Maps

To really enjoy Donegal as a visitor, two things are required: proper wet weather gear (waterproof trousers and walking shoes or boots, and a hooded rainproof jacket -- leave your umbrellas at home) and a good map. Oh --and insect repellant in case you encounter Donegal's most notorious inhabitants, the midges.

An all-Ireland road map is not really good enough for travelling around Donegal. There are too many small unmarked roads and junctions, and often signposts are missing, written only in Irish, or turned the wrong way around! It is best to buy your maps before you get to Donegal, as often shops are out of stock of just the local map you need.

Over the years, there are three sorts of map I use time and time again:

The old Ordnance Survey maps of North and South Donegal. A little out of date, but detailed enough to be able to follow all the smallest roads and for most walking.
1/2 inch to the mile.
South Donegal ISBN 0-904996-19-0

Ireland North -- one of four maps of Ireland, covers Donegal and Northern Ireland. Detailed enough for the tourist travelling by car, but not for walkers. 1 inch to 3.95 miles.

The very detailed Discovery Series 1 cm to 1/2 km. Maps 1,2, 3 & 6 cover North Donegal; 10 & 11 cover South Donegal. ISBN 0-904996-49-2.

All maps available from amazon.co.uk