Donaghadee

The 'Beacon on the Coast', Donaghadee, pronounced Don-a-ga-dee, is one of our main towns in the Borough. Located on the eastern shores of Northern Ireland, County Down, it is the closest point to Scotland, and on most days the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye. The town is a hub of activity with many shops, restaurants, and it is reputedly home to the oldest pub in Ireland. With a history centuries deep and iconic landmarks, Donaghadee makes for an all round great destination, whether you are looking for a short break, or incorporated into a longer itinerary, the town will surely capture the heart of many. 

Getting to Donaghadee

Easy to get to 

Travel to us by land, sea or air with major airports and seaports close by. Sail into our ports via Liverpool and Cairnryan, Scotland. From George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast Docks, you can reach Donaghadee in under 30 minutes, and Belfast International Airport is just 35km away from gateway to Ards and North Down, Holywood.

Short travel times direct from major cities 

We are located only 2 hours from Dublin by road and 90 minutes from London and Amsterdam by air. With great public transport links, getting here is straight forward. Or, hire a car for the freedom to explore the stunning landscapes, coastal walks and even more of our towns and villages nearby to Donaghadee.

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Iconic Donaghadee Sights

Donaghadee’s iconic lighthouse stands guard on the harbour keeping ships right in times of trouble with its beam and fog horn.  This was a critical factor in the development of the town. Up until the middle of the 19th century Donaghadee was the province’s principal port before Belfast became the major city.

As Belfast grew, the increasingly prosperous merchants of the city were attracted to the idea of holidays by the sea. So as the 19th century progressed into the 20th, Donaghadee became established as a major holiday resort.

One of the most prominent features of the town is the Motte, or the Moat as it is known. The Moat dates back to 1818 but the site was previously used as a defensive position in the Bronze Age.  Later it was improved and also provided protection against the Viking raids. Today the Moat is part of a park, giving views across the town and seawards to the Copeland Islands and, on clear days, to the Scottish coast and the Isle of Man, and it houses the island's only accessible camera obscura.

Ulster-Scots in Donaghadee

At the beginning of the 1600s Donaghadee was acquired by Sir Hugh Montgomery and an important port developed. It is reputed that Grace Neill’s in the town is the oldest pub in Ireland, founded in 1611. The historic Manor House in High Street is believed to stand on the site of Sir Hugh’s original dwelling.

Explore the influence of the Ulster-Scots in Donaghadee.

Donaghadee aka Port Devine

The town has become internationally recognised at Port Devine of the BBC One Series Hope Street which first hit our screens in late 2021, and has since been broadcast worldwide. Fans of the hit police drama are flocking to the thriving town to see it's seaside beauty. Amongst the many recognisable sights is Pier 36, a long established family run bar and restaurant, with accommodation, which plays the part of the Commadore Pub in the series. Find out more about Hope Street and the real Port Devine.

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Eat and Drink in Donaghadee

Donaghadee has become renowned for it's eateries and pubs. Already we have mentioned that it is reputably home to Ireland's oldest pub, Grace Neill’s and to the now internationally famous, Pier 36, but they establishments sit in good company, surrounded by restaurants serving fresh local ingredients, farm to fork, as well as coffee shops from which to watch the world go by, and the town has it's very own Distillery - Copeland Distillery right near the harbour.

Find out more about Food and Drink in the Borough

Make more of your stay

Discover ways to enrich your stay in our place, immersing yourself in the warmth of our people amongst the landscapes where the countryside meets the seashore with events, experiences and things to do.

Highlights of Donaghadee

• Walk the coastline taking in views of the Copeland Islands
• Better still, you can take a seasonal boat excursion out to the islands!
• Take a Guided Walking Tour and learn of the centuries deep history of this place
• Donaghadee is a foodie haven, brimming with delicious eateries, cosy cafe's and lively pubs. 
• If you are into golf, why not take a turn on the course at Donaghadee Golf Club
• Take a tour of Copeland Distillery in the centre of town
• Visit the Sir Samuel Kelly Project, located just round the corner from Copeland Distillery, where you can see the RNLI Lifeboat up close and learn all about her history, and about the bravery of her crew.
• Find out when the next Donaghadee Market Fresh is on for local makers selling artisan produce and crafts

Homegrown Donaghadee Talent

Donaghadee is the birthplace of a few global stars. Bear Grylls, adventure, writer and television presenter was born in the town as well as members from the band, Two Door Cinema Club.

One Aquatic Star associated with Donaghadee is Tom Blower, a decorated Second World War hero, who became the first Briton to swim the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland taking 15 hours and 26 minutes to accomplish the feat. 

...to name just a few famous faces.

Find out even more about Donaghadee at visitdonaghadee.com.