Donegal is Ireland's most northerly county and one of its largest. It has some of the country's highest mountains and one of the most beautiful and, at times, most dramatic coastlines, as where the mountains meet the sea at Slieve League, on the southern coast, with close to a 1,000 ft, drop straight into the crashing Atlantic waves - the highest marine cliffs in Europe.

When we go 'across' to Donegal we undoubtedly look for scenery but we also look forward to bracing sea air, the hint of turf smoke in the air, fresh local food and - a bit of  'craic'. This new tour, based in the family-run Kee's Hotel in the centrally located twin towns of Ballybofey/Stranorlar, has all the ingredients (Vicky Kee is the deserved winner of Donegal Hotel Manager of the Year 2009) and they are now in the 4th generation of Kee family ownership. It is a town-centre property where locals mix happily with visitors. There is a renowned restaurant, serving locally sourced food, a friendly bar - with very reasonable prices, a lounge area, a fine swimming pool and leisure complex and an extensive private garden and terrace. (Discount vouchers are available at reception for the popular McElhinney's store in the town - for any avid shoppers). All 53 en-suite guest bedrooms have TV, direct-dial telephone, (free WiFi available to guests on request), hairdryer and hospitality tray. Entertainment is provided each evening after dinner (During our visit there will be live music on two nights, a table quiz and a night of fun and laughter with a popular local raconteur/comedian/ Donegal wit!

We take full advantage of the hotel's central location and explore the south - Slieve League country, as far as Glencolumbkille; the North, Inishowen - with a fascinating visit to the Napoleonic War Fort at Dunree, overlooking Lough Swilly; Fanad Head and Dunfanaghy and a trip through the centre, past Errigal to the Bunbeg /Burtonport section of the west coast.