5 reasons to visit Ardara
5 REASONS TO VISIT ARDARA
Ardara is a beautiful hertiage town situated in SW Donegal on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Famously known as the "Home of Festivals" along with its world famous home of tweed making in Donegal. To add, Ardara has the most friendliest locals always ready to assist visitors. It was recently voted in the top 11 most enchanting towns in Europe. Beyond the warmth of our welcome, there are lots of reasons to visit Ardara. Read on for 5 reasons to visit Ardara.
1. Visit Assaranca Waterfall & Maghera Beach & Caves
Assaranca Waterfall in Ardara is just a short trip from Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel. Follow the road to Killybegs and you will come to a sign on the right for Maghera. If you follow this road, you will experience the most beautiful scenery that surrounds Ardara. This is a must for first time visitors to Ardara when you are out and about. Assarana Waterfall is at its best on a good rainy day or the day after. The water simply cascades with a musical ring to it. Simply stand still and listen to the music unfolding.
Follow the road further down and you will come to the world famous Maghera Beach. Take the short walk across a field, a gentle climb through dunes and then you will be blown away by the view ahead of you. If the tide is out, head left over to the famous Maghera Caves always being mindful of the tide returning. This world famous beach with its white sand, is literally a world away from the hustle and bustle of life and a yet a short trip from our hotel.
2. Sliabh League or Sliabh Liag
Most visitors to The Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel come to visit Sliabh Liag Cliffs. These are probably one of Ireland's best kept secrets and are a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. From the hotel, follow the road to Killybegs and onto Carrick where you will be guided to Sliabh Liag. These cliffs stand over 600metres high nearly three times higher than Cliffs Of Moher. You can simply drive up and take a gentle look or otherwise you can walk up to the viewing area and take in this wild rugged coastline. For the more athletic visitors, this is a super area for a hike and not for the feint hearted. Hike One Mans Pass or Pilgrims Path and you will experience scenery so majestic and breath taking, you will keep this memory forever.
On the way back to our hotel, meander down Glengesh Pass - also recently voted in the top 10 most panoramic view in Ireland. http://www.sliabhliag.com/
3. Golf Narin & Portnoo Links
Narin and Portnoo Links course is just 8 miles from The Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel and has just been redesigned by world famous Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. This 18 hole course has been voted at no 28 out of 100 in Ireland which is no mean achievement given our island hosts the most spectacular golf courses. If you want to play really simple old fashioned unpretentious links-golf, then you have to stray off the beaten track a little. For all you avid golfers out there, you will not be disappointed, if the golf isnt up to scratch, you wont be disappointed by the majestic scenery.
4. Shop the beautiful family owned tweed shops
Ardara is the home of tweed making and boasts some quaint family owned and run shops which sell amazing tweeds, knits and lots more. You can visit John Molloy Tweeds on way into Ardara or Triona Designs coming from Killybegs. In the town itself, you can experience Eddie Doherty giving a weaving demonstration. Eddie is now 66 years weaving and is a total expert. Our President Michael D Higgins has worn many of Eddie's tweed suits over the years. Campbells of Ardara stock the most beautiful products from MC Nutts, lambswool knits, tweed throws and lots more. Closer to the hotel is the Donegal Design Makers shop which stocks creations from more than 25 designers from the county of Donegal. This is an easy day and why not drop off in the famous Nancys Bar, Ardara for a wee Irish Coffee or pop into Ramblers Bar & Restaurant for a hot Silkie Whiskey from Sliabh Liag Distillers.
5. Sheskinmore Nature Reserve, Ardara
Sheskinmore refers to a large area of sand dunes, lake and marsh that lies between Kiltooris and Ballinreavy Strand, north west of Ardara. This beautiful unspoilt natural area is designated as a Special Area of Conservation a Special Protection Area and a Wildfolw Sanctuary. There are three designated access points so please ask and we will advise you. This is the second biggest nature reserve in Donegal and walkers are advised to be cautious of grazing animals between October and May and dogs should be kept on a lead and under control. Appropriate walking clothing and a map would be recommended. This is really a world class wilderness.
Contact
Address
Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel
The Diamond
Ardara
Co. Donegal
Ireland
F94 X0RN
Phone
+353749541103
