About Ardara

Between the majestic Blue Stack Mountains, amidst superb scenery lies the vibrant picturesque town of Ardara – attractive to tourists for its friendly atmosphere and thriving traditional music scene. This delightful heritage town is ideally situated for touring south west Donegal.

Ardara has become one of the country's favourite destinations for walkers and hosts an annual Walking Festival in March. Robert Lloyd Praggers in “The Way that I went” describes the unique landscape of Donegal as the best county to walk in because it embraces hill, dale, lake, rock, bog, sea, pasture and tillaghe in a closely interwoven unit that allows every turnof the road to open new prospects and every hill-top to reveal fresh combinations of these delightful elements.

Ardara is Ireland's capital in the manufacture of hand-woven tweeds and handknits with an abundance of craft shops and factory shops. Tweed and knitwear from Ardara is stocked by leading stores worldwide so the visitor can buy quality goods at competitive prices here. In the centre of town are a Heritage Centre and numerous craft and gift shops. Just outside town are the Maghera Caves and Waterfall and Glengesh Pass, one of Ireland's “widest and grandest” mountain passes with its famous “S” bend!

For over 100 years, Ardara has been the site of an award winning Agricultural Show.  The show features sheep dog trials, horse and livestock judging.  There are also peformances of traditional dance and music and a marvellous display of local crafts, weaving, knitwear and art.  You don't want to miss the annual 'show'!  Held each year in August, it has some famous visitors including Sarah Jessica Parker in recent years.