In researching the Donegal area, I am finding quite a few negative comments on Bundoran, and wonder what to believe? I have a friend who went there (on a coach tour) and LOVES the place. Of course, it might have something to do with the fact that she found her soulmate on the beach there ....but still. I've seen a lot of nice looking B&Bs in Bundoran and wonder if I should not even take a second look at them and avoid a stop there altogether?
Bundoran is not my favorite town in Ireland. It is a seaside place where many Irish families visit during the summer and has lots of arcades, water parks, amusements, etc. Not the most attractive place. It has a nice beach. I personally don't stay there since it is right in between Sligo and Donegal, which I prefer.
Bundoran and its environ brings to mind photos I have seen of Coney Island and its amusement area. If it were a choice between Donegal Town and Bundoran, there would be no choice at all. Donegal Town would win that coin toss.
Donegal will win your heart with its friendly people and its delightful town centre, to be sure.
Thanks, Michele and Bit for reinforcing my decision to skip Bundoran. I couldn't find any info on the "real" Bundoran, it gets bad press, but never specific enough to figure out why? You've helped answer this for me. We definitely want to experience the type of hospitality Donegal offers over arcades and amusement parks, so Donegal it is.
I was lucky to spend 2 nights in Donegal (at the Mill Park Hotel) back in 2005 and, yes, I did leave a smidgen of my heart in that town...so I'm excited to go back and get reacquainted (and show my husband why I talk about the place all the time). I hope The Scotsman and The Forge are ready to see me again!
I'm looking at Donegal Manor (because I've heard so much good about it!), but also because I want to be able to stumble down the street back to the B&B at night, am looking at possibilities in town. When I search B&Bs in Donegal, Bundoran always comes up as well, now I have the reassurance I need to just skip over and look only at Donegal Town.
Whew! And thanks, again.
Kelli
ps - I should add that I left smidgens of my heart all over the darn country!! How can you not? Am listening to the Saw Doctors right now...
The outskirts of Bundoran will be OK; some of the B and Bs will be on that side, towards Sligo where the shore is.....Actually in Co Leitrim... but I have to add to the other negative comments. I am thankful for the new road that means you no longer have to drive through the town. It seems a depressing place and a Friar adds to my experience of driving through it late at night and seeing the street thronged with revellers. Smells of cheap fast food , alcohol, cigarettes...
Dead right! Blackpool is what it is like. I have to admit that it has improved in the past 35 years but still not a place to linger unless you want to go surfing or have business there.
Hi Michele, Speaking of Donegal town, do you have any experience with a hotel just outside of town called Harvey's Point? Sounds nice, but one never knows... Thanks.
But i called in one day to get literature and have a look. Glorious lakeside setting and the grounds are magnificent... the drive there also is a thing of great beauty.
Only 4 km from Donegal Town...
It was early when I dropped in and a waiter was pushing a very tempting breakfast trolley along the corridor....
Impressive reputation hereabouts at the top end of the scale.
If you want me to try afternoon tea there? As long as someone subs me!!! lol! Only joking..
I met a young couple who had had their wedding reception there and who were going back for a romantic anniversary weekend.
Worth trying...
The other place I wonder about is one near us now, at Laghey. Moorland /Guesthouse Country Hotel. It looks beautiful and has a lot of facilities, although it also is about 4 miles out of town.. A family-run business in a glorious mountain setting.