Dunlewey (Dún Lúiche) Local area
Dunlewey (Dún Lúiche) is situated in the area of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair) This area is primarily Irish speaking (Gaeltacht area) but English is also spoken by all the local people.
View Errigal Hostel, Dunlewey, Gweedore, Donegal in a larger map
The village of Dunlewey sits between Errigal Mountain and Lake Nacung; with the hills of the Poisoned Glen sandwiched in between. The R251 runs right through the village and will connect to the N56 at Dunlewey Cross about 3km from the village. Center stage of Dunlewey is undisputedly Errigal Mountain, which at 752 meters high - is Donegal's highest peak. From the hostel to the top and back on foot; is a round trip of about three to four hours, and despite the steep looking slopes is quite an easy hike and well worth the effort. Standing on the peak on a clear day one can view as far as the eye can see in all directions taking in Tory Island to the North, Gola Island to the West and the Poisoned Glen to the southeast.
There's a vibrant traditional music scene in and around the area of Gweedore( Goath Dobhair) A wealth of talent has spawned from this area including the group Clannad, Enya and the group Altan(named after a lough at the eastern side of Errigal) Most nights throughout the summer months will have a session playing in one of the many local Irish pubs (most of which are free admission) Monday nights in Hudi Beag's Pub in the town of BunBeag is particularly good, with some well known musicians dropping in for a jam; you'll never know who you might meet!
Also of note is the Franky Kennedy Winter Music School. This
week long music festival attracts budding musicians from all over the world for lessons in the old art. Runs from the 28th Dec. to Jan 4th. Also includes concerts from internationally renowned Musicians.
The hostel is situated in the village of Dunlewey ( Dún Lúiche) with
a petrol station and shop next-door. The shop supplies a full range
of hot and cold food, maps, batteries etc..
Open from 8:00am to 9:00pm 7 days a week. They also have a break-down service and repair shop (god forbid!)
Five minutes walk down the road is McGeadys pub for some well deserved refreshment after a long hike back from the hills! Next-door to the pub there's a post office/shop for stamps and cards etc. The village’s biggest attraction is Ionad Cois Locha/The Lakeside Centre, a multi-purpose visitor centre great for a family day out. Also includes a large purpose built concert venue which draws some of Donegal’s and Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, including Máiréad Ní Mhaoinigh, Altan, Sharon Shannon, Iarla Ó Lionáird and others.