Is Donegal in Northern or Southern Ireland? Everything You Need to Know

Is Donegal in northern or southern Ireland? Is part of Donegal in Northern Ireland?

Whether you plan on visiting Ireland in the coming months or years, or even if you’re there now, Donegal makes for a fun and unique addition to any Irish itinerary (even though tourists don’t typically hear about it… but, more on that below!)

If you were wondering if Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland or if happens to be split between the Republic and Northern Ireland, here’s your answer.

Donegal lies in the northwest of Ireland, close to the border of Northern Ireland. It’s contained within the Republic of Ireland, so it is owned by the country of Ireland and not Northern Ireland. If that’s very confusing, don’t stress! I’ve explained it further below.

Is Donegal in Northern or Southern Ireland?

If you’re wondering “Where is Donegal?” and keep getting mixed information, don’t stress, because I’m about to set the facts straight.

The town of Donegal is located in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland (also known as Southern Ireland, or just “Ireland” most commonly). County Donegal, where the town of Donegal is located, is also located in Southern Ireland.

County Donegal borders Northern Ireland, which is actually a part of the United Kingdom, not Ireland. Both Donegal and County Donegal lie in the northwest of Ireland.

Therefore, Donegal is located in Southern Ireland. Neither Donegal the town nor Donegal the County are located in the British-owned Northern Ireland.

Is Part of Donegal in Northern Ireland?

No part of Donegal or County Donegal is in Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland, or “Ireland” for short, is completely separate from Northern Ireland and they should not be confused as being the same country.

Yes, you’ll find similar landscapes, accents, and so forth in this region of the island, but they are ruled under different governments and considered to be two separate entities.

What Province is Donegal Ireland in?

Donegal, Ireland is located in the northern province of Ulster. As the second-largest province in the country, visitors can experience wonderful, untouched scenery but with far fewer tourists when compared to the Cliffs of Moher.

Is Donegal in the Republic of Ireland?

Yes, Donegal is located in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland. This is also true for the entire County, not just the town itself.

Why was Donegal Not included in Northern Ireland?

Back in 1922 when Northern Ireland became its own country, a decision was made to keep County Donegal part of the Republic of Ireland and not let it join the creation of Northern Ireland.

Why? Well, let me try to explain. The 9 counties of the Ulster Province were divided into 2 parts (6 went to Northern Ireland and 3 stayed with what was called the “Irish Free State).

This action took place because a large percentage of people living in those original 9 counties were Catholic, and Northern Ireland was a unionist government.

So, by removing the 3 counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan, this percentage dropped rather significantly and the Unionist government of Northern Ireland felt it was the right decision when forming their region.

Today, Ireland natives living in County Donegal will talk about how their counties were “robbed” by the U.K.

10 Facts About Donegal, Ireland

1. So you have seen me mention the Slieve League Cliffs a few times now. Do you know why? Well, it’s because they’re actually over 3 times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, yet almost nobody visits them! That’s because they are located in Donegal, which is nicknamed the “Forgotten County” after all.

2. Did you know that Tory Island in County Donegal actually has a king? It’s true! You can meet him… his name is King Patsy and he is often seen greeting tourists as they make their way off the ferry!

3. Ireland has almost always had a very Catholic presence, but County Donegal is actually home to one of Ireland’s patron saints! Named St. Colmcille, visitors can widely see the saint’s presence on every windowsill and shop in Donegal.

4. County Donegal actually happens to be one of the best spots in Ireland for a little adventure. Think sea kayaking, ocean safaris, cliff hiking, deep-sea fishing, and more!

5. Hand-weaving dates back for centuries in Donegal, which is how Donegal tweed made its way into being one of the most famous fabrics in all of Ireland.

6. Remember those adventure activities I waa talking about? Well, County Donegal is also home to Bundoran, one of the best places in Europe for surfing!

7. Think Gaelic is kind of making its way out? Well, think again. County Donegal has one of the largest native Irish-speaking areas in the country.

8. Donegal actually has a nickname… the O’Donnell County!

9. County Donegal actually houses over 20% of the island of Ireland’s coastline with it covering over 770 miles.

10. People often wonder if Donegal is in northern or southern Ireland since the term “southern Ireland” isn’t often used among locals, so the term confused visitors who visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic often gets referred to as “Southern” which isn’t actually true since County Donegal is part of the Republic, but also lies in western Ireland.

Things To Do in County Donegal

There are many things to do in County Donegal, including hiking, fishing, golfing and sightseeing.

The county is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland, with rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and pristine lakes. There are also plenty of charming villages and towns to explore, each with its own unique history and culture.

But, if you are looking for some specifics, check out these fun activities on your next trip!

☘️ Take a visit to Donegal Castle
☘️ Drape your feet over the Slieve League Cliffs (but be careful!)
☘️ Learn about the history of the Abbey of Donegal
☘️ Go for a hike in Glenveagh National Park
☘️ Get a photo in front of the Grianan of Aileach
☘️ Take a tour of Glenveagh Castle
☘️ Stroll through the Doagh Famine Village
☘️ Take a ferry to one of the many islands off the west coast of Ireland

Donegal, Ireland Map

To give you a better idea of where County Donegal sits, I’ve provided a map for you to take a look at.

As you can see, County Donegal may sit in the “northern” part of Ireland and actually borders Northern Ireland, but it is not actually a part of the United Kingdom like Northern Ireland is.

Ireland FAQ

Is Northern Ireland a Country or a Province?

Northern Ireland is owned by the United Kingdom, which classifies itself into four different countries including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Although, Northern Ireland is also often referred to as a province or county of Ireland since it is technically located on the same island as the Republic of Ireland which is broken down into 4 provinces.

Of these provinces, both County Donegal and Northern Ireland are located in the Ulster Province which is where much of the confusion comes from.

Therefore, Northern Ireland is a country!

What Counties belong to Northern Ireland?

There are six counties that belong to Northern Ireland, and they are broken down into Londonderry, Armagh, Antrim, Down, Tyrone, and Fermanagh.

The Republic of Ireland is actually broken into 26 counties which make up the 4 provinces of Ulster, Connaught, Leinster, and Munster.

You can read a full description of this on the Ireland website!

Is Ireland in Europe?

Yes, Ireland is located in Europe. Ireland joined and has been a member of the European Union since 1973, and although it may not be physically connected to the rest of the continent, it is absolutely part of the region and 100% a European country.

To be more specific, Ireland is actually located in northwestern Europe, on the “westernmost edge of the continent”.

Why is Donegal Called the “Forgotten County”?

Donegal is often called the “Forgotten County” because it’s often left out of tourism campaigns and other marketing efforts due to its remote location and overlooked attractions.

While other counties in Ireland are more popular tourist destinations, Donegal still has a lot to offer visitors including stunning coastlines, mountains, and forests.

If you happen to get the chance to stop by Donegal on your next trip to Ireland, be sure to pick up some of their famous Donegal tweed! It’s made locally and has been a true cultural product for decades.

Is Donegal Catholic or Protestant?

The majority of the people in Donegal, Ireland are Catholic.

However, there is a significant Protestant minority which links back to why Donegal was not included in Northern Ireland after the elections in 1921.

Is Donegal British or Irish?

The town of Donegal and County Donegal as a whole is Irish. Since this entire region is located in the Republic of Ireland, the majority of people living there are Irish.

Although, since over a century has passed since Northern Ireland was separated from the Republic, local towns and villages are beginning to see more and more British heritage in the younger generations due to the Irish and British people of both parts of the island intermingling.

What is Donegal Famous For?

Donegal is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by counties Londonderry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh on the east. Donegal is most famous for its Slieve League cliffs which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

The area is also known for its beaches, lakes, hills, and valleys. In particular, Glenveagh National Park is a major tourist attraction in Donegal. The park contains gardens, a castle, and some beautiful lakeside walkways.

Donegal is also famous for its Donegal tweed! This special handwoven fabric is completely unique to this region of the world and is often spotted by its soft, but warm, characteristics and bright flecks of color.

Today, Donegal tweed is still occasionally produced by hand, but more often than not it’s produced in factories all over the county. If you or anyone in your life enjoys knitting, be sure to pick some up during your visit!

Is Dublin in Northern Ireland?

No, Dublin is not in Northern Ireland. Dublin is located on the east coast of the Republic of Ireland.

Is Ireland a Country?

Yes, Ireland is a country. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland share land borders and actually contain counties that are divided amongst the shared Ulster province, but they are both their own separate countries.

Which U.S. State Compares with the Size of Ireland?

The island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) is about 32,595 square miles or 84,421 square kilometers, which makes it about the size of the U.S. state of Maine.

Sources: Irish Central and State Symbols USA

What Language is Spoken in Ireland?

The primary language spoken in Ireland is English, with Gaelic (or Irish) being second for a small percentage of the local population.

So, is Donegal in northern or southern Ireland? Donegal lies in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland (the south side of the island).