Holiday cottages, airbnb and apartments in County Donegal

Donegal has it all: coastlines, castles and mountains

A centre of history and culture in Ireland, Donegal is the perfect place to book a b&b or rent a cottage for a short break. It combines beautiful ruins with gnarly waves, so it's perfect for all the family no matter how different your interests may be.

When is the best time to go?

Ireland is not a tropical destination, but the varied attractions of Donegal mean this does not matter for most holidaymakers. If you're planning to focus your trip around hill-walking and beach days, try the spring to get the most beautiful greenery (and warmer weather for surfing). However, Donegal has lots to offer all year round and even the outdoors activities are just as attractive in the colder autumn and winter months.

How to get there

Donegal is relatively easy to get to, whether you're coming from within Ireland or further afield. Donegal Airport operates regular flights between Dublin and Glasgow with the Aer Lingus and Loganair airlines and has been voted one of the most scenic landing strips in the world. Donegal itself is also close to Belfast Airport, which is larger and has more connections with Europe and the rest of the world. There are good bus connections between both airports and the town of Donegal. Similarly, from the rest of Ireland, there are buses running to Donegal on a regular basis, although there is no longer a train station in the town.

How to get around County Donegal

There are good buses within Donegal to get around the town. It is also easily navigated by car, which would also allow you to get around the other nearby coastal towns. Its compact size makes it perfect for walking or cycling around without travelling too far from your holiday accommodation in Donegal.

Where should you book your holiday rental in County Donegal?

Donegal Town

If you want to be in the centre of things, book a b&b or rent a holiday apartment in Donegal town itself. With good transport links, shops and restaurants, Donegal town is perfect for tourists who want something to do without losing the personality of smaller places nearby.

Ardara

One of County Donegal's five Heritage Towns, Ardara is slightly off the beaten track but offers a warm and quaint welcome to Irish village life for holiday makers. It is known for its festivals, with one almost every month of the year, meaning that whenever you book holiday home or b&b in Ardara, there will be something going on. A quieter alternative to Donegal town itself, this small town is a friendly and pretty place for a quiet holiday soaking in the Irish charm.

Donegal Islands & the Gaeltacht

The islands close to Donegal town are some of the richest examples of ancient Irish culture, making them a truly incredible place to choose your holiday accommodation. The Gaeltacht area is remarkable for the use of Irish language and the distinctive classic Irish music and dancing. They also offer some of Donegal's – and perhaps Ireland's – most beautiful scenery and are perfect for nature lovers who want to get the most out of Donegal's surfing and hiking scene. So why not rent a holiday cottage here in the middle of the Irish countryside?

What activities to do

Donegal Abbey

This beautiful building was once a Franciscan abbey from the 15th century. Today, only its ruins remain, but it is still a beautiful building with a rich and fascinating history. This is one of the most prominent remainders of Donegal's historical significance as a former centre of government. The abbey and the associated story of Hugh Roe O'Donnell has inspired lots of stories and films. This is the perfect day out in Donegal for the culturally-aware traveller.

Surfing

Donegal is home to lots of sandy beaches if you're after a relaxing holiday without travelling too far. Take a good book to Murvagh beach and sunbathe in the summer months or get out your metal detector and skipping stones for a great day at the seaside in the colder Irish weather. Donegal even caters for the more adventurous beach bum, with Rossnowlagh being known for its great surfing conditions.

Hill-walking

Outdoorsy types will enjoy a trip to Donegal as it is nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Bluestack Mountains. These picturesque mountains are only about five miles from Donegal town, so it's easy to explore the beautiful walking trails and wildlife by day and return to the comfort and cosiness of your nearby holiday rental in Donegal at night. There is even a luxury hostel at the base of the mountains, making access to the great outdoors even easier for nature-lovers.