Fill your heart with Bundoran

Perched right up at the top of the Wild Atlantic Way, County Donegal is an easy trip from Belfast. Within a couple of hours, the high energy of Titanic city will be a distant memory, as the sprawling beauty of the north west reveals itself. County Donegal is where the Country Music Festival kicks off each year, attracting country-lovers from across the island to what Lonely Planet calls a "ravishingly sublime" corner of Ireland. Add to that the fact that legendary guitarist, Rory Gallagher was born just a stone's throw away in Ballyshannon, and the musical pedigree of this place chimes ever more clearly.

A short stroll outside the town, you'll find the Fairy Bridges: a network of ancient stretches of rock that was once Bundoran's original tourist attraction – it was believed for centuries to have been haunted by fairies. Nearby is the legendary Wishing Chair – where visiting world champion surfer, Kelly Slater himself once took a seat on a trip to conquer the Donegal waves.

The most popular surf spot in Bundoran – and one of the most favoured in Ireland – is known as The Peak. A reef break, The Peak is one for more experienced surfers – so if you count yourself in that category, you're in for a treat. For beginners, check out the much-loved beach breaks at Rossnowlagh and Rosses Point – safe bets for great surfing. And if you don't fancy experiencing those surfing thrills for yourself, you can always just stay on shore and watch! For anyone seeking to meet others chasing the waves in the self-titled surf capital of Ireland, head to the Bundoran Surf Co: a stay in this surf shop slash B&B comes complete with access to an all-night communal chill-out room, for anyone left riding a wave of adrenaline after a day spent on the water.

If you visit in June, the Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival is a unique way to experience the Wild Atlantic Way and was named best festival in Ireland in 2016.

Founded in 1894, Bundoran Golf Club is one of Ireland's oldest courses. A challenging 18-hole, Par 70 course, it was designed by Harry Vardon – legendary golfer and record-holding six-time winner of The Open. A round here benefits from the spectacular, sweeping Atlantic views, often dotted by a surfer or two – just make sure you don't take your eye off the ball.

It's easy to lose your heart to Mullaghmore Head, so don’t be surprised if you start thinking of ditching your ticket home and setting up camp in County Sligo. You'll never forget the views here – Classiebawn Castle silhouetted against the sunset, to the seafoam slipping silkily up the sandy white beach, to the windsurfers zipping like lightning along the horizon... all set against the mighty backdrop of Ben Bulben, one of Ireland’s most famous mountains. Whether you're a thrill-seeking surfer yourself, or simply a spectator, there are more than enough reasons to make a stop at Mullaghmore on your coastal tour.

If you have more time, witness magic by watching some sheepdogs at work – and Martin Feeney's Atlantic Sheepdogs, herding sheep on a farm overlooking Streedagh Beach, will have you spellbound.

Built in the 1830s, Lissadell House is like many a neo-classical mansion in Ireland: grand, refined and beautifully preserved. But Lissadell is unlike anywhere else – this storied house is packed with amazing tales and is where Irish revolutionary, Constance Markievicz and her suffragist sister, Eva Gore-Booth grew up. It also played host to their long-time friend, William Butler Yeats, often one of Ireland’s most important literary figures. Today, the historic estate is home to the family of Edward Walsh and Constance Cassidy, who have restored it to its former glory. The house, its gardens and tea rooms are open to the public for certain periods each year, with exhibitions on key figures from Irish history taking place periodically.

If you position yourself carefully at a certain point on the roadside, feet hip distance apart, you will find yourself in two places at once. This is Glencar Lake, at the border of counties Sligo and Leitrim – a place rooted in nature but possessed of an otherworldly quality. It was by this lake and its "pools among the rushes / that scarce could bathe a star" that William Butler Yeats was inspired to write his beloved poem, "The Stolen Child". Bring a pen and paper when you get here – you never know what the sheer beauty of such a place might stir in your heart.

If you fancy a walk, stretch your legs with a hike through the Dartry Mountains – you'll find Ben Bulben in this range, a table-stop mountain that is said to be the legendary resting place of Diarmuid and Gráinne, the Romeo and Juliet of Irish folklore.

Nestled quietly on Lower Lough Erne, Devenish Island might easily be missed by those who don't know where to look, although through the years, there are many who managed to find it. Settled by Saint Molaise, who established a monastery here in the 6th century, Devenish was plundered by invading Vikings in 837 AD. After a painstaking restoration and rebuild – at which point, the impressive round tower was constructed – the settlement was burned to the ground in the 12th century. Thankfully, today's visitors are much friendlier, and the medieval art, carved stonework and Gothic architecture that survived centuries of attack are on display for all to see.

If you want something special, make sure to stay in the Bubble Domes at Finn Lough and enjoy a night spent under the stars, protected from the elements and in your very own bubble.

One of Ireland's top golf resorts – and in the top 100 of the UK and Ireland – Lough Erne Resort benefits immeasurably from the staggering beauty of its surroundings. Visitors can enjoy acres of lush landscapes all set against the backdrop of Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne. The 36-hole, two-course club was designed by six-time major winner, Nick Faldo and counts none other than Rory McIlroy as its touring pro. Will you be next to play a round? If you have more time, The Bluestack Way is a tranquil, 65km National Waymarked Trail, inhabited by wild deer, pheasants and rabbits. Hikers can tackle all or part of the route, or choose to take a break for a night in the friendly Bluestack Centre.

They are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, but it's difficult to imagine what that looks like, or how the sight of the Slieve Leagues. It's not until you reach the top of Slieve League and stand near – but not too close! – to the edge, that the majesty of the 609m drop really begins to sweep over you.

It's not just the height, either; it's the panoramic views of Donegal Bay and the Sligo Mountains; the impossibly narrow One Man's Pass, which loops past the viewing point and around onto the Pilgrim's Path. It's the feeling you get when you stare at Mother Nature's canvas of sapphire blue sea and slate-grey cliffs and know you're witnessing perfection. It's no wonder National Geographic Traveller voted Donegal the coolest place on the planet.

Call into Glencolmcille Folk Village: the quaint, humble thatched cottages are exact replicas of the types of houses occupied by the people of Ireland in centuries past. The village gives a valuable glimpse into a way of life now long gone.