• Bundoran Donegal
  • Couple walking
  • Cycling in Donegal
  • Family Group at Glenveagh National Park
  • Two young women at The Poison Glen
  • Couple shopping in Donegal

Beyond Rockhill

County Donegal & Beyond

Beyond Rockhill

 

Rockhill House sits at the centre of one of the most remarkable landscapes in Ireland. South and west, the county opens into ancient stone forts, dramatic sea cliffs, and the wonders of Donegal’s interior. North and east, the Causeway Coastal Route begins at the gates of a walled city and runs to Belfast through some of the most photographed scenery in the world.

Our team and digital guidebook are here to help you find whatever you are looking for — whether that is adventure, stillness, history, food, music, or the particular pleasure of having no particular plan at all.

South & West of Rockhill

Donegal’s Interior & Atlantic Coast

Ancient landscapes, dramatic coastline, and places that carry a weight of history felt rather than explained.

20 minutes

Glenveagh National Park & Castle

A UNESCO-recognised national park with a 19th-century castle at its heart. The gardens, the lough, and the Derryveagh Mountains reward every hour you give them.

Southwest Donegal

Slieve League Cliffs

Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe — three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, and considerably less crowded. The walk to the summit is one of the finest in Ireland.

Lough Doon, Ardara

Doon Fort

One of the best-preserved prehistoric stone forts in Ireland, built on an island in Lough Doon and reached by a short rowing trip. A place of remarkable atmosphere and antiquity.

Ardara

Assaranca Waterfall

A magnificent waterfall set in the dramatic landscape near Ardara. Easily accessible and unexpectedly powerful — the kind of place people return to more than once.

Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Beltany Stone Circle

A Bronze Age stone circle of over 60 standing stones, dating to around 1400–800 BC, with panoramic views across the Donegal landscape. One of the most significant and least visited prehistoric monuments in Ireland.

North & East of Rockhill

The Causeway Coastal Route & Beyond

Derry, the Antrim coast, and Belfast — all within reach. The Causeway Coastal Route begins just over half an hour from Rockhill House.

Ireland’s Most Northerly Point

Malin Head

Ireland’s most northerly point, and one of the finest places in the country to catch the Northern Lights in season. The landscape at Malin Head is unlike anything elsewhere on the island.

Inishowen Peninsula

Griánán of Aileach

A restored Iron Age ring fort dating to around 1700 BC, standing on a hilltop with extraordinary 360-degree views across Donegal, Derry, and both shores of Lough Foyle. One of the most striking prehistoric monuments in Ireland.

Inishowen Peninsula

Fort Dunree

A 19th-century military fort on a dramatic headland above Lough Swilly, now a fascinating military museum. The coastal setting alone makes the journey worthwhile.

30 minutes from Rockhill

Derry & the Causeway Coastal Route

The historic walled city of Derry is where the Causeway Coastal Route begins. From there, the 154-mile route runs via Mussenden Temple, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, and Game of Thrones filming locations all the way to Belfast.

Antrim Coast

The Giant’s Causeway & Belfast

The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway, and Belfast — Northern Ireland’s capital and birthplace of the Titanic — are both accessible as a day trip from Rockhill House.

However You Want to Spend It

Activities & Experiences

Be as adventurous or as unhurried as the day demands. Our team can arrange almost anything.

Hiking & Nature Walks

From gentle woodland walks on the estate to more demanding routes in the Donegal hills. Our team can suggest routes and arrange guides for any level.

Mountain Biking

The roads and trails of Donegal reward those who explore them on two wheels. We can suggest routes and help arrange bike hire for guests who want to cover more ground.

Fly Fishing

The mountain lakes and rivers of Donegal are among the finest fly fishing waters in Ireland. We can connect you with expert local guides for a half-day or full-day on the water.

Sea Fishing

Off the dramatic cliff-edge seascapes and from the gentler beach coves of Donegal’s Atlantic coastline. Charter boats and guides available through the estate team.

Food & Drink

Donegal has an exceptional food culture. Our team can guide you to the local producers, restaurants, and artisan makers who make this county one of the great food destinations in Ireland.

Music, Storytelling & Culture

The Irish tradition in music, dance, and storytelling is very much alive in Donegal. Our team can point you to the sessions, the storytellers, and the cultural experiences that are genuine rather than staged.

Genealogy & Family History

Donegal has a deep diaspora connection. For guests tracing family history, our team can help identify the right local resources and connect you with expert genealogists in the county.

The Coastal Islands

Arranmore, Tory, and the other inhabited islands off the Donegal coast each have a distinct character. We can help you plan a day trip to whichever calls to you.

We Are Here to Help

Our Team & Digital Guidebook

 

Regardless of the season and regardless of the direction, our team are always on hand to help you find the right experience for the right day. We also offer a digital guidebook packed with local recommendations, insider knowledge, and the places that do not appear in the standard guides. Ask us anything.

Rockhill House ornamental divider