Donegal is just like Co. Clare but without the tourists

Dolmen, The Burren. 

I'm just back from a wonderful week down the West coast of Ireland, in The Burren in Co. Clare, wow. The Burren is hopping with tourists, it has been this way for years but now more than ever. I saw so many tour buses packed with tourists.

Donegal is a lot like Co. Clare but without the tourists and steady stream of buses. Co. Clare is overrun with visitors and Donegal is the undiscovered corner of Ireland tucked away on the edge of Europe with few visitors, although our secret is slowly getting out. I found myself wondering as I watched all the buses 'are those tourists really experiencing Ireland? I know some travellers prefer the commercial hotspots, the standard Irish experience and that can be a wonderful but perhaps they're not aware that there are alternatives. Ireland has so much more to offer. 

mngTours offer a whole other experience entirely, not just scratching the surface. Imagine, no queues, no gimmicks and no other tourists. Our tours give back to the community, we use all local services and resources, we embrace the culture by attending local events and joining other locals in activities. Its makes for a much more enriching experience, one where you make friends for life and feel connected to the Irish way of life. Not only will you experience the Ireland of your dreams but your visit will make a positive impact on the local economy and our culture. Does that appeal to you? 

Your arrival in Donegal will be unforgettable, it will feel like coming home. Imagine arriving by plane to the edge of Western Europe at Donegal airport (just 50 mins from Dublin) to the warmest Irish welcome you'll ever experience. We'd go straight to Leos' Tavern, the home of Clannad and Enya and begin your vacation with some tunes and a whiskey or two, as part of our Whiskey Pilgrimmage, all will be in true Irish style. Each day we'll guide you through our landscapes telling stories that will inspire your imagination, touch your soul, move your spirit, and bring you to a level where you feel the peace of being removed from the frantic pace of modern life.

Europe's Highest Sea Cliffs - Slieve League or Sliabh Liag - Donegal. 

“I’ve been visiting Ireland for 8 years, and Moira showed me more of Irish Culture in one day than I have ever experienced, it was what I had imagined Ireland to be, but never found it until now”

— - Nancy Gardella, Executive Director of Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce

Moira Ní Ghallachóir, founder & CEO of mngTours

I was jumping over myself at that comment, it means so much to get that kind of reaction. Ultimately, I started this business when I moved back home to Donegal 3 years ago, after living away for 18 years, because I want to make a difference in my community and my culture. I want to help people get the real deal and not a manufactured version of Ireland or any "Paddy Whackery". I just love hosting Americans, and if there's one thing I've learned it's how proud they are of their Irish roots. I want to honour that, so our tours have genealogists that will research your 'clanns' before you get here, at no extra cost. And lets be honest, for many this is your one vacation in a year. We totally get that. 

“People have a dream of Ireland and I want to make that dream come true”

— Moira Ní Ghallachóír, founder of mngTours

There's no reason why your dream holiday in Ireland needs to wait any longer, get it from your bucket list and onto the lasting memory list forever, or until you return, because you always return home to Donegal. 

What date are you coming? October? November? Just choose your best date, and we do the rest for you....

*Discounts for groups of 8 or more if you mention this blogpost

*For bookings taken on or before the 10th August, we have two priceless bonuses. 

We're offering a "Whiskey Pilgrimage", in the company of the King of Tory*

AND 

*We'll make you a personal video of your Irish experience so you can take to take home and cherish. 

*Free with tours booked for October & November*

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If your visiting Ireland as part of the Web Summit - The Whiskey Pilgrimage is the ultimate experience to combine with a business trip to Ireland. Two days in heaven and Donegal is only 50mins by plane from Dublin!!

“In this globalised age, authentic experiences founded on tradition and sense of place are more valuable than ever. What makes mng distinctive is that this venture harnesses Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage as living resources. Rooted in the community, it is the essence of a green business, contributing greatly to ecological stewardship.
”

— - Finbarr Bradley, educator and co-author of The Irish Edge [Orpen Press, 2013]

The Irish language is stronger than ever

Ten reasons Donegal is world class 

Three years on and its Ireland to India

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Secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way - Rock climbing in Donegal, Ireland

When I started mng three years ago little did I know of the journey it would take me. Most recently it took me on an adventure to Gola Island, one the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way, or "Secrets" as they say. 'County Donegal' itself is Ireland's hidden gem, but in Western Donegal, the Gaeltacht region in particular, this place takes secrets and gems to another level. You really have to experience it to believe it. 

The mission! Spectacular images of rock climbing on Gola Island, Donegal, an undiscovered corner of Ireland. The task for me! Climb down the side of a sea cliff attached to harnesses and ropes with nothing but the Atlantic Ocean beneath you and smile. I didn't google sea cliff climbing and sign up that way, just for the record. This was work, but not the usual presenting mng’s services, adventure holidays and cultural tours or customised packages. This was “climb down the sea cliff work". Oh how I love my job!

Iain Miller & Moira Ní Ghallachóír, pre climb nerves. 

Of course I was nervous and trying not think about what I was about to do. I knew that ultimately, I trusted this man who was carefully preparing the ropes and attentively checking my gear and that my safety was paramount, I still s**t myself when Iain said:

“Step forward towards me Moira” I looked him in the face and said, I cannot step backwards off a cliff”. Iain said, sit down and face me, then turn around and ease yourself off the edge and climb down the cliff.”

It changed the whole task at hand, this sounded easy right! So I did just that. And you know what, it was kind of easy. The rope felt amazingly secure, there was lots of places for my feet to grip, and hey, the view was spectacular. It was a powerful feeling, in fact I highly recommend rock climbing as a must do when visiting Ireland. 

Moira ní Ghallachóír, mng, rock climbing on Gola Island with Iain Miller, Unique Ascent

It got me thinking about adventure activities, what does it take? Is it guts? Courage? The need for excitement or what? I’m certainly no free climber but I can climb a rock face with ropes and a helmet no bother. What I learned yesterday was that it's not about being able to rock climb but that it's about trust and I trusted Iain Miller. A sense of humour is also very important, thank God we kept the craic going throughout as that just made the whole experience more relaxed. (There was a lot of swearing, I'm glad it wasn't audio recorded)

Talk about expertise, firstly we watched Iain free climb this rock face pictured right, that was about 100 feet. I timed him, and it took two minutes. I wasn’t afraid or nervous as I watched, mostly I watched in awe of his agility, and technique  as he ascended the cliff face that could only make you think, Spiderman! 

Rock climbing is the ultimate adventure experience in Ireland, if not Europe. It's the best adventure experience in Donegal and the best part is YOU can do it. Come to mng's Rock climbing day on the amazingly spectacular Cruit Island, 8th July 2015. There are climbing and abseiling sessions throughout the day for families early in the day and later for adults. It's guaranteed to have you seeing things from a different perspective. There's a harness for kids as young as 3. Bring a picnic and your bikes, there will also be Archery. Enjoy a customised adventure in Donegal. 

Now where is that Sea Stack?

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