Co Donegal - Ireland | Keytours Vacations

Discover Donegal's Wonders

County Donegal, located in the northwest of Ireland, is a land of striking natural beauty, from its towering Slieve League Cliffs to its golden beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way. With a mix of rugged coastlines, lush valleys, and charming villages, Donegal offers plenty of outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and exploring its many historical sites, including Donegal Castle. Known for its warm hospitality and traditional culture, County Donegal is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the true spirit of Ireland in one of its most scenic regions.

Current Weather

62.62 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 62.62 °F / 62.62 °FFeels: 62.29 °F Humidity: 79%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information

Population:

159.192 (2016)

Currency:

Euro (EUR) 1 € = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

112, 999
+353 74 917 2288 (Roads Service)

Opening Hours:

Business hours are from 9am–6pm. Many shops have extended opening hours on Thursdays.

Do & See

Alcorn's Flower & Garden Centre

Alcorn's is not only a garden shop with an impressive plant selection, but it also has a Tropical World zoo with playful lemurs and colourful birds and butterflies, giving you an impromptu performance. Finish your visit with a coffee at the ThymeOut on spot.

Ballyliffin Golf Club

Two scenic links courses and 36 holes await you to provide a one-of-a-kind golfing experience at what is regarded as Ireland's finest golf club. Equipment adjustment services and lessons are also available.

Benbulbin (Dartry Mountains)

Benbulbin is a large flat-topped rock formation in the Dartry Mountains (Sligo, Ireland). This magical scenery has long sparked the imagination - the site of many mythical tales. The area later inspired the evocative poetry of renowned Irish writer W.B. Yeats and is thus known as "Yeats Country". The mountain is certainly unique, home to Arctic-Alpine plants, and many species of flora not found elsewhere in Ireland. Fossils are also regularly found. Climbers should approach the mountain from the gentler and safer South Side (avoid the North Side and its dangerous Atlantic winds!) and are recommended to follow the Gortarowey Forst Loop to take in views of Donegal Bays.

Bundoran Surf Co.

Surfing classes and rentals in what is also noted as the surf capital of Ireland. For beginners, the beach of Rossnowlagh is protected enough for a first try, while old-timers can ride world-class waves at The Peak.

Castle Adventure Farm

An interactive open farm with plenty of entertainment for the whole family: drive a go-kart or a mini digger, feed the goats, and discover the indoor or outdoor play area! The place also has a café with delicious cakes and sandwiches.

Doagh Famine Village

Attend a traditional Irish wake, visit Irish cottages still re-thatched every year, and join an informative guided tour to learn about how rural communities lived in the times of the Great Famine at this interesting outdoor museum.

Donegal Castle

The Donegal castle was built by the mighty O'Donnell dynasty in the 15th century. After the Flight of the Earls in 1607, which saw the O'Donnells leave the country, the castle was granted to the English Brooks family, whose ownership also left remarkable marks on one of the most prominent landmarks of Irish history.

Donegal County Museum

A rich collection of artifacts, galleries, and exhibitions showcasing the county's history, located in the former Warden's House dating back to the era of the Great Famine. Admission is free.

Dining

An Bonnan Buí

In 1993, Martin Kelly and his Brazilian wife Monica Santos brought the bittern back to life by opening their marvellous restaurant An Bonnan Buí. Since the beginning, the restaurant has been offering great food in a relaxed atmosphere, bringing the freshest ingredients from the sea to the table.

Ard Na Breatha House Bed and Breakfast

Ard Na Breatha is a cosy bed and breakfast place that is also worth a visit if you need a fresh homemade lunch off the Wild Atlantic Way.

Charlie's West End Cafe

Highly acclaimed Donegal-wide, Charlie's Cafe is the place to go if you want to grab a good pub grub. Short of time? Ask for a takeaway; you won't have to compromise on quality.

Kealy's Seafood Bar

The fishing village of Greencastle is a guarantee that food at Kealy's is always locally sourced and freshly delivered to your table at any hour of the day. Early Bird menu between lunch and dinner from 5pm to 6:30pm!

Nancy's Bar Ardara

A family-run bar and restaurant for seven generations, Nancy's has become a distinct landmark in the small seaside village of Ardara. Make yourself comfortable, and grab a pint—or rather, a cake of Guinness.

Olde Castle Bar & Red Hugh's Restaurant

Located by the city's signature landmark, the Olde Castle, this place is just as filled with history as it is with guests. A multi-award winner restaurant presenting a finely chiselled lunch and dinner menu, from venison pie and chowder to locally produced seafood. Red Hugh Brew is exclusively brewed for the visitors of Olde Castle!

The Lemon Tree Restaurant

A widely acclaimed inland restaurant with an extensive Early Evening Menu, including signature dishes such as the Donegal pork hash and the cheddar-filled steak burger, and desserts that are also a delight to the eye.

The Lobster Pot

A proud owner of the Irish Pub of Distinction award, at the Lobster Pot you will find everything that is essentially Irish: fresh seafood, sports games, and warm hospitality! If unsure what to try, go for the Titanic platter.

Cafes

Ahoy Cafe

Whether it's an Irish breakfast, an apple tart, or a seafood lunch, this café overlooking the Killybegs harbour will surely not disappoint!

Buttermilk

A cosy coffee shop offering daily sweet and sandwich specials, and scenic views on the Portnablagh bay. You will also find Throatlake here, an art gallery spanning family generations, and which prides itself on promoting fine Irish art at affordable prices.

Caffe Banba

The most northerly café on the island is in fact a café on wheels—standing on the rugged Donegal coastline, it offers a stunning view of the wild Atlantic. Visit Caffe Banba at the top of the world for fabulous fresh roasted coffee, delicious home baking, hot chocolate, and fresh air with a warm welcome.

Gap Coffee Company

Multi-layered sandwiches with homemade piccalilli, extra creamy artisan coffee, and freshly baked goodies: you will not regret that short detour out of Derry!

Lily’s Bar & Tea Rooms

A quaint café where Guinness is just as creamy as the warm fresh coffee, to be had in a friendly atmosphere with cheerful locals.

Mrs B's Coffee House

From the lemon sunshine cake to the autumn-inspired blackberry and cinnamon flan, Mrs B's place is an unrivalled spot for the sweet-toothed.

Muck n Muffins

Muck n Muffins has some truly irresistible home-made cakes and tray bakes, and also serves paninis, quiches, and jacket potatoes. Admire the potteries in the on-site gift shop, or the scenic view of Horn Head this café overlooks!

The Blueberry Tearoom

Once you visited Donegal castle, don't forget to hop in for the daily soup and quiche specials. Make sure you finish your lunch with a chocolate or fruit-topped dessert.

Bars & Nightlife

Biddy's O'Barnes

Biddy's O'Barnes' origins date back to the 18th century, and it still is one of the most sought-after watering holes of roadtrippers in Donegal, proudly drawing the best Guinness in Donegal.

Bonners Corner Bar

A quaint Irish pub with great offers on Guinness. Enjoy the live music or steal the show on the karaoke nights!

Hughie's Bar

This is the place where fresh seafood is combined with great cocktails, live music, and if the timing is right, even a vintage disco show.

Leo's Tavern

Also known as the home of Enya and Clannad, Leo's is a most beloved place still led by the Brannen family, where Irish music is not only paid homage to but is played every single night. Food is also served daily.

O'Flaherty's

A fun Irish pub on the Inishowen peninsula with board games and quiz nights held regularly. Don't get stuck on Guinness here: O'Flaherty's has a unique beverage selection!

Sister Sara's

Sister Sara's is Letterkenny's favourite source of entertainment: three floors, live music from local artists as well as the best DJs in Ireland, plenty of TV screens--including the largest one in Donegal--for you to watch all major sports, just to pick a few.

The Chasin Bull

The Chasin Bull is proudly run by the O'Doherty family, whose mission is to provide customers with sports, music, beer, and customer service of excellent quality. Its great cocktails, off licence, and acoustic room offer a diverse source of entertainment!

The Reel Inn

If it's live Irish music you're here for, then don't leave without visiting the Reel Inn: its daily singalongs are considered unmissable while in town.

Shopping

Donegal Craft Village

Stock up on the most authentic Irish souvenirs in the number-one craft shop in town! Fine jewellery, Donegal tweed, an on-site Glass studio, and the popular Arome coffee shop await the visitors.

Glendowen Craft Shop

Ann McGonigle's craft shop offers you a vivid selection of tweed garments, jewellery, and various other crafts like postcards, lamps, and blankets, all inspired by old family traditions.

Letterkenny Shopping Centre

This is Donegal's premier shopping destination boasting an ample selection of shops, services, cafés, and popular seasonal and recurring programs, such as fashion shows and fundraising events. Super easy access with free parking and WiFi connection!

Magee 1866

Founded by John Magee in 1866, Magee's is now an internationally acclaimed tweed manufacturer that produces the finest hand-woven menswear and womenswear, incorporating over 150 years of experience into the latest fashion trends.

Studio Donegal

Despite its eventful history, Studio Donegal has succeeded in preserving the century-old traditions of tweed production, and today welcomes its visitors with the insights of a genuine weaving studio, and a gift shop with the finest tweed wear and home accessories in the scenic village of Kilcar.

Triona Donegal Tweed Center

Located in what has always been a prominent village of the Donegal tweed industry, here you will not only find the finest tweed garments to take home, but will also get an insight into weaving traditions through various displays and the works of craftsmen still based here.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Ireland has a mild and wet climate, which means that regardless of the month selected, rainfall is to be expected all year round, but temperatures rarely ever drop below zero. Summer is considered to be the high season, but one might want to consider a visit during the grandiose St Patrick's Day celebrations, which take place on the 17th of March.

Passport / Visa

Ireland’s passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities. If you are a UK citizen, you can just use official photo identification, whereas if you are an EU citizen, you need a national identity card. Visitors from EU countries (including Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein), the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, do not need a visa to visit the Republic or Northern Ireland. South African visitors can visit the Republic of Ireland visa-free, but they need a UK visa in order to enter Northern Ireland. If you're not sure whether or not to apply for a visa, we recommend that you contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Donegal Airport (CFN)

Donegal Airport is approximately 15 mins drive from Dungloe and Gweedore, and 45 mins from Letterkenny. For transfer to/from the airport, contact Hughes Taxi +353 87 261 8885, or Cronan Mac +353 87 237 8888. The closest major airport is Belfast International Airport.

Public transport

The national bus service provider in Ireland is Bus Éireann. Further providers of coach service within the County and/or the island are John Mc Ginley, Lough Swilly, Paddy Gallagher, Feda O Donnell, McGeehan Coaches, North West Busways. https://www.donegal.ie/bus-services

Taxi

Glencar Cabs (based in Letterkenny, airport tranfers) +353 87 685 6676 Haughey Coaches (Southwest) +353 87 671 1944

Electricity

In Ireland the standard voltage is 230 V. Socket type: G

Post

Postal services in Ireland are provided by An Post, which has several branches across County Donegal. Use the link below to locate the office nearest to you.

Telephone

Country Code: +353 Area Code: 074 (Donegal, Letterkenny, Dungloe, Buncrana)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Donegal?

Donegal offers a rich mix of sightseeing, guided tours, and local activities. On Keytours you can browse the most popular tours and experiences in Donegal and book them instantly.

What is the best time to visit Donegal?

The ideal time to visit Donegal depends on the experience you're after. Check the current weather and seasonal information on this page to plan your trip around the best conditions.

How do I get around Donegal?

You can arrange private airport transfers and local transport for Donegal directly through Keytours, ensuring a comfortable arrival and easy travel throughout your stay.

Where should I stay in Donegal?

Donegal has accommodation for every style, from boutique city stays to seaside resorts. Explore our handpicked hotels in Donegal to find the right base for your trip.

Can I book tours, hotels, and transfers together for Donegal?

Yes. With Keytours you can combine tours, activities, hotels, and transfers for Donegal in a single booking, making it easy to plan your entire trip in one place.

How do I book a trip to Donegal with Keytours?

Simply choose your preferred tours, hotels, or activities in Donegal on this page, select your dates, and complete your secure booking online. Our team is available to help at any step.

Trips

Ultimate Ireland Circle Private Journey

Celtic North Discovery

Wild Northern Ireland Explorer

Ultimate Ireland Circle Private Journey

Celtic North Discovery

Wild Northern Ireland Explorer

Ultimate Ireland Circle Private Journey

Celtic North Discovery

Wild Northern Ireland Explorer

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Donegal?

Donegal offers a rich mix of sightseeing, guided tours, and local activities. On Keytours you can browse the most popular tours and experiences in Donegal and book them instantly.

What is the best time to visit Donegal?

The ideal time to visit Donegal depends on the experience you're after. Check the current weather and seasonal information on this page to plan your trip around the best conditions.

How do I get around Donegal?

You can arrange private airport transfers and local transport for Donegal directly through Keytours, ensuring a comfortable arrival and easy travel throughout your stay.

Where should I stay in Donegal?

Donegal has accommodation for every style, from boutique city stays to seaside resorts. Explore our handpicked hotels in Donegal to find the right base for your trip.

Can I book tours, hotels, and transfers together for Donegal?

Yes. With Keytours you can combine tours, activities, hotels, and transfers for Donegal in a single booking, making it easy to plan your entire trip in one place.

How do I book a trip to Donegal with Keytours?

Simply choose your preferred tours, hotels, or activities in Donegal on this page, select your dates, and complete your secure booking online. Our team is available to help at any step.

Let’s plan your next vacation

Let us take care of all the details to create the perfect trip for you. With our expertise and personalized service, we will ensure that every moment of your trip is special and unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a dream adventure!

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