Explore the Area
Letterkenny · Donegal · The North West
Explore
Rockhill House sits at the point where two of Ireland’s great touring routes converge — the Wild Atlantic Way to the south and west, the Causeway Coastal Route to the north and east. Every way you turn, there is something worth the journey. This page is a starting point. Our team are always on hand to help you plan further.
On the Estate
For experiences on the estate itself — hawk walks, bee safaris, yoga in the starry temple, the Wellhouse spa, croquet, woodland walks, and more — see our Experiences page.
DISCOVER ESTATE EXPERIENCES →Five Minutes Away
Letterkenny
Donegal’s largest town is on the edge of the estate. A world away in character, but useful when you need it.
Arts & Culture
Letterkenny has two excellent arts venues. An Grianán Theatre runs a full year-round programme of theatre, music, and comedy. The Regional Cultural Centre hosts jazz, folk, trad, art exhibitions, and film. Both are key venues for the Errigal Arts Festival each July.
Golf
Donegal is awash with notable courses, many with spectacular Atlantic views. Ballyliffin Golf Club, Portsalon, and Letterkenny Golf Club are all within easy reach of the estate. We can help arrange tee times and transport.
Shopping & Markets
Letterkenny is well stocked for everyday shopping. Worth seeking out: The Counter for local produce, Mourne Antiques for jewellery and crafts, and Moonshine Coffee Shop and Craft Studio for Donegal pottery, tweeds, and art.
The Letterkenny Artisan Market runs every Saturday (10am–3pm) at Carrygally Business Park in Lismonaghan — fresh farm produce, street food, and local crafts. Worth the short drive.
Cinema & Family
Century Cinemas in the Retail Park screens all current releases. The complex includes a synthetic ice rink (open during winter) and a soft play facility adjoining a diner — a reliable option for families on a wet day.
A Rockhill Connection Worth Knowing About
The Rockhill Collection at Fort Dunree
Fort Dunree, the Napoleonic-era coastal fort on the Inishowen Peninsula, houses a military museum with a remarkable connection to this house. The Saldhana Suite at Fort Dunree contains the Rockhill Collection — military memorabilia on loan to the museum from soldiers who served here at Rockhill House during the years when it was a headquarters of the Irish Defence Forces.
The fort itself is worth the visit on its own terms: the setting is spectacular, the cliff walks signposted and quiet, and the light unique. Dunree Head is also one of the best places in Inishowen to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Fort Dunree — Dunree Head, Inishowen, Co. Donegal · Approximately 45 minutes from Rockhill House
The County Beyond Our Gates
Donegal
Every way you turn there is something new and beautiful. Here are some of the places most worth your time.
Lough Swilly
One of only three glacial fjords in Ireland, Lough Swilly is the heart of North East Donegal — rich with wildlife and dense with history. In summer, the ferry between Rathmullan on the west shore and Buncrana on the east is one of the finest short crossings in Ireland. For the more adventurous, the wreck of the SS Laurentic (sunk by a German mine in 1917) is one of the great dives in Irish waters.
Glenveagh National Park
Just 24km north west of Letterkenny, Glenveagh is the second largest of Ireland’s national parks at 170 sq km. Home to the country’s largest herd of red deer, a 19th-century castle, and ornamental gardens set against craggy mountain landscape. A half-day that rewards every minute.
Grianan of Aileach
A ring fort with origins dating to 1700BC, 20 minutes drive from Rockhill above Burt in Inishowen. One of only five Irish sites mentioned in Ptolemy’s 2nd-century World Map. The view from the top internal terrace takes in swathes of Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone, and both Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle.
Ards Forest Park
A 35-minute drive from Letterkenny, Ards is a forest by the sea. Marked trails of varying lengths lead through ancient woodland onto a wooden boardwalk and out to the golden beaches of the Sand Dune Trail. A full day of walking is possible across the combined trails. An excellent option for families.
Fanad Lighthouse
Positioned on the head of the Fanad Peninsula in the Gaeltacht area of the county, this is one of the most memorable points on the Wild Atlantic Way. Tours of the lighthouse and up the 76 steps to the top are available — see fanadlighthouse.com for details. Dolphins are regularly spotted in the cove below.
Errigal Mountain
Donegal’s tallest and most iconic mountain at 751 metres. A steep but manageable climb — 40 minutes by car from Letterkenny to the car park off the R251, then a rewarding ascent with remarkable views once you break above the cloud l