JACKSON'S HOTEL

On the banks of the River Finn in Ballybofey, County Donegal, this 4-star, family-owned hotel sits beside Drumboe Woods. It’s a family-friendly base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and Donegal’s walking country. About 2 hours from Belfast Airport, 45 minutes from Derry City Airport and an hour from Sligo town.

Expect a mix of traditional and executive rooms across 130 guestrooms, many with bright, airy layouts and large en-suite bathrooms. Rooms include opening windows, a working desk, tea and coffee facilities, TV and in-room Wi‑Fi — plus large family rooms for groups. The hotel blends cozy touches (a turf fire in the lobby, a large piano in Joe’s Lounge) with manicured gardens and river views.

A fully equipped leisure centre features a heated 22-metre indoor swimming pool, kids pool, elevated jacuzzi and aqua lounger, steam room and sauna. The fitness suite has hi‑tech kit and a spring maple aerobics floor. Outdoors, stroll the hotel gardens or join guided walking tours into the Bluestack Mountains and Drumboe Woods. Live weekend music, a big-screen for sport and a lively bar scene keep evenings buzzing.

Conference facilities on site and reliable in-room Wi‑Fi make this a practical choice for meetings and events.

Garden View Restaurant serves A La Carte dishes with views over the gardens, river and woods; dinner is served on Fridays and Saturdays and a five-course Sunday carvery is available. Bally Buffet Bistro offers casual, tavern-style lunches and snacks with kids’ menus. Joe’s Lounge and the Thirsty Trout bar pour fine wines, spirits and drafts and host live music and sports on the big screen.