Weekender

Deirdre McGlone’s Donegal

My choice would be to spend a weekend along the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal,

because not only is the scenery spectacular, there is so much to see and do in the area. It’s also helpful that I live here, because I travel so much for work that I need a break from it.

I’ve always had a love of lighthouses.

My bed for the Friday night will be in one of the recently opened St John’s Point Lightkeeper’s Cottages, with fantastic views across Donegal Bay, Sligo and Mayo.

After check-in, I would go for a walk along the pretty sands of Coral Beach,

and breathe in the clean sea air. To wind down after a long week, my preference would be a nice glass of wine with artisan bread and cheese. I’d switch off my devices, light the fire and relax.

I’d be up early for a trip to Slieve Liag.

Before the climb, I’ll have coffee and a croissant at the pop-up cafe at the viewing point. It’s about a two-hour walk along Pilgrim’s Path to the summit, One Man’s Pass, for a picnic of egg and onion sandwiches, Tayto crisps and a bar of Cadbury’s. Yummy.

After that, I’ll head for Ardara,

home of Donegal Tweed and to the world-famous Nancy’s Bar, for chowder and a pint of Guinness. I’ll stay Saturday night in The Nesbitt Arms Hotel, with dinner in the charming Woodhill House, and traditional-Irish music in The Corner Bar.

Before heading home,

I’ll prepare for the week ahead by sleeping in, before having a breakfast of scrambled eggs, home-made brown bread and lots of tea. Deirdre McGlone is MD of Harvey’s Point Hotel, Co Donegal, see harveyspoint.com In conversation with Sarah Caden