Every town has its little treasure chest, and in Killybegs that honour belongs to SweetNews – part sweet shop, part gift shop, part ice cream parlour, and entirely irresistible. Established back in 1988, SweetNews has built a reputation that stretches far beyond the town itself, thanks to its claim to fame: the whipped 99 ice cream that locals and visitors swear is the best in Donegal. On a sunny day, it’s practically a rite of passage to stroll through Ireland’s largest fishing port with a cone in hand, trying not to wear half of it down your sleeve.

But SweetNews is more than just ice cream. Step inside and it’s a colourful Aladdin’s cave of temptations. Shelves are stocked with Belgian chocolates, candies that make you feel like a kid again, stationery, books, lotto tickets, and even the odd fashion accessory. The gift section sparkles with jewellery, handbags, and home accessories that make you wonder how you walked in for a newspaper and left with a new set of earrings.

The charm of SweetNews isn’t just in its stock, though. Visitors rave about the friendly service — staff who go the extra mile, whether it’s helping a Canadian customer arrange a surprise hotel delivery for a friend, or simply offering a smile that makes you feel like you’ve been shopping there for years. It’s the kind of place you make a point of calling into whenever you’re in Killybegs, if only because it feels wrong not to.

Open seven days a week (from 8am to 6:30pm most days, with a slightly lazier 9am start on Sundays), SweetNews is both a local hub and a tourist must-stop. Whether you’re after a creamy whipped 99, a thoughtful gift, or just a quick browse that somehow ends in bags full of goodies, this little shop delivers delight by the scoopful.

In short, SweetNews isn’t just a store. It’s a must-visit stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, a place where Donegal hospitality is wrapped up in sprinkles, chocolate, and charm.