Lynn Temple, chairman of Magee 1866, loves the wildness with which Donegal abounds. A keen sailor, former hillwalker, and cyclist, he knows this county's coastline, hills, and valleys better than most. Here, he shares his favourite places to sail, cycle, fish, swim, and spot wildlife across this often overlooked corner of Ireland.
From the natural amphitheatre of Donegal Bay to the winding roads of the Bluestack Mountains, Lynn's picks offer a local's view of a county that rewards those willing to explore beyond the obvious. Lynn Temple is the fourth-generation to lead his family business and now is Chairman with his children Rosy, Charlotte and Patrick CEO of Magee 1866, Creative Director and CEO of Magee Weaving.
1. Best Places to Sail
"Anywhere in Donegal Bay from Mountcharles pier just outside Donegal town (where the Magee 1866 offices and Magee of Donegal store are located) to wherever the wind takes you and time/weather allow. The Eagle's Nest, Inver Bay, St. John's Point, Killybegs and so much in between are great places to sail. The Bay (Donegal) is a natural amphitheatre with the hills and Bluestacks making an amazing backdrop." - Lynn Temple
Donegal Bay offers sailors a rare combination of shelter and scale, with landmarks like The Eagle's Nest, Inver Bay, St. John's Point, and Killybegs all within reach. It's fitting that Mountcharles pier, just outside Donegal town, sits close to Magee's own roots, with the Magee 1866 offices and Magee of Donegal store nearby. As Lynn notes, the surrounding hills and Bluestack Mountains create a dramatic natural backdrop that makes sailing here feel like moving through a landscape painting.
2. Best Cycling Routes
"There is a myriad of small roads that lead up the Bluestack mountains from Lough Eske to Slieve League which I love to go on, they aren't easy but I always say no pain no gain!" - Lynn Temple
For cyclists after a challenge, the small roads climbing from Lough Eske up through the Bluestack Mountains toward Slieve League offer some of Donegal's most rewarding routes. These aren't easy climbs, as Lynn readily admits, but the payoff comes in the form of sweeping mountain and coastal views that few other routes in Ireland can match.
3. Best Places to Fish
"Donegal Bay is a great spot for fishing summer mackerel." - Lynn Temple
Simple, seasonal, and reliable, Donegal Bay remains a favourite for summer mackerel fishing, drawing both locals and visitors looking to spend a few hours out on the water during the warmer months.
4. Best Beach
"Fintra, Silver Strand, Portnoo and many more, you really are spoiled for choice in Donegal!" - Lynn Temple
With a coastline as long and varied as Donegal's, choosing a favourite beach is no easy task. Lynn points to Fintra, Silver Strand, and Portnoo as standout options, each offering the kind of wide, unspoiled sand that has made Donegal's beaches part of the Wild Atlantic Way's appeal. Whether you're after a quiet swim or a scenic walk, the county's beaches rarely disappoint.
5. Best Place to See Wildlife
"The whole county with its Wild Atlantic coastline and remote inland hills and valleys are places where you might find rare birds from the chough to the cuckoo." - Lynn Temple
Donegal's mix of rugged coastline and remote upland terrain makes it a haven for birdlife, from the red-billed chough to the migratory cuckoo. For wildlife enthusiasts, the county's more remote hills and valleys offer some of the best chances to spot species that are increasingly rare elsewhere in Ireland.
Why Donegal Rewards Exploration
From the sheltered waters of Donegal Bay to the punishing climbs of the Bluestacks, Lynn's picks reflect a county built for those who love the outdoors in all its forms. Whether by sail, bike, rod, or foot, Donegal offers a version of Ireland that still feels wild, remote, and worth discovering.
