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The Frances Browne Literary Festival is headquarted in the towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar, Co. Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.
This is where Frances Browne was born (1816) and lived the first part of her life until she left for Edinburgh when she was 31, in 1847.
Ballybofey and Stranorlar are often known as the 'Twin Towns', as they are separated only by the River Finn.
From these historic towns, right in the heart of Donegal, the festival spans the East Donegal region.
There is lots to see and do and plenty of places to relax, whether you prefer to be out and about, or wile the hours away in a cosy corner.
Get here
By Plane
Fly from Dublin into Donegal Airport in Carrickfinn - voted the world's most scenic landing for the third year in a row. From there you can hire a car and travel through the most stunning of Donegal's landscapes to get to Ballybofey-Stranorlar. Flights are operated by Aer Lingus.
You can also fly from Manchester, London, Liverpool and Glasgow into City of Derry Airport. Flights are operated by Ryanair and Loganair.
By Train
We dream of the day the trains will come back to Donegal. For now, you can make it as far as Sligo, or Derry/ Londonderry. From there you will need alternative transport.
Find details of the Belfast to Derry train at www.translink.co.uk
Journeys into Sligo can be planned at www.irishrail.ie
By Bus
Public transport in Donegal is improving, but may not be what you are used to if you live in a more urban area. Plan carefully in advance and give yourself plenty of time. The closest stops for express buses are: Lifford, Letterkenny or Donegal Town, from where you get a Local Link service, or a taxi.
Check www.buseireann.ie and www.transportforireland.ie for bus routes, timetables and journey planners.
By Road
Some people say if you are going anywhere in Co. Donegal you're bound to pass through Ballybofey-Stranorlar. At the heart of Donegal, the towns are easily accessed by car.
Parking is free is most areas. In some town centres there may be a very small fee or a time limit on parking. You can pay for parking as you go, or on the very easy to use app - Donegal eParking
Approximate travel times to Ballybofey-Stranorlar by car
Belfast - 2 hours
Derry/Londonderry - 1 hour
Dublin - 3 hours 15 mins
Monaghan - 1 hour 30 mins
Omagh - 50 minutes
Sligo - 1 hour 15 mins
Strabane - 30 minutes
Galway - 3 hours
Stay here
Ballybofey-Stranorlar is blessed to have three fabulous, four-star hotels right in the heart of our towns and within walking distance to many festival events. We've listed their details here. There are also a number of lovely B&B properties in the towns and in East Donegal that can be found through any internet search. Be sure to tell your hosts your attending the Festival!
Villa Rose Hotel and Spa
Main Street, Ballybofey
Book at: www.villarose.ie
Tel: 074 913 2266
Consistently Voted in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice BEST OF Ireland and the Irish Independent's Reader Travel Awards, the Villa Rose Hotel and Spa is a gem right at the heart of Main Street, Ballybofey.
Jacksons Hotel
Glenfin Road, Ballybofey
Book at: www.jacksonshotel.ie
Tel: 074 913 1021
This 4-star, family-run hotel is located in Ballybofey on the scenic backdrop of the River Finn & Drumboe Woods.
Relax in the stunning gardens, wine & dine in the atmospheric Fara's Bar or soak up the hospitality in the traditional Irish bar, the Thirsty Trout.
Kee's Hotel
Main Street, Stranorlar
Book at: www.keeshotel.ie
Tel: 074 9131018
Now, in its fourth generation, the Kee family continues the day-to-day running of the hotel & looks forward to welcoming new guests and old friends. There are few hotels in Ireland that can boast more than 120 years of continuous ownership in the same family, but such is their unique history in County Donegal.
Get around
The majority of events in the Frances Browne Festival take place in the towns of Ballybofey-Stranorlar and are within easy walking distance, or a short taxi ride from each other.
On the map we've highlighted some of the other locations we frequently have events happening. The festival programme each year will have full details.
Transport to and from venues outside of Ballybofey-Stranorlar is easiest by car, although there are some local bus services.
Approximate travel times by car
Isaac Butt Heritage Centre, Cloghan - 10 min
Suile Centre & Volt House, Raphoe - 20 mins
Lifford Old Courthouse, Lifford - 25 mins
Monreagh Heritage Centre, near Carrigans - 35 mins
Bus information
www.transportforireland.ie for bus routes, timetables and journey planners.
Taxis
Local taxi firms include
Kia Kabs: 087 997 7005
(Please note these listings are for information only and do not constitute a recommendation by the Frances Browne Literary Festival)
For full festival information visit
Updated May 2023
Disclaimer:
The information provided on these pages is general and is for information only. It is accurate to the best of the information available to us at the time of compilation. We strongly recommend that all visitors undertake their own research at the time of booking or desired travel. Every visitor will have circumstances that are unique to their trip which the Frances Browne Literary Festival cannot foresee or advise on. Transport operators or road authorities may make alterations to travel facilities or routes that it is outside our abilities to predict or update on in a timely manner.
The Frances Browne Literary Festival Committee, organisers, sponsors, or any other body associated with the Frances Browne Literary Festival accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in this information.