How to Visit Donegal Town
Read our travel guide on Donegal Town in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Thanks to its location, the small town of Donegal is a great stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This old heritage town is located in County Donegal, about a three-hour drive from Dublin.
It opens the door to some of the most remote and beautiful places in Ireland.
It also gives you a perfect opportunity to restock, refuel, and replenish your energy before exploring Ireland's rugged northwestern corner.
At least if you're following our Ireland road trip itinerary that suggests driving around the island in a clockwise direction.
Even though it may look like there are only a few things to see and do in Donegal Town, it's not that simple.
So here's everything you should know about Donegal Town before you go.
What to See and Do
Donegal is a typical Irish small town known for its medieval castle, rich history, relaxed atmosphere, and a wide variety of pubs around its main square.
During our Ireland road trip, we visited many towns with this familiar vibe.
It has a lovely setting on the Eske River and gets really busy during the summer due to the influx of tourists who come to enjoy the abundant natural beauty of County Donegal.
So what is there to see and do in Donegal Town?
Walk around Donegal Town
Donegal Town, or Dun na nGall (meaning the Fort of Foreigners in Irish), was the most important settlement in Tyrconnell, a Gaelic kingdom ruled by the O'Donnell dynasty.
Today, it's a popular tourist town known for its picturesque setting by the water and an ideal location for exploring Donegal County.
Due to its small size, the best way to get around Donegal Town is on foot.
Park your car by the waterfront, walk to Red Hugh O'Donnell Commemorative, Donegal Friary, and then head back and explore the town center known as the Diamond, Donegal Castle, and Bank Walk.
By the way, the two-kilometer Bank Walk in Donegal Town offers an easy stroll along the River Eske.
The estuary is home to a variety of bird species.
You can make the walk a loop, but the most interesting section leads along the river, so this is only optional.
Donegal Castle
Without any doubt, the main attraction in the town is Donegal Castle.
Red Hugh O'Donnell built the fortress in the 15th century, and was used as a stronghold by his successors for many years.
During the Flight of the Earls, the O'Donnell clan left Ireland, and the castle was set on fire so the English won't become the new owners.
Later it was rebuilt in Jacobean style by Basil Brooke, who became the new landlord in 1616.
The castle was extended, and several new features and a new manor house were added.
The castle fell into despair in the 1900s until it was partially restored by the Office of Public Works in the 1990s.
That's a brief history of Donegal Castle, which is fairly small and easy to explore.
Today, Donegal is one of the most amazing medieval castles in Ireland you can visit.
Even though the castle is not as famous as Blarney Castle or Rock of Cashel, it's definitely worth seeing while you're in this area.
There is a small admission fee to Donegal Castle.
Donegal Friary
Built at the mouth of the River Eske, this historic friary is an interesting place to visit while in Donegal Town.
It was founded in 1474 by the O'Donnell family, the same year as Donegal Castle.
It has a fascinating history, a beautiful setting, and lovely views of the river.
Today, not much remains of the monastic site that was destroyed during the Nine Years War in 1601.
Even though this is not a Clonmacnoise or Glendalough, we believe the ruins are worth seeing if you have time.
Make sure to read the information plaque; it's really interesting.
The site, also known as Abbey of Donegal, is only a short walk from the Donegal Town Tourist Information Centre.
Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
If Donegal Town is more than just a quick stop on your way, consider visiting this local museum that is located only 400 meters from the main square.
Despite its small size, it features an interactive carriage, a vintage video, some memorabilia, tidbits about the local railway industry, and a lovely railway model.
The museum offers a nice insight into Ireland's railway history, especially if you're interested in trains, though it's certainly not a must-see.
Donegal Bay Waterbus
In case you arrive in Donegal Town on a beautiful sunny day, taking a 75-minute cruise around Donegal Bay might be a good idea.
Thanks to beautiful scenery, Donegal Bay Waterbus is among the best activities in the town.
Some of the most notable places you will see on this cruise are the burial place of the great Gaelic Chieftain Red Hugh O'Donnell, the Old Booking Office of the White Star Line (Titanic), many islands, or the Coastguard Station built by the British in 1866.
Furthermore, the boat gets up close to a seal colony, and Donegal Bay is home to many bird species, though spotting wildlife is never guaranteed.
Donegal Bay Waterbus operates all year round.
Just keep in mind that Donegal Bay is tidal and sailing times are different each day, as we learned the hard way.
Therefore, it's recommended to book tickets online to avoid disappointment.
Pubs and Bars in Donegal
Given its size, one of Donegal's main draws is the selection of local pubs and bars.
Expect live music, great craic, indoor and outdoor seating, traditional decor, an authentic atmosphere, and a cold pint of beer (or other drinks), especially on busy summer weekends.
Some of the most popular pubs in Donegal Town are Olde Castle Seafood Bar, McCafferty's Bar, or The Reel Inn.
If you've never been to an Irish traditional pub, Donegal offers a delightful pub experience.
Attractions near Donegal Town
There is so much to see in County Donegal that you will definitely be tempted to add several days to your itinerary.
Those who decide to use Donegal Town as their base for their adventures in County Donegal are in for a treat.
So here are our tips on the best day trips from Donegal Town.
Glenveagh National Park
Set in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, Glenveagh National Park is one of the best places to visit in County Donegal.
It's located about an hour's drive from Donegal Town and includes a stunning landscape, a castle with gardens, red deer, and wild camping.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, make sure to add this beautiful national park to your itinerary.
Lough Eske
With its peaceful setting, secluded location, and two incredible hotels, it's no wonder Lough Eske is among the best places to stay in County Donegal.
If you're looking for a place in Ireland to splurge on a hotel room, both Lough Eske Castle and Harvey's Point offer incredible experiences.
Lough Eske is also popular for fishing.
Donegal Craft Village
Home to contemporary arts and crafts, Donegal Craft Village is a perfect place to visit for anyone who wants to purchase authentic souvenirs on their vacation.
This community of independent handcrafters who work with glass, textiles, wood, ceramics, and metals is located only a 5-minute drive from Donegal's town center.
Slieve League
There are many incredible places in County Donegal.
The impressive sea cliffs at Slieve League, rising 600 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, are arguably the best day trip from Donegal Town.
The cliffs are easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area, but experienced hikers can enjoy the trail leading across One Man's Pass.
If you've enjoyed places such as Kerry Cliffs or Old Head of Kinsale, Slieve League should be on your list.
Bundoran
If you're into water sports, you need to visit Bundoran, which is regarded as one of the best surf spots in Ireland.
With Tullan Strand, Fairy Bridges, and Roguey Walk, Bundoran is a beautiful destination, even for non-surfers.
County Sligo
Whether you're heading south or just looking for a day trip from Donegal Town, make sure to take time to explore the northern part of County Sligo.
There are many incredible places to see within an hour's drive from Donegal Town.
Our favorite places in this area were Mullaghmore Head, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, and Knocknarea Hill, though this is not a definitive list.
How Much Time Do I Need
If Donegal is just a quick stop along the drive between Sligo and Letterkenny, two hours will give you plenty of time to wander around the town, stroll along the river, and visit Donegal Castle.
On the other hand, Donegal has a good selection of pubs and hotels, so it is a great place to spend a night when visiting this part of Ireland.
As usual, it all depends on your preferences and itinerary.
When to Go
Thanks to warm and sunny days, summer is, without a doubt, the best time to visit Donegal Town.
Generally, it's considered to be among the best season when to go to Ireland.
Be prepared for crowds and higher prices, though it's not that bad as County Donegal's top attraction can't compete in popularity with the Ring of Kerry or Cliffs of Moher.
Traveling during the shoulder seasons, either spring or autumn, will save you some money, and you will see fewer people on the road.
At the same time, it's also easy to visit Donegal Town in winter.
Just don't forget the weather in Ireland during this time of the year can be quite miserable.
What to Pack
Donegal County has a great variety of weather, so it's better to be prepared when visiting Donegal Town.
Keep in mind that no matter where you're going, the golden rule is to layer.
A light windbreaker, or even better, a quality rain jacket, are essential items on every Ireland packing list.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and don't forget to stay hydrated, especially during the summer. We use this reusable water bottle all the time.
In the off-season, pack a layer or two to stay nice and warm.
How to Get There
Without any doubt, the easiest way to get to Donegal is by car.
The main reason why we recommend this option is simply because it's also the best way to get around Ireland.
Alternatively, you can also take a bus to get to Donegal Town.
However, this option has a few drawbacks, as you will lose the freedom to travel where you want.
If you decide to rent a car in Ireland, we recommend reading our post on driving in Ireland.
Car
Driving in Ireland is not that hard, but it takes some time to get used to it.
Donegal is served by N15 and N56; both are wide national roads with two lanes that are easy to navigate.
This makes everything easier and more convenient for you.
Donegal Town is about three and a half hours from Dublin by road (the most direct route passes through Northern Ireland), an hour from Sligo, and three hours from Galway.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Compared to some other towns we visited in Ireland, parking was fairly easy in Donegal.
Even though the designated parking lots are not free, parking in Donegal is cheap.
We parked our car in front of the Donegal Town Tourist Information Centre beside the River Eske.
This is a fairly large parking with an excellent location.
Another two popular parking lots are close to the Aldi grocery store (also paid).
Paid street parking is available around Donegals' town center.
Bus
From Dublin, it's easy to get to Donegal Town by bus, a route 30-X30 operated by Bus Eireann.
The bus leaves from Dublin Busaras and arrives in Donegal in about four hours, depending on the traffic.
Route 480, also operated by Bus Eireann, connects Sligo with Derry and includes stops at Donegal, Ballyshannon, and Letterkenny.
Keep in mind that public transport is scarce in County Donegal, so most visitors will need to get a car while there.
Train
As hinted above, the train stopped operating a long time ago, and the town has been without train service since then.
Plane
Donegal Airport is about an hour's drive north of the town.
It's small and connects County Donegal with Dublin (and some other places). The flight takes less than an hour.
You can rent a car directly at the airport, which is very convenient for international travelers.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodation options found throughout Donegal, ranging from affordable bed and breakfasts and traditional hotels around the town center to some luxury estates in the countryside.
The most popular area to stay in Donegal is around its main square, where you will also find the majority of the pubs.
Still, Donegal is a compact town and can be easily covered on foot, so the location is not really that important here.
When visiting Ireland during the peak season, make sure to book your hotel room early to ensure availability and avoid high prices.
Here are our tips on the best hotels in Donegal Town.
Budget | Abbey Hotel Donegal - Situated on the main square, this 3-star hotel offers stylish decor, cozy rooms, good restaurants, and live music throughout the year. No wonder this hotel is a popular choice among travelers staying in Donegal overnight.
Mid-range | The Gateway Lodge - With spacious rooms, easy parking, excellent breakfast, and a fantastic location, this is one of the best hotels in Donegal.
Luxury | Lough Eske Castle - For those looking for a luxury retreat near Donegal, this stunning castle boasts beautiful rooms, great food, a swimming pool, a sauna, and a relaxing atmosphere. Free private parking is available at the hotel.
Staying Safe
Donegal has a small-town vibe, and we felt very safe while there.
If you have a car, don't leave your valuables inside it.
When planning outdoor activities, make sure to check the weather before you go and wear adequate clothing.
Anyone visiting the Slive League or any other cliffs in Ireland, take extra caution when walking along its treacherous edges.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Donegal Town Worth Visiting?
Even though there is not that much to see and do in the town itself, the picturesque town of Donegal is worth seeing.
It has great pubs, an interesting castle, and a beautiful river.
In addition, it has a fantastic location right on the Wild Atlantic Way, and it is very easy to get there by car.
It's a gateway to County Donegal and a perfect place for exploring the wild Ireland's northwest.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
