After a 3 day swing north of Galway ending in Westport we're considering heading to Donegal.
Question - how far is Donegal from Westport? and - considering we like a combo of shopping and sight-seeing, would we be better served to head south from Westport to the Limerick area?
Thanks

Westport to Bundoran in the south of County Donegal is 85 miles via Sligo town.Sligo has plenty of shops but is best known for its connection with the poet W.B.Yeats,who in buried nearby and who brings so many visitors to the area (Drumcliffe)that they built a coffee shop at the cemetery.Places to see in the south of Donegal include Slieve League.a few miles west of Killybegs.Drive to the top of the cliffs rather than walk up from the first car park but only if you are brave.See distances on www.viamichelin.com

It's hard to beat Donegal's rugged natural beauty and it has an 'off the beaten path' quality that you won't find in Limerick.

It takes me about 3 hours from Westport to Donegal Town. This area is famous for tweeds, woolen goods, knitted items.

I would skip Bundoran its not what I would call a tourist area. It reminds me of Atlantic City before the Casinos. Great if you are into surfing though. Go further up and see some scenery!

Last March we drove up to Donegal from Connemara. I'm so glad we did, as MaryZ said, it's hard to beat that landscape and "remote" feel to it. We ended up staying overnight in Killybegs, which was fun (fab restaurant there--The Vineyard). Bundoran didn't appeal to me as we drove through it. Donegal is so different as there are few tourists and it feel so much more untouched. Got some nice buys at John Molloys just outside of Ardara.

After all the times I'd heard mention of Donegal, I think I expected a larger town. However, if they'd had any more shops like Magee's we'd be working until we are 80 to pay the bill. They had the most absolutely wonderful tweeds, jackets, sweaters, gloves, fabric by the yard, etc, I've ever seen. While you're there take the loop out to Ardara and the above-mentioned Slieve League. As long as it's not pouring rain and muddy the cliffside road up to Slieve League should be a piece of cake. I say that having gone in mid-September in a drizzle on a year that was short on tourists due to hoof and mouth. On the way back we stopped in a small pub for Irish coffee and listened to all the locals speak Gallic. The road signs are worth taking pictures of in that area too.

Thank you all for the excellent advice and sharing.
We will certainly visit Donegal and the surrounding area.