Seven Things: On the road with a selection of Donegal's scenic drives

Bluestack Drive and Lough Eske Drive

Donegal Town is the perfect starting point for these linked drives that showcase Donegal’s lakes and mountains while providing stunning views of Donegal Bay and the mountains of Sligo and Leitrim.

Head out the Ballybofey road from Donegal Town, and follow the signposts to take a left for the Lough Eske Drive. The route will take you to within touching distance of the water in places, while climbing steeply in others to allow you to enjoy the views of this 3.7km long lake with its wooded islands, O'Donnell's Island, Roshin Island, Pigeon's Island, Grania's Island.

The lake is surrounded on three sides by the Bluestack Mountains and there are a number of points to stop and enjoy the view.

From there, continue on to the Bluestack Drive, which will take you off the beaten track, high into the mountains.

Highlights include the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall, and if you fancy stretching your legs, visit Disert Graveyard, megalith and St Colmcille’s Well.

There are several mountain lakes and rivers along the way, and a deep sense of being very close to nature - you can smell the peat and taste the tannin in the air.

Hardy mountain sheep characterise this area, as do the whitethorn, blackthorn and rowan trees which dot the mountain landscape.

But it is the phenomenal view down the valleys and across the huge expanse of Donegal Bay that will bring you back to enjoy this route again and again.