Gweedore

Gweedore ( gwee-DOR), officially known by its Irish language name Gaoth Dobhair ([ˌɡiː ˈd̪ˠoːɾʲ]), is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) district and parish on the northwestern coast of County Donegal, Ireland. Gweedore includes the settlements of Brinlack, Bunbeg, Derrybeg, Crolly (partially), and Dunlewey. Gweedore is sometimes described as one of Europe's most densely populated rural areas, and is the most populous Irish-speaking district in Ireland, with about 4,065 inhabitants. It stretches some 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Glasserchoo and Bloody Foreland in the north to Crolly in the south and around 14 kilometres (9 mi) inland from the Atlantic coast to Dunlewey in the east. Gweedore is at the western end of the Barony of Kilmacrenan. Gweedore and the neighbouring districts of Cloughaneely and the Rosses are collectively known locally as 'the Three Parishes'; they form a social and cultural region distinct from the rest of the county, with Gweedore serving as the main centre for socialising and industry. The district is known for being a cradle of Irish culture, with Irish customs, traditional music, Gaelic games and the Irish language playing a key role in the lives of the local people. This, along with its scenery and many beaches, has made the area a popular tourist destination, especially with visitors from Northern Ireland. Gweedore is overlooked by County Donegal's highest peak, Errigal. It is the home of the northwest regional studios of the Irish-language radio service RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, as well as an external campus of the University of Galway.