Ulster, Ireland · Europe
Buncrana works well as a base: 25 minutes from Muff, 37km from Glenveagh National Park.
Buncrana is a town located in Ulster, Ireland. With a population of 6,785, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Buncrana sits in Ireland, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/Dublin time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Buncrana to your route.
Buncrana ( bun-KRA-NA; Irish: Bun Cranncha, meaning 'foot of the (River) Crana') is a town in Inishowen in the north of County Donegal in Ulster, the northern province in Ireland. The town sits on the eastern shores of Lough Swilly, being 23 kilometres (14 mi) northwest of Derry and 43 kilometres (27 mi) north ofRead more
Letterkenny. In the 2022 census, the population was 6,971, making it the second most populous town in County Donegal, after Letterkenny, and the largest in Inishowen.
Buncrana is the historic home of the Ó Dochartaigh (O'Doherty) clan and originally developed as a town around the defensive tower known as O'Doherty's Keep, at the mouth of the River Crana. The town was moved to its present location, just south of the River Crana, when George Vaughan had the current Main Street laid out in 1718.
The town was a major centre for the textile industry in County Donegal from the 19th century until the mid-2000s (decade).
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Buncrana offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Buncrana is located in Ulster, Ireland, Europe. The coordinates are 55.1333 latitude, -7.4500 longitude.
Buncrana has a population of approximately 6,785 people, making it a town in Ireland.
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8 notable places within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
Steep, narrow pass climbing to 260m through the Urris Hills of Inishowen, with a holy well and grotto at the summit and a plunging descent to the Atlantic at Urris. Part of the Inishowen 100 drive; low gears essential.
12 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
The only completely intact walled city in Ireland, a 1.5km 17th-century rampart circling historic Derry.
17 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
One of the world's most photographed lighthouses, perched on a rugged Donegal headland between Atlantic and lough.
20 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The most northerly point of mainland Ireland, with wild Atlantic vistas and a Star Wars filming location.
28 km · about 30 min drive
national park
A remote wilderness of mountains, lakes and a fairytale castle in the heart of the Donegal highlands.
37 km · about 45 min drive
photogenic
Domed 1785 rotunda perched on a 36m cliff edge above the seven-mile strand of Downhill, built by the eccentric Earl-Bishop as a library. Part of the Downhill Demesne ruins; trains pass through the cliff directly beneath it.
41 km · about 45 min drive
restaurant
Driftwood-styled National Trust beach hut turned serious seafood restaurant on the sand of Portstewart Strand, plating fish from local boats yards from the surf. Open year-round; you can park on the beach itself.
46 km · about 55 min drive
castle
Dramatic ruined medieval castle perched on the edge of a basalt cliff with a cave underneath, partly inspired Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
56 km · about 65 min drive
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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