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Sampling the delights of Donegal
 Travelling
in Donegal
IN the North-West of Ireland it is actually possible to move rather than
sit in traffic.
This is reflected with an average commute time of only 20 minutes for
most workers.
In Donegal, 75 per cent of the population travel to work in just 30 minutes
or less.
Donegal town is located at the convergence of three major traffic routes
from Ballybofey, Killybegs and Ballyshannon.
It offers an exemplary road network and is easily accessed by train and
air with no less than three major airports within 45 minutes’ reach.
Carrickfin West Donegal (daily to Dublin), Sligo (daily to Dublin) and
Derry (frequent flights to Dublin, London, Manchester and Glasgow) mean
it has never been easier to travel within or outside of Ireland from Donegal.
Meanwhile Knock airport is only 90 minutes drive away and offers frequent
flights to Dublin and Britain.
Belfast International and Belfast City airports are just two hours drive.
Donegal: Health and childcare
THE NORTH Western Health Board is one of the most progressive in Ireland
and Donegal town has ready access to a comprehensive range of modern health
services to suit all medical requirements.
The full spectrum of services includes dental, chiropractic, podiatry,
optometry and complementary medical practitioners.
Donegal Community Hospital
Donegal Community Hospital located in Donegal town offers a full range
of community services and outpatient clinics.
Hospital services include everything from antenatal classes to terminal
care.
Letterkenny General Hospital
One of Ireland’s foremost medical facilities Letterkenny General
Hospital has approximately 280 general in-patient beds in addition to
providing a comprehensive range of medical services.
The general hospital also incorporates a 50-bed acute psychiatric unit
on site. Recent developments include the construction of a specialised
oncology unit.
Other health/medical services in Donegal
The Cleary Centre provides a day centre and training centre for adults
with learning disabilities while the St. Agnes Centre offers support for
pre-school children with learning disabilities. There is also an ambulance
base located in Donegal town at the Community Hospital.
Childcare
Professional crèche and nursery school facilities are available
locally at competitive rates and with a comprehensive range of packages
to suit all needs.
Average prices are:
n Five-hour session (8am-1pm or 1pm-6pm), ?14
n Full day (8am-6pm), ?28
n Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm, ?115
Additionally Donegal provides any number of excellent activities for children
to participate in.
Various youth clubs are located within the urban and rural areas of the
town which offer activities including community games, Irish dancing,
Donegal Youth Orchestra, ballet, speech and drama, Cubs and Beavers, skateboarding
and BMX biking.
SPORTS lovers can’t help but delight in Donegal.
In short the area is a sporting paradise.
Golf, fishing, hill-walking, watersports, horse riding, a thriving local
sports scene with soccer, rugby, Gaelic football and hurling to the fore
and an infinite number of outdoor pursuits what more could anyone want?
And with other excellent facilities to hand keeping yourself busy won’t
be a problem.
If it’s retail therapy you’re after Donegal town alone offers
superb shopping facilities with a wide variety of shops.
Especially notable are the clothing outlets with a strong tradition in
this trade from the days of hand weaving.
The town is home to the legendary Magee of Donegal which offers a large
selection of finely-tailored clothing.
The town is an important, vibrant and colourful retail centre with a strong
emphasis on local produce.
Donegal also boasts a lively entertainment scene with an endless choice
of venues.
The many pubs, clubs and hotels are the settings for céilís,
concerts, traditional sessions and live music throughout the year.
The region boasts over a dozen major festivals every year and Letterkenny’s
An Grianán Theatre and Letterkenny Arts Centre offer a showcase
for major cultural events from across the globe.
Relocation to Donegal offers a gateway to a lifestyle beyond your wildest
dreams one that allows you to live, work and play on your terms.
The North-West of Ireland is also an ideal location to raise a family,
offering the kind of friendly and open environment you’ve always
dreamed of.
So if you’ve chosen Donegal as a holiday or short visit destination
you might just find yourself yearning to make that stay a bit longer once
you return. |
