Lifford
Lifford is the administrative capital of County Donegal. It is located in the Finn Valley area of East Donegal very close to the border with Northern Ireland a few miles from Strabane in County Tyrone.
Despite being one of the county’s smaller towns in terms of population, Lifford carries the weight of a capital. It is the seat of the Donegal County Council, making it the hub of local government and civic administration.
The River Finn is a good fishing river popular with anglers for trout and salmon.
The Greyhound Stadium is due to reopen soon.
Interesting Places
Old Courthouse (Now a restaurant)
The town’s skyline and history are dominated by the Old Courthouse, an imposing 18th-century structure. Built in 1746, it is one of the oldest courthouses in Ireland and formerly served as the county jail. Today, it stands as a heritage center, offering visitors a glimpse into the judicial history of the region, including its grim past of public executions and harsh imprisonment.
The “Three Coins” sculpture in Lifford is a piece of public artwork that uses the simple image of three large coin forms to tell a bigger story about the town’s identity. It is commonly presented as a celebration of Lifford’s heritage while also pointing to the town’s modern role as a welcoming gateway into Donegal, especially given its strong connection to the Strabane border crossing and the wider Finn/Foyle area.
Accommodation
Hotels
Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny
Jackson’s Hotel & Leisure Centre
Rossgier Inn
Bed & Breakfast
Dergfield House Ballybofey
Johnny B’s B&B Ballybofey
Self Catering
Rossgier Bungalow
Carnowen Cottage, Ringsend
