Glenties is a very small town in County Donegal. Glenties is renowned as Ireland's tidiest town, winning the coveted title for the 5th time in 1995. It consists of one main street only.
St. Connell's Museum & Heritage Centre houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Next door is the Courthouse, built in 1843 which is still in use, below which can be seen old cell bars.
There are two churches in the town, The local Church of Ireland (Church Rd.), dates from 1825. The Roman Catholic Church is a modern building dedicated to St. Connell (the patron saint of the parish) in 1974. It has a moat at the front and its setting among the trees and shrubs enhances its long sloping roof which imitates the nearby mountains. The designer; Liam McCormack won a European Award for its architecture in 1974.
The best way to see Glenties is by short walks around the area. These include circular walks around Mullantiboyle and Tullyard, The Rock and Meenahalla. These routes go by back roads and follow the local rivers, the Owenea and Stranaglough.
Narin/Portnoo beach is about 15km from Glenties. Beside the beach is Portnoo Golf Course.
River fishing is also possible on the Owenea River that passes through the town. Daily licenses can be purchased in designated shops in Glenties.. Sea angling is also available.
The local canoe club is Gweebarra Canoe Club, which meets year round on the Gweebarra Estuary, 9km away.
The nearest surfing beach is Dooey Beach, a quiet break with quite consistent surf.
The local walking club, The Bluestack Ramblers, often organise walks in the area which are open to tourists.
Local GAA (Gaelic Football) club Naomh Conaill often play matches in Glenties. The club is situated 800m down the Church Rd.
Sheskinamore Nature Reserve is a scenic wildlife sanctuary 20 km away, on the Rosbeg Peninsula. It borders two beaches, and offers stunning views of Donegal Bay.
Donegal tweeds and hand-knitted sweaters can be purchased in the craftshops in the town.
Local paintings and handcrafts can be purchased in the Craft Shop on the main street. Locally made jewellery can be found at Hannagh McGuinness Jewellery.
Local organic food can be bought in The Good Earth, a health food shop selling local produce. Local meat can be bought at Kee's Butchers.
There is a Post Office and ATM machine in the town also, as well as a Bank of Ireland bank.
The only hotel in the town, The Highlands Hotel, has a midday menu for lunch and a good mid-priced restaurant (€20-30 for main courses) for evening meals.
The Good Earth serve healthy lunches Monday - Saturday.
Fast food options include Nighthawks, McGuinness' Café and K2 Spices.
There are up to fourteen pubs in the town, many which do not open until the evening time. Prices for Guinness and lager are about €3.70 to €4.00, in line with other towns in Donegal.
Bars worth a visit include Paddy's, Keeney's and Leo McLoone's, all family run establishments with friendly service.