile off the Carrigart to Creeslough Road. This MacSuibhne castle is protected on three sides by the sea, while on the landward side a moat has been hewn from te rock. Doe Castle sits deep in Sheephaven Bay, in a spectaular location on the shore near Creeslough village. It was a stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan who came to Donegal from Scotland as Galloglasses (professional fighters).
Mia Mallows
Create your own handmade marshmallows and rocky roads. Joing Mia Mallows in her bespoke workshop 15 minutes from Letterkenny. Learn how to make their famous handcrafter marshmallows and rocky roads. Develop your own unique recipes with our incredible selection of flavours and ingredients. Everyone leaves with boxes of their own original products. Different workshops are available, booking is essential via; www.mallowmia.com/collections/marshmallow-chocolate-making-experiences
Jailbreak at Lifford Courthouse
Here you will step back into their century old cells where prisoners once waitied, fearing their fate before stepping up before the foul tempered judge. Unfortunately for you, you have been caught and thrown in jail. Its up yo you to solve all the clues and escape. But don't worry, they have man on the inside. Their trustworthy prison guard will be there to help you along, but don't hurry! you only have a 1 hour windo before his shift ends and you will be locked up forever! Can you escape Lifford Gaol in under an hour? To Book Call; 00353749141733