Donegal travel guide
Donegal Tourism | Donegal Guide
You're Going to Love Donegal
Ireland is most famous for its rolling green countryside, quaint village towns and welcoming pubs. Donegal, located in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland, is popular among tourists for its close access to hiking, ancient castles and jagged coastline views.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Donegal
1. Glenveagh
This vegetative area features lakes, castles and mountains and is the second largest national park in Ireland.
2. Doagh Famine Village
Tour guides lead you around historic 19th century buildings recounting Irish history and traditions along the way.
3. Wild Atlantic Way
This scenic 2,500km driving route takes you along the Atlantic coast of Ireland down through Galway to County Cork.
4. Donegal Castle
The ancient castle was fully restored in the 1990s and is located in the center of Donegal town.
5. Malin Head
This small hike offers beautiful ocean views and is the northernmost point in the Republic of Ireland.
What to do in Donegal
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
County Donegal is well-known for its natural wonders but none are as emblematic of the beautiful wilds of the Emerald Isle as Glenveagh National Park. Located at the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, the park's 16,000 hectares is dedicated entirely to trails, deer, pristine lakes, rugged mountains as backdrops and magical oak woodland. Of course, no Irish national park is complete without its own haunting and majestic castle. And this is no ordinary castle: with its four-story, rectangular keep and nearly 40,873 acres of mountains, lakes, glens and woods abounding with red deer, the property is nearly on par with the park.
2. At The Edge Of The World
Climb to the top of the highest cliffs in Europe and you'll be rewarded with a dizzying, haunting and almost seductive view of a churning Atlantic Ocean below. With their 1,988 foot drop, these cliffs give any and all who scale them a just reward; a view of the vastness of an ocean that makes you feel you're at the edge of the world. And you are: from here, Western Europe drops away and it's a journey to the shores of the Americas. To embark on a challenging trail, use the a narrower pathway to One Man's Pass. For an easier time, take the trail from Bunglas to Malinbeg.
3. Purely Irish
People who think "Irish" is just an accent are prone to be in for a rude awakening. Where do you think their lilt comes from? Head to the picturesque and strange island of Tory and you'll find that most of the inhabitants speak only Irish Gaelic. It's no surprise that this isolated island has perfectly preserved its history, culture and sense of the wilderness. Many artists and musicians flock here for the tranquility and connection to nature that it offers. This tiny community of 130 Gaelic people are led by a "king" -- but fret not because pubs are still in fashion.
4. Because Who Needs One More Castle?
Donegal Castle might be a popular draw but once you've seen Glenveagh Castle, you can safely bet its majesty sets the standard for castles in Donegal. Instead, head to see how the "other 99%" lived in the old days. This quaint Irish village is still kept alive as a monument and contrast to the ways of life nearly 200 to 300 years ago. The museum consists of perfectly preserved houses perched on hills known as "clachan", complete with artifacts and utensils, as well as pub-grocers and a reconstructed school house.
5. See How Donegal Has Evolved
Once you've had your fill of the wild, get back to the city and see how Donegal has evolved. The Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is a museum that commemorates the old station house. It's packed with rolling stock, historical artifacts and even movies on the way the railways transformed Ireland.
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
County Donegal is well-known for its natural wonders but none are as emblematic of the beautiful wilds of the Emerald Isle as Glenveagh National Park. Located at the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, the park's 16,000 hectares is dedicated entirely to trails, deer, pristine lakes, rugged mountains as backdrops and magical oak woodland. Of course, no Irish national park is complete without its own haunting and majestic castle. And this is no ordinary castle: with its four-story, rectangular keep and nearly 40,873 acres of mountains, lakes, glens and woods abounding with red deer, the property is nearly on par with the park.
2. At The Edge Of The World
Climb to the top of the highest cliffs in Europe and you'll be rewarded with a dizzying, haunting and almost seductive view of a churning Atlantic Ocean below. With their 1,988 foot drop, these cliffs give any and all who scale them a just reward; a view of the vastness of an ocean that makes you feel you're at the edge of the world. And you are: from here, Western Europe drops away and it's a journey to the shores of the Americas. To embark on a challenging trail, use the a narrower pathway to One Man's Pass. For an easier time, take the trail from Bunglas to Malinbeg.
3. Purely Irish
People who think "Irish" is just an accent are prone to be in for a rude awakening. Where do you think their lilt comes from? Head to the picturesque and strange island of Tory and you'll find that most of the inhabitants speak only Irish Gaelic. It's no surprise that this isolated island has perfectly preserved its history, culture and sense of the wilderness. Many artists and musicians flock here for the tranquility and connection to nature that it offers. This tiny community of 130 Gaelic people are led by a "king" -- but fret not because pubs are still in fashion.
4. Because Who Needs One More Castle?
Donegal Castle might be a popular draw but once you've seen Glenveagh Castle, you can safely bet its majesty sets the standard for castles in Donegal. Instead, head to see how the "other 99%" lived in the old days. This quaint Irish village is still kept alive as a monument and contrast to the ways of life nearly 200 to 300 years ago. The museum consists of perfectly preserved houses perched on hills known as "clachan", complete with artifacts and utensils, as well as pub-grocers and a reconstructed school house.
5. See How Donegal Has Evolved
Once you've had your fill of the wild, get back to the city and see how Donegal has evolved. The Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is a museum that commemorates the old station house. It's packed with rolling stock, historical artifacts and even movies on the way the railways transformed Ireland.
Where to Eat in Donegal
The Olde Castle Bar is a quaint stone restaurant serving traditional Irish food and beers. Meal prices are between 15-20 euros.
When to visit Donegal
Ireland is famous for its rainy weather, which makes the summer months between June-September the most popular time to visit and take in the idyllic green countryside.
How to Get to Donegal
Plane
Donegal airport is located 2km in Carrickfinn in Northwest County Donegal. AerLingus and Ryanair flights from London to Donegal are around 65 euros one way.
Train
The Donegal Railway Station has been closed for use since 1960 and is now a railway museum.
Car
The journey from Dublin takes around 3 hours and crosses through Northern Ireland through the N3 and N15 motorways.
Bus
Bus Éireann and Euroline buses offer connections to Donegal from other Irish cities, with prices around 60 euros one way.
Airlines serving Donegal
Where to stay in Donegal
The Diamond - This area is the poetic, musical and cultural center of the city, with lots of events and performances throughout the year.
Popular Neighborhoods in Donegal
Letterkenny - There are more shopping malls, cinemas and modern activities in this nearby northern city.
Murvagh - The sandy beaches and surfing opportunities of this area make it a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts.
Where to stay in popular areas of Donegal
Most booked hotels in Donegal
How to Get Around Donegal
Public Transportation
The small city does not offer any metro or regular bus servies. However, long-distance buses are the most common way of exploring this northern Irish region.
Taxi
Tariffs start at 4.5 euros and cost around 13 euros for a ride around the city center.
Car
Rental vehicle prices start at 100 euros a day and can be picked up at either of the airport or downtown branch locations.
The Cost of Living in Donegal
Shopping Streets
The Courtyard Shopping Center Letterkenny is the biggest modern shopping mall with standard worldwide brands. The Donegal Craft Village sells more boutique paintings, glassware and crafts from local artisans.
Groceries and Other
The main food shopping markets are Aldi, Mace and SuperValu. A dozen eggs costs 2.3 euros.