Relax & Explore: The Best Things to Do in Donegal from Villa Rose Hotel & V Spa
Welcome to the Villa Rose Hotel & V Spa, where luxury meets the Wild Atlantic Way and relaxation blends seamlessly with exploration.
Located in the heart of Ballybofey, our boutique 4-star hotel offers the perfect balance between wellness, comfort, and access to Donegal’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Whether you want to unwind in the award-winning V Spa, immerse yourself in local culture, or explore enchanting coastlines and dramatic mountain scenery, our central location makes it effortless. Wake slowly, explore freely, and return to indulgence, it’s the best of both worlds.
Below is our expertly curated guide to the top things to do in Donegal, all within easy reach when you stay at Villa Rose.
💎 TOP THINGS TO DO IN DONEGAL – PERFECT FOR A RELAX & EXPLORE ESCAPE
🌊 1. Reset Your Senses at V Spa in the Villa Rose Hotel
Start your Donegal getaway the way it should begin, deep relaxation.
V Spa at Villa Rose is known as one of the leading spas in the northwest.
Begin your morning with a treatment and float into the rest of your day.
Distance from your room: Just a robe away.
🏖️ 2. Wander Along Donegal’s Iconic Beaches
Some come for adventure, others for peace, Donegal’s beaches offer both.
Our recommended serene escapes:
Murvagh Beach – long, quiet, perfect for mindful morning walks
Marble Hill – gentle waves, ideal for reading, relaxing, breathing
Portsalon – cinematic beauty that demands slow exploration
Narin / Portnoo - Popular with locals, ideal for a dip
Distance from Villa Rose: 35–60 mins
⛰️ 3. Visit the Majestic Slieve League Cliffs
A soul-stirring experience.
Stand at the edge of one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and feel your shoulders drop.
Take the slower route, breathe deeply, and let the Atlantic work its magic.
Distance from Villa Rose: 1 hour 20 mins
🌿 4. Explore Glenveagh National Park – Naturally Calming
With quiet walking trails, lakeside pathways, and peaceful castle gardens, Glenveagh remains one of Donegal’s most restorative landscapes.
Gentle trails for unwinding
Red deer sightings
Victorian walled gardens
Guided castle tours
Distance from Villa Rose: 35 mins
🌅 5. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Wild Atlantic Way
Donegal’s coastline is therapy in itself.
Discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and soft-hued sunsets that stretch across the sky.
Perfect for couples, photographers, or anyone craving a slower pace.
Distance from Villa Rose: 40 mins to Ardara (a great starting point)
🍷 6. Explore Donegal’s Food, Craft & Culture Scene
Donegal’s creative spirit is alive in its artisan makers and culinary gems.
Our favourites:
Donegal Craft Village (local artisans)
McElhinney’s Department Store right here in Ballybofey (shopping, gifts & fashion)
Magee Tweed, Donegal Town
Live local music in our bars on Fridays and Saturdays
Distance: 0–45 mins
💃 7. Discover Ballybofey’s Entertainment & Nightlife
You don’t have to travel far for fun.
With the Balor Theatre, live music on Fridays and Saturdays in the Forge Bar, and elegant fine dining in Fara's Restaurant, Ballybofey is the ideal mix of lively and laid-back. If you're looking for a proper night out, we recommend Gallen's Bar, just across the street.
Distance: A short stroll.
🧘 8. Take a Mindful Walk in Drumboe Woods Along the River Finn
A peaceful riverside walk less than a minute from the hotel.
Perfect for morning reflection, gentle exercise, and reconnecting with nature without even getting in the car. The forest is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its beautiful walking paths, stunning scenery, and rich history. The woods cover an area of approximately 150 acres and are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Distance from Villa Rose: 1 minute.
🚣 9. Go for a Surf Lesson
Donegal is famous for its wild Atlantic waves, and for those seeking a touch of adventure, a surfing lesson at Rossnowlagh Beach is an unforgettable way to experience them. Whether you’re a total beginner or brushing up on your skills, the on-beach surf schools offer everything you need, from expert instructors to full board and wetsuit rental, so all you have to do is dive in and enjoy the exhilaration of the ocean.
Distance: 25 mins
🧭 10. Discover the Perfect Balance of Luxury & Adventure
Donegal offers everything, from rugged coastline to cultural richness.
At Villa Rose, you can enjoy the adventure by day, then return to:
Stylish contemporary rooms
V Spa’s tranquil thermal suite
The buzzing Forge Bar
Elegant Fine Dining in Fara's Restaurant
Award-winning food and cocktails
Warm Donegal hospitality
You never have to choose between relaxation and exploration.
Here, you get both.
🌺 WHY VILLA ROSE IS THE PERFECT WELLNESS & EXPLORATION BASE
✔ Boutique 4-star comfort
✔ Award-winning V Spa
✔ Couples & girls’ getaway packages
✔ Central Donegal location
✔ Easy access to all major attractions (with discounts for many)
✔ Excellence in food, service & style
✔ Free parking + everything in walking distance
✔ Calm, stylish interiors ideal for unwinding
Ready to relax, unwind, and explore Donegal at your own pace?
Book your luxury break at Villa Rose Hotel & V Spa today and experience Donegal at its most restorative.
