Scenic Lake Tour aboard the Gráinne Rose
Experience the beauty, history, and folklore of Donegal with a captivating boat tour on Dunlewey Lake at Ionad Cois Locha.

Cruise The Tranquil Waters of Dunlewey
Our guided boat tours aboard The Gráinne Rose offer a unique blend of breathtaking scenery and fascinating storytelling. As you cruise across the tranquil waters of Dunlewey Lake, you’ll be treated to a voiceover that delves into the area’s rich history. Discover the ancient crannóg, a man-made island once used as a settlement, and learn about its significance in Irish history. You’ll also learn about the Guinness Estate, owned by the famous brewing family, and its impact on the local landscape.
Once aboard The Gráinne Rose, you’ll feel the palpable sense of mystery and weightiness that permeates the air…
Here, in this sacred space, the heavy silence is broken only by the infrequent yet pure birdsong. The views during the tour are nothing short of spectacular. From the boat, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the majestic Errigal Mountain, with its distinct peak dominating the skyline. Prepare to be awestruck as you witness the beauty of the Poisoned Glen, a place steeped in legend and mystery, known for its dramatic landscape and unique name.
In the ever-changing ambiance of the Glen, where the weather’s moods mirror the shifting emotions of the land, prepare to be captivated by a journey that transcends time and transports you to the heart of Ireland’s ancient lore and natural wonders. You’ll feel the palpable sense of mystery and weightiness that permeates the air. Here, in this sacred space, the heavy silence is broken only by the infrequent yet pure birdsong
Glide along the lake’s surface as tales of Irish mythology, including the epic battle between Lugh and Balor of the Evil Eye, fill the air. Listen closely for whispers of the Green Lady, the ghostly figure said to haunt the Guinness Estate—some say they’ve even seen her lurking in the windows!
Whether you embark on this journey to learn about the local history, have a look at the incredible nature, or simply seek a peaceful escape, our boat tour on Dunlewey Lake offers something for everyone. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and timeless stories of Donegal.
Our Experiences
What Our Visitors Are Saying

We had a fantastic day at Dunlewey Centre during Heritage Week. This place is most definitely an underrated gem. The friendly farm animals, relaxing boat trip, and brilliant playground were the highlights of our visit. The play park is probably one of the biggest and best-maintained we’ve ever been to—perfect for families with kids.Anita, on Google Reviews

We usually take a wee visit to Dunlewey every year, and it never disappoints. Our boys absolutely love it. There were a few new attractions this year, which was a lovely surprise, and the boat trip on the lake is always a highlight. We’ll definitely be back next year. The food, the music, and the warm atmosphere make this great value for money.Sabrina, on TripAdvisor

Dunlewey Centre is a must-see experience. We loved every minute of our visit. In the Café, we enjoyed coffee, tea, and delicious sandwiches. The staff provide excellent service. We also took a scenic tour on the lake with Peter and Paul—it was fascinating. Plenty of beautiful crafts and prints to admire and purchase. Stunning views!Pearl, on Google Reviews

This is a good day out. You can go horse riding/trekking at the entrance to the centre. You can go for long or short walks around the centre, hill or road, your choice, very scenic. You can purchase souvenirs, food, a little bit of history, with a wee story thrown in to give you an idea of life in the old days.Aisling, on TripAdvisor

Despite living not too far away from Dunlewey it was our first visit and I was amazed at how fabulous this little hidden gem is! Lots of exciting things for kids to do, ours are aged between 2 and 8, the bumper cars and pedalos were a huge hit as was the great playground and zip wire.Joy, on Google Reviews

Great day out! We took the cottage tour and it was brilliant, so informative and fun (Martina was our guide). We also took the boat trip on Dunlewey Lake and it was class, great views of the surrounding scenery and again lots of history and local stories. A must visit if you are in County Donegal.Ciara, on TripAdvisor

Fantastic place for children and families. We took the cottage and boat tour, which also included free entry into the play park. The cottage was a walk through time and really interesting. The lady taking it showed us how to yarn wool and it was great. The boat ride was refreshing and gave a detailed account of the surrounding land.Margaret, on Google Reviews

A great day out for the whole family. We did the boat trip on the lake, the tour of the old house and enjoyed the craft fair that was on. The kids loved the bumper cars, the peddle boats and the indoor play area. The outdoor play area looks like it was just upgraded and the kids had great fun there.Ed, on TripAdvisor

A very well stocked gift shop as you enter the centre. A wide variety of cards, art work, jewelery knitwear, soaps, candles among a huge variety of giftware. A very friendly, smiling and helpful staff member made us feel so welcome and also recommended the local amenities and accommodation.Evelyn, on Google Reviews

Brilliant family day out. We have 3 kids under 4 year old. Decent food cafe, bumper cars, paddle boats, playground were brilliant. Very friendly staff, give our children on a go anything they wanted and if they didn’t like something they kindly helped them out and suggested something better for them.Aidan, on TripAdvisor






