Gortahork (Gort a' Choirce)

Gortahork sits in County Donegal's Gaeltacht where Irish is still spoken daily, making it a proper gateway to the northwest coast's dramatic scenery between the Atlantic and inland mountains. From Dublin, take the N3 to Letterkenny, then N56 west and R257 north, about three hours through countryside that opens into Donegal's stone walls and scattered farms. Belfast drivers go via A5 to Omagh, then through Letterkenny. The village is famous for Leo's Tavern, the thatched-roof pub run by Clannad and Enya's family, while Dunfanaghy lies just 15 kilometers east along the scenic coastal route.