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flexible_blocks_0_title => 'The Heart of Donegal'
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flexible_blocks_0_text_block => 'Seated at the heart of Donegal, Donegal East is the perfect base from which to explore County Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. From the wild mountains and lakes in the south of the district to the rich, green glens to the north, the door of Donegal East is open to all.

This picturesque part of the county boasts the expansive Bluestack Mountains, one of Europe\'s richest salmon fishing rivers, the 3,000 year-old Beltany Stone Circle, the beautiful flora of Oakfield Park and an 18-hole parkland golf course.'
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flexible_blocks_3_title => 'Woodland Trails to Explore'
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flexible_blocks_3_text_block => 'Drumboe Woods in Stranorlar has a long and interesting history where the ruins of a large Georgian Drumboe Castle can still be found. There are 3 short trails suitable for family groups including children and the elderly.

Drumboe Woods is one of Ireland\'s most varied woodlands with its broadleaf high forest species of beech, oak, ash and sycamore, as well as an array of birds, reptiles and insects.'
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flexible_blocks_8_title => 'Donegal\'s Only Operational Train Line'
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flexible_blocks_8_text_block => 'Fintown Railway is the only operational section of the former County Donegal Railways. The railway is nestled deep in the heart of spectacular mountainous scenery steeped in tradition and folklore, and running along the crystal clear waters of Loch Finn. This attraction is a must for railway enthusiast and is an ideal day out for families with children of all ages.'
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flexible_blocks_9_text_block => 'The Donegal Garden Trail comprises over 20 private and publicly-owned gardens open for visitors at differing times during the gardening season. Six of those gardens are located in Donegal East including Oakfield Park in Raphoe with its award winning walled garden, ponds, lakes, heritage trees, sculptures, narrow gauge railway and the Buffers Garden Restaurant;

Dunmore Gardens in Carrigans - a remarkable traditional walled garden and wedding venue or Ros Ban Garden outside the village of Raphoe - a Celtic Theme garden with a display of medicinal plants and educational posters of native flora and fauna.'
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flexible_blocks_4_title => 'An Angler\'s Paradise'
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flexible_blocks_4_text_block => 'The Finn, Foyle, Deele and Mourne rivers and their many tributaries offer superb opportunities for game and coarse angling.

The Finn river, in particular, is world renowned for its wild Atlantic salmon and trout and offers fantastic fishing grounds for the enthusiasts. Information on fishing methods, licence and permit distributors, species and best times to fish can be found on the Loughs Agency website www.loughs-agency.org'
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flexible_blocks_10_text_block => 'Oakfield Park in Raphoe with its award winning walled garden, ponds, lakes, heritage trees, sculptures, narrow gauge railway and the Buffers Garden Restaurant is a firm family favourite for a walk or even a train ride. Step into this beautiful park just outside Raphoe and let the magic of East Donegal enchant you as you while away a lazy sunny afternoon.'
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flexible_blocks_11_title => 'Ulster Scots rooted in the community'
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flexible_blocks_11_text_block => 'Donegal East is regarded as one of the most important linguistic regions for Ulster-Scots and most of towns and villages in East Donegal have strong Ulster-Scots associations. Monreagh Heritage Centre located in Carrigans, tells the story of the Ulster-Scots community in East Donegal through a series of themed exhibition rooms. The Centre delivers a number of very interesting events through the year and provides information and advice for those researching their family roots.'
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flexible_blocks_12_title => 'Explore the region by Bike'
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flexible_blocks_12_text_block => 'The narrow, winding and hilly roads of Donegal East offer some of the best cycling trails in Ireland, for riders of all levels of ability. The landscape and terrain varies from the north of the district to the south.

The NorthWest Cycling Trail passes through Donegal East via Ballybofey and Lifford.  The route follows quiet country roads with some traffic-free sections, mostly in urban areas but also through rural villages, offering rugged beauty and a wide variety of scenic landscapes including dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and deserted mountains.'
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flexible_blocks_14_wysiwyg_content_block => 'Composed of 64 standing stones, though originally it is thought there were over 80, Beltany Stone Circle sits on the summit of Beltany Hill at a height of over 300 feet, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It is said that it overlooks Magh Itha, once the ancient site of the first battle of Ireland, according to Celtic Mythology.

At 45m in diameter, Beltany is one of Ireland’s largest stone circles. However, Beltany may actually have once been a megalithic passage tomb. In 1846, Thomas Fagan visited the monument and found the circle interior to be heavily disfigured. Locals claimed that the raised earth actually covered graves, where decayed bones were previously found.

It was in the surrounding area of Beltany that the Beltany Stone Head was discovered, which is estimated to date back to the Iron Age.

The name Beltany is likely derived from the May Festival Beltaine, the feast held on the first of May to mark the arrival of summer.

There are various iterations as to the significance of Beltaine, but all note the connection to fire, and the symbolism of lighting a fire in praise of a Celtic sun-god, or for the protection of cattle for the coming year, or to stave off the evil spells of witches and faeries.

Beltaine translates to ‘Bright Fire’, and when the sun hits the Stone Circle at Beltany, it’s not hard to understand where it received its name.

Beltany Stone Circle is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works.

It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit.'
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flexible_blocks_6_title => 'Spectacular Parkland Beauty'
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flexible_blocks_6_text_block => 'Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club has a lush, mature parkland setting on the shores of Lough Alaan, with tree lined fairways and spectacular views of the famous Donegal mountains and the Finn Valley.

The 18-hole course has become one of the most admired in the North West in recent years, and continuous investment makes it playable almost all year round. Even if you are not a member, you can book a tee time online or by contacting the club: www.bsgc.ie'
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