Walking

From coastal treks to forest trails, Downings offers a range of stunning routes for every walker. Enjoy a stroll along the four-mile Tramore Beach, located right at our doorstep, or take in the views on the world-famous 8.5-mile Atlantic Drive. Find these routes and more in the Sheephaven Bay Walking Guide, available at reception. Planning a long hike? Our kitchen is happy to prepare a packed lunch for your journey.

Cycling

Rosapenna is the ideal place to park the car and cycle along the miles of coastal roads, with dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Wherever you cycle, you are guaranteed to find scenic beauty, friendly villages, generous hospitality and a warm welcome.

Surfing

With the mighty Atlantic waves crashing into the miles and miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that the west coast of Ireland has become a top destination for surfing. County Donegal in particular has become a top holiday location for surfing enthusiasts, as there are plenty of surf beaches and surf schools to be found here.

Diving / Sea Tours / Angling Trips

Mevagh Dive Centre is Donegal’s only dive centre which offers a variety of courses from scuba/sea dives to power boat training. They also have a 3.7 metre purpose built indoor dive pool which offers training in a safe, warm environment.

Water Sports

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre is set on 87 acres on the shores of Gartan Lough, 45 minutes from Rosapenna. The centre provides a wide range of adventure sports activities, environmental education courses, team building, management training and adventure sports training.

Horse Riding

What better way to start your day than a canter along a gorgeous beach or a trek on a horseback around quiet country roads. From the saddle of your horse enjoy a different perspective on the landscape. Listen to the sounds of nature, the crashing of the waves, delight in the colours of the wild flowers and enjoy an exhilarating equestrian experience which will leave you wondering why you never tried it before.

Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlanic Way on Ireland’s west coast leads you through one of the world’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, stretching for 2,500km and out at the very edge of Europe. Located on The Wild Atlanic Way, Rosapenna is set between two sandy beaches and within 800 acres of rugged links along the beautiful Donegal coastline. 

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Enjoy a scenic trip to Fanad Head Peninsula by crossing the Harry Blaney Bridge and visit the much-photographed lighthouse, which was build in 1812 following the wreck of the MHS Saldanha. Fanad Head is one of the 15 Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Glenveagh National Park

Located in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The park consists of 16,000 hectares of wilderness, lakes and mountains. You can take a guided tour of the castle, walk in the gardens or wander through the fantastic scenery.

Crolly Distillery Experience

Nestled in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht, Crolly Distillery offers a unique whiskey adventure blending rural Irish culture with award-winning premium spirits. Housed in a restored 1902 stoned building in the villiage of Croithlí, near Mount Errigal, it is the first licensed distillery in Ireland. Tours run daily.

Sliabh League

One of the higest cliffs in Europe, rising more than 2000 feet above the Atlantic, Situated on the southwest coast of Donegal, Sliabh League, is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe With terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay as you walk towards the high point of the cliffs, this a truly unforgettable escape.

Grianan of Aileach

The Grianan of Aileach is an historic monument built on the hill of Grianán, which is 244 metres high. Most writers have identified the site as being the great “royal fort” of Aileach. The fort looks out over the beautiful waters of Lough Swilly and is located in the village of Burt.