A Donegal travel guide, inspired by Pierce Brosnan and everywhere he’s visited while filming there

Fiona Frawley

Pierce Brosnan posing for a picture with staff outside McCafferty's Bar in Donegal

If double-oh seven did it, we wanna do it too.

If you have any Donegal-based businesses or bars on your social media radar, you may have noticed Pierce Brosnan’s distinguished grey head popping up all over the county as he films upcoming drama Four Letters of Love there.

The film also features Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, but Brosnan in particular seems to be making the most of his time in Donegal by frequenting as many businesses as possible during his time off.

Donegal is easily one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland and always worth a visit – if you’re planning a trip over the summer and are looking for a few spots to hit up while you’re there, here’s a little guide inspired by James Bond himself.

Glenveagh Castle

A castellated mansion on the banks of Lough Veagh, Glenveagh Castle and the national park that surrounds it are well worth hitting up for outdoorsy history lovers – it was also one of the locations for Four Letters of Love, and Brosnan spent plenty of time meeting and posing for pictures with delighted locals while filming there.

Pierce Brosnan filmed at Glenveagh Castle in Donegal, image via guide-ireland.com

Nancy’s Bar, Ardara

A cosy, welcoming pub with walls and shelves brimming with photos, vintage delph and other treasures, Pierce was right at home plonked at the bar of Nancy’s in Ardara befriending the locals. One to hit up for locally caught seafood and warm family-run atmosphere.

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McCafferty’s Bar, Donegal Town

If you find yourself in Donegal Town, take a leaf out of Mr. Bond’s book and head to McCafferty’s for live music, creamy pints and an extensive menu of shaken-not-stirred cocktails.

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Goose & Gander Pizzeria and Cocktail Bar, Downings

Touring the rugged Donegal coastline can be hunger-inducing work and there’s nothing like a wood-fired pizza with toppings of your choice to satisfy your cravings. PB reportedly hit up this spot earlier in the week and was “an absolute gentleman”.

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Fiffi’s Coffee, Downings Pier

If you’re just setting out for a morning of sightseeing and hidden beach hunting, get your head in the game with a brew from Fiffi’s, a vintage horsebox café overlooking the Atlantic. Pierce hit the flatties hard at this seaside spot, to the delight of owner Philip.

Safe travels, Mr. Bond. We’ll catch you up Errigal for the sunrise some morning.

Header image via Isntagram/mcaffertysbardonegal