The best road cycling routes around Manger

On the banks of the River Eske stands Donegal Castle, the 15th-century stronghold of the mighty O’Donnell clan. The combination of the robust medieval tower and the later 17th-century manor house gives it a layered appearance: Gaelic-Irish at the base, with a subtle English finish on top. From the road and the bridge, you get a beautiful view of the massive walls and its position above the water, making the castle a natural landmark as you enter Donegal Town.

The Diamond forms the central square of Donegal Town: an open, triangular space where roads, shops, and cafés converge. In the middle stands the obelisk for the Four Masters, a subtle reference to the Franciscan scholars who recorded Irish history. The square breathes a calm, local atmosphere and forms a natural landmark when cycling through the town or stopping for a short break.

For Ballyshannon, Rory Gallagher is not just a world-famous guitarist; he is the "Born and Bred" pride of Ireland's oldest town. Although he moved to Cork at a young age, Ballyshannon claims him with heart and soul as their own son. He was born here in 1948 at the Rock Hospital, and that deep connection can be felt everywhere in the streets. In the eyes of the local community, Rory embodies the humble, hardworking spirit of Donegal. He was the man who brought the blues to the Irish soul, armed with his iconic, battered Fender Stratocaster and his signature checkered shirt. For the locals, he is the reason thousands of fans from all over the world flock to the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival every year, turning the town into the centre of rock 'n' roll for a while. Rory is not a distant legend here, but a tangible presence that lives on in the statue on The Diamond and the colourful murals that adorn the town.

Quiet, open part of Donegal Bay where the Breedoge River flows into the sea. Wide horizon, tidal flats and views of Bundoran make this a subtle but atmospheric landscape moment between Tullaghan and the Donegal coast.

Open viewpoint northeast of the Mullaghmore Head Sculpture, with a wide panorama over the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs of Mullaghmore. A quiet, windy photo spot on the highest part of the north coast, ideal between the sculpture and the western cliff strip.

The romantic silhouette on the grassy cliff is that of Classiebawn Castle, inherited by the wife of Lord Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979 on his boat just off the coast.

For those who want to hear the music of Rory GALLAGHER – whom the British newspaper The Times praised with "He is one of the few guitarists you can recognize within seconds, his style is so individual." –: In 1977, the native Irishman (1948 to 1995) gave a one-hour concert on the then popular German show "Rockpalast" by Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), which can be viewed on YouTube => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qkr-XlNZKM

The Wee Bakery Coffee Shop Ballyshannon Address: Main St, Townparks, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, F94 HTW5 Lovely little cafe with friendly staff and tasty food. If you have the opportunity to stop here, do so.