If you like seascape photography, Donegal is for you. As you'll learn in this video, it has some of the most photogenic coastlines in Europe.
In the video, I cover nine locations, from Muckross Head in the south to Ireland's northernmost point, Malin Head. As typical for Donegal and Ireland, my two weeks there were marked by unpredictable weather conditions. The forecast was seldom correct, and not all of the photos I had in mind worked out. But there were also some positive surprises. It's what I love about Ireland: you can always hope for a quick change in the weather and a brief moment of light.
One of the highlights was my hike up Mount Errigal, Donegal's highest peak. Once the rain showers passed, I had views in every direction from up there. It makes Errigal a great place to visit for both sunrise and sunset. The path leading up to the peak is well maintained and easy to follow even in the dark. Because hiking to the top takes less than one hour, Errigal is a place you should not miss if you visit Donegal.
Other places I photographed include the famous Fanad Head Lighthouse, Crohy Head, and Malin Head. Those three offer some of the most photogenic views along Donegal's coast. But I also included some lesser-known places slightly off the beaten track. Reaching those sometimes means driving along single-lane roads for 10 to 20 km or hiking cross-country through fields and meadows.
Wherever you decide to go, respect the occasional signs that tell you not to cross. Between my two visits to Donegal, which were 12 years apart, some locations have become less accessible to the public. Often, you must cross private land, and it was to be expected that some access would be forbidden over time. To prevent this trend from worsening, it is vital to act responsibly while exploring the coast and countryside.
My written Donegal Photography Guide contains additional information about traveling to Donegal with even more locations. If you want to plan a trip to Donegal, you can also check out the in-depth location guide by our writer, Darren Spoonley.
