While staying at St. John's one can enjoy the splendid County of Donegal which offers tourists a wealth of scenic views, sandy beaches, heritage and numerous golf courses. St. John's owner reg Ryan also has at his disposal a 33foot Lochin and can offer guests sea angling, excellent wreck fishing and Lough Swilly sightseeing boat trips, the boat having an experienced skipper and crew available throughout the year. Donegal itself is a very scenic and beautiful part of Ireland boasting such places as the Mamore gap, Irelands most northerly point Malin Head, and lots of quaint villages and towns throughout the county. There are lots of sandy beaches including Lisfannon, Stroove and hidden gems such as Kinnago Bay.
Endless country roads and numerous cross country paths cater for enthusiastic hikers and cyclists - with quite a few offering spectacular views of the local scenery. The Military Museum at Dunree and the spectacular ring fort of Grianan of Aileach which dates from around 1700 BC is just a taste of some local heritage and Fahan itself is built on an ancient monastic settlement. Bird watchers will find much of interest - flocks of Whooper Swans, Grey Lag, White Fronted, Brent and Barnacle Geese fly in from the Artic North in late autumn to winter quarters at Inch and further south. They enjoy grazing in the stubble fields bordering the Swilly river. Herons may be seen fishing for eels in coastal pools and shel duck and oystercatchers roost along the shores. Donegal is also an excellent venue for golf enthusiasts offering an abundance of golf courses both parkland and links and boasting such names as Ballyliffen with its two 18 hole links courses, Lisfannon, Portsalon, Greencastle and Redcastle and if you cross the border into Northern Ireland you can choose from courses such as City of Derry, Foyle, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. All of these courses are easily accessible and using St. John's as a base you can discover for yourself the many wonders and pleasures of Donegal.