Away in the North West of Donegal lie the Villages of Carrigart and Downings; they distance each other by 5 Kilometers. Both are very different in appearances,
Carrigart is a typical Victorian Village, while Downings is a Traditional Fishing Village yet married to each other in location, history, heritage and culture they
administer to one of Irelands finest rural tourist destinations.
Donegal is noted for its area definitions; such as The Rosses, Bloody Foreland, Horn Head, and Inishowen and in this area if s Rosguill. Rosguiil itself is the
name given to the areas majestic peninsula, around which is the famous Atlantic Drive, all of which lies within the historic parish of Mevagh.
The parish is large and stretches from the famous Lackagh Bridge in the West to Lough Salt/High Glen in the South, Cranford in the East and naturally the Rosguill
peninsula surrounded by Sheephaven Bay and Mulroy Bay on either side of its leg and footed by the wild Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula and some of the area around
Carrigart are part of the Donegal Gaeltacht. Carrigart is the Gateway village to the peninsula while Downings is the main village within the peninsula.
The area is widely photographed and pictures from the area are found promoting Ireland all over the world, you have Glen Rialta and Tra na Rossan on the Atlantic Drive,
the famous Lackagh Bridge and from where you also have the viewpoint to obtaining that wonderful photograph of Doe Castle.
As you start your journey around the famous Atlantic Drive from what is known as the Isle Crossroads, (deriving that name from the fact that hidden away behind a little
road on the Junction is the areas inhabited Island known as Island Roy), and climbing halfway up the station bray you will find that at one spot you can pull in and view
the two villages in one super panoramic view, breath taking it surely is.
The area offers a wide variety to its tourists: -
Noted Tourist attractions are Rosapenna Golf links, namely, the Sandy Hills Course and the Old Tom Morris Course, both 18-hole courses Rosapenna Golf Links.
St. Patrick's Golf Links, namely, Magheramagorgan and Tra Mor, again both 18-hole courses St. Patrick’s Golf Links
Boat charters:-
Rosguill Charters -- Bonito Charters Downings 074 9121070
Fishing Donegal, Downings 074 9155386.
Game Angling --
At the Lackagh Estuary, Glen Lough and numerous other lakes and rivers within the vicinity.
Horse Riding:-
Carrigart Stables: 074 91 53583 Mobile 087 2276926 and Ashtree Stables Cranford 074 91 53312.
Deep Sea Diving: -
On the numerous wrecks out from our coast is provided by Mevagh Dive Centre
Pitch and Putt, Crazy Golf and Tennis are available at Rosapenna Pitch and Putt Centre.
Walking in the area -
Walking guide booklets "Danders around Downings" and "Rambles around Rosguill" are on sale and available in the shops locally.
You can Catch the Surf at Tra na Rossan, or stroll along the many miles of Golden Sand on our numerous sandy beaches.
Bird watching -
Along Carrigart Strand and other areas within the peninsula, do keep an eye out for the Golden Eagle who has been regularly spotted as our location
is used by them as a fly out area.
For the Artist -
This area offers everything, stunning views, plant and wildlife, those special Donegal sky's, its heaven and you are there, it also provides a rural
base from which to travel the county and paint the other numerous views which Donegal has to offer.
Stroll at Twilight again with eyes open for the areas abundance of wildlife, or take a leisurely stroll in the afternoon and visit the Carrigart town
park and dander along the banks of Mulroy bay and view its abundant array of flora and fauna with rare species only found on the banks of Fjord Bays.
Numerous summer camps are held for the children, GAA, Soccer, Irish, Swimming to name but a few.
At all times enjoy the culinary skills of our local Chefs at the Beach Hotel, Downings Bay Hotel, Carrigart Hotel, Rosapenna Pavilion, Ocean View Restaurant,
The Singing Pub, Tra Mor House Restaurant, Glen Bar Restaurant, not forgetting to call with Teresa at McNutt's Coffee Shop on the pier where you will be well
catered for from Breakfast in the Morning, to Lunch, and early evening meal.
For that take home gift:-
Joy's of Carrigart is a must and not forgetting McNutfs Tweed and Gift Shop again on the Pier.
Carrigart hosts the majority of grocery and butcher needs on a large scale while McBride's in Downings operates a small local grocery, while covering most
needs it also provides you with your fishing tackle needs.
