Posted online: Jan 28th, 2010

County Donegal is the “wild child of the Irish family” and remains “stubbornly independent and largely ignored by those in Dublin’s distant driving seat,” according to the latest edition of the Lonely Planet travel guide.
The internationally recognised travel guide is widely-regarded as the tourist’s Bible and its reviews can have a direct impact on how an area is perceived internationally. The guide points out Letterkenny’s continued growth and movement towards city status but does note the town’s lack of tourist attractions.
“You’d swear the Celtic Tiger was still prowling the traffic-snarled streets of Letterkenny,” it says, pointing to the large retail developments on the town’s fringe. It also notes that the traditional town centre is enjoying a cultural upswing, with its “its theatre, pubs, clubs and stylish eateries all buzzing with students and young professionals.”
The guide draws attention to the “slew of hip new restaurants” on the Port Road and identifies it as Letterkenny’s dining strip. It also notes that Letterkenny is a popular conference venue
Lifford fares less well, with Lonely Planet expressing disbelief that “dwindling little Lifford” is still Donegal’s county town.
The Finn Valley is described as “off the beaten track, even by Donegal standards” although it is identified as a serene escape for salmon fishing, hill-walking or cycling.
The guide also warns tourists to beware of Donegal’s “reckless young drivers who put the lives of their fellow motorists at risks,” highlighting how the reputation of the county’s boy racers has preceded them