Franciscan Friary

County Donegal


Hidden in a forest at the southern end of the beach, this modern friary was built in the early 1950s and is set in beautiful, tranquil gardens that are open to the public. The Way of the Cross – a religious walk with spectacular views – meanders up a hillside smothered in rhododendrons. The sense of quietude and calmness is enticing. There's a car park here too.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Donegal attractions

1. Rossnowlagh Beach

0.43 MILES

This stunner of a Blue Flag beach is the main draw in town, with the Atlantic surf rolling onto its broad expanse of sand. You can drive your car straight…

2. Tullan Strand

4.49 MILES

The long strand of surfing beach has a bountiful supply of that gorgeous trademark fine white sand that much of Ireland is famed for. There are rip tides,…

3. Salthill Gardens

5.93 MILES

Behind century-old stone walls, the lovely contemporary garden design of Salthill Gardens bursts with perennials, roses, lilies and clematis. It's 2km…

4. Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

6.51 MILES

The imposing Georgian-style building beside Belleek's main bridge houses the world-famous Belleek Pottery, founded in 1857. It has been producing fine…

5. Diamond Obelisk

8.31 MILES

In the early 17th century, four Franciscan friars, fearing that the arrival of the English meant the end of Celtic culture, chronicled the whole of known…

6. Donegal Castle

8.37 MILES

Guarding a picturesque bend of the River Eske, well-preserved 15th-century Donegal Castle is an imperious monument to Irish and English might. The castle…

7. Lough Melvin

8.52 MILES

Lough Melvin is famous for its salmon and trout fishing, and is home to two unusual trout species that are unique to the lough – the sonaghan, with its…

8. St John's Point

10.25 MILES

The scenic drive from Dunkineely to St John's Point takes you past a ruined castle tower and tantalising views. It's around a 15km journey to the tip…