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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: EUR
- Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic)
- Climate: Oceanic
- Timezone: Europe/Dublin
- Population: Approximately 160,000 people
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is between May and September for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the EU, UK, and many other countries can enter Ireland visa-free for short stays. US citizens do not require a visa for tourism visits up to 90 days. Some nationalities may apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival depending on diplomatic agreements. It is advisable to check the latest visa policies before travel.
About Donegal
Donegal is a captivating county located in the northwest of Ireland, known for its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of wild landscapes, rich Gaelic culture, and historical sites that attract travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. The county is famous for its stunning beaches, such as those at Rossnowlagh and Murvagh, and the towering Slieve League cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Donegal’s charm lies in its remote feel, traditional music, and welcoming communities where Irish language and customs are still vibrant. Visitors can explore ancient castles, wander through quaint villages, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and fishing. The county’s cultural festivals and artisan crafts add depth to the travel experience, making Donegal a destination that offers both scenic beauty and cultural richness. Whether you are seeking solitude in nature or an authentic Irish cultural experience, Donegal provides a compelling destination off the beaten path.
Top Attractions
1. Slieve League Cliffs – Spectacular sea cliffs offering breathtaking views and hiking trails. 2. Glenveagh National Park – A vast park with a castle, gardens, and walking routes through wilderness. 3. Donegal Castle – A historic 15th-century castle located in Donegal Town showcasing medieval architecture. 4. Malin Head – Ireland’s northernmost point with dramatic coastal scenery and wildlife spotting. 5. Mount Errigal – The highest peak in Donegal, popular for hiking and panoramic vistas.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Donegal can enjoy hiking on rugged trails, surfing on Atlantic beaches, fishing in rivers and lakes, and horseback riding through scenic countryside. Cultural experiences include attending traditional Irish music sessions, visiting local craft markets, and exploring Gaelic heritage sites. Birdwatching and wildlife tours are popular, especially along the coast and in national parks. For adventure seekers, kayaking and cycling are also available.
Donegal Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Ireland
- Duration Range: Visitors to Donegal can enjoy hiking on rugged trails, surfing on Atlantic beaches, fishing in rivers and lakes, and horseback riding through scenic countryside. Cultural experiences include attending traditional Irish music sessions, visiting local craft markets, and exploring Gaelic heritage sites. Birdwatching and wildlife tours are popular, especially along the coast and in national parks. For adventure seekers, kayaking and cycling are also available.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is between May and September for pleasant weather. Pack waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear due to variable weather and outdoor activities. Respect local customs, especially in Gaeltacht areas where Irish is spoken. Carry some cash as smaller shops may not accept cards. Safety is generally good, but be cautious on rural roads and coastal cliffs. Use contactless payments where possible and plan transport ahead in remote areas.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $250
47 Available Tour Excursions in Donegal
At the top of Northeast Donegal is Inishowen, Ireland's largest peninsula. On this Wild Atlantic Way tour, I'll show you around part of the peninsula's 100-mile coastal drive known as the 'Inishowen 100'. On your journey, you'll see the glacial fjord, Lough Swilly, which inspired the hymn 'Amazing Grace'. You'll learn the ancient celestial secrets of Grianan of Aileach ring fort, seat of power of the chieftains of Ulster. I'll recount the tragedy of the SS Laurentic and its undiscovered gold near Fort Dunree. You'll travel through the nerve-racking Mamore Gap and defy physics on the 'Magic Road'. A visit to Doagh Famine Village will have you step back in time, hearing how life used to be in the area. Your day culminates in a galaxy far, far away by reaching Malin Head, Ireland's most Northerly point and the filming location of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. The tour is in a fun, relaxed manner, with plenty of jokes, tall tales and the odd song too!
Price: $911.29
Duration: 6-8 hours
On the long, coastal drive of South Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way stands Sliabh Liag, Europe's most accessible sea cliffs. On this tour, I will guide you along part of the county's 1200km of rugged coastline, traveling through some of the most remote villages in Ireland. On your trip you will learn about our rich maritime history at Killybegs, Ireland's premier harbour. At Muckross Head you'll gaze across the Donegal Bay towards the iconic Benbulben mountain in County Sligo, where our nation's greatest poet W. B. Yeats rests in peace. I will take you high up Bunglas, to view the spectacular Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) sea cliffs and allow for a short hike towards the top for what will leave you breathless in more ways than one. Afterwards, we'll step back in time with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village and learn about how life was a century or two before.
Price: $827.95
Duration: 6-7 hours
In the northwest of Ireland, at the very edge of Europe, lies the Donegal Gaeltacht—a wild and storied land where Irish traditions and the Gaeilge language still thrive. As a local, I’ll take you beyond the guidebooks, sharing the hidden corners of the Wild Atlantic Way where I grew up. You’ll hear personal stories, legendary myths, and a few tall tales along the way. Explore Glenveagh Castle and its dramatic past, stand in awe at the mystical Poisoned Glen, and reflect inside the haunting ruins of Dunlewey Church. Sip Irish whiskey at Crolly Distillery and journey through Donegal’s rugged highlands, where generations have cut turf from the vast Atlantic bog. Gaze out over the sea to the Gaeltacht islands, including Tory Island, where my ancestors came from, and hear the stories that have been passed down through generations. This is my home—let me show it to you as only a local can.
Price: $827.95
Duration: 6-7 hours
Save time researching the best things to see in Donegal, and let a driver-guide show you the area's key landmarks as well as local secrets that you might otherwise miss. Named as the coolest place in the world by National Geographic, enjoy a day tour of coastal and inland attractions incorporating those breathtaking views of this idyllic North West county. This day tour is suitable for visitors staying or located in or around the general South Donegal region of Donegal Town, Killybegs, Kilcar, Glencolmcille, Ardara or Glenties. ➡️ This chauffeured private day tour is delivered by a Fáilte Ireland accredited driver guide. ➡️ This day tour is flexible and tailored for clients on the day to stop, go and explore. ➡️ Tours commence at 9am and finish at 5pm. Times are approximate and may be subject to change.
Price: $284.41
Duration: 7-8 hours
This tour is set in the beautiful foothills of Slieve League cliffs. The landscape is stunning and the area is steeped in history and folklore. These are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Ireland and one of the highest in europe. The cliffs stand at 1,972 feet above sea level. They are very rugged and beautiful. Being a native of the area means I have an abundance of local knowledge about local history, folklore and culture. visitors enjoy hearing folklore stories about the area. On the walk towards the cliffs there are plenty points of interest. The walk is made interesting and fun by engaging with the audience. The walk is tailored to suit individual and group needs. This is one of the selling points of the tour. Not every tour can be altered to suit group needs. guests enjoy tea or coffee when we return from the walking tour.
Price: $29.63
Duration: 2 hours
Given its geographical location, contrasting coastal and inland terrain steeped in ancient tradition, some would say that the North West of Ireland is truly the jewel in Ireland’s crown. Derry (or “Doire”) derived from the Gaeilge language word meaning “Oak” is a vibrant city located on the River Foyle in this region. With an abundance of historical landmarks to explore, you will be immersed in its lamentable past while attesting and embracing its transition to an energetic and dynamic city full of flavours and steeped in culture. The bordering County Donegal is a short 3km from the city. On this tour we explore elements of both. ➡️ This chauffeured private day tour is delivered by a Fáilte Ireland accredited driver guide. ➡️ This day tour is flexible and tailored for clients on the day to stop, go and explore. ➡️ Tours commence at 9am and finish at 5pm. Times are approximate and may be subject to change.
Price: $319.96
Duration: 7-8 hours
Your local guide has a strong personal connection to Fort Dunree and the area and provides a unique insight into the place, people and nature. This tour is dramatically located along Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way with stunning views throughout of Lough Swilly, Fanad Peninsula, the Urris Hills and west Donegal. After your guided tour you will also receive entrance tickets for the Fort Museum which you can explore at your leisure.
Price: $23.70
Duration: 1 hours
Visitors that come to Ireland but that don’t experience the Northern Headlands and the Wild Atlantic Way guided by the inside knowledge of locals have largely missed out on the real jewel. It is this that inspired Chieftain tours to create day tour options for visitors who want a mere taste of all that is to offer in the North West region. Embark and explore those secrets on the road less traveled by Private Luxury Car or Minibus chauffeured by a knowledgeable and experienced driver guide. ➡️ This chauffeured private day tour is delivered by a Fáilte Ireland accredited driver guide. ➡️ This day tour is flexible and tailored for clients on the day to stop, go and explore. ➡️ Tours commences at 9.15am and finishes at 5pm. Times are approximate and may be subject to change.
Price: $284.41
Duration: 7-8 hours
Easy to find collection and drop off point. Situated in the beautiful grounds of Donegal’s Glenveagh National Park. Stunning natural scenery. As a special area of conservation it contains unique flora and fauna. A rare opportunity to see Ireland’s re-introduced Golden eagles.
Price: $54.51
Duration: 3 hours
Situated between the Mulroy Bay and the glacial fjord Lough Swilly is the Fanad peninsula, one of Ireland's best kept secrets. On this tour, I will transport you along the winding, coastal roads towards Fanad Lighthouse, one of County Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way signature points. Here you can stroll along the grounds of a functioning, historical Lighthouse, taking in the views of the ocean and bird life. On your journey, I will enthral you with stories and legends of the peninsula. Learn about the creation of 'Football Special', Ramelton's answer to Coca-Cola. Visit Rathmullan, the site of one of the most important events in Irish history, 'The Flight of the Earls'. Then cross the politically placed 'Bridge to Nowhere'. We'll walk the ruins of Doe castle which overlooks Sheephaven bay and hear of the clan that built it. This tour is held in a fun, relaxed way with plenty of photo opportunities, music, (bad) jokes and features coast, castles and Craic!
Price: $918.40
Duration: 6-7 hours
Enjoy the comfort of a high quality e-bike as you explore Donegal's hidden glacial valleys. Leave from our premises in the pretty village of Carrick and cycle to remote Granny Valley. Enjoy an exhilarating cycle down the valley. At the bottom visit pristine Maghera Beach and Assarancagh Waterfall. Follow Loughros Beg Bay to Ardara. Explore the town with it's tradition of weaving. Return to Carrick via Glengesh Valley.
Price: $58.07
Duration: 4-7 hours
For those spending the day in Donegal, here's the perfect chance to get a glimpse of this weird, wild, sometimes wet, but always wonderful county. The Donegal Private Day Tour offers you an eclectic range of attractions including; Slieve League, the second-highest sea cliffs in Ireland, the impressive Assaranca Waterfall, the pristine horse-shoe shaped Silver Strand Beach, the mighty Glengesh Pass, a haunted Napoleonic Signal Tower, megalithic tombs, handmade woolen clothing and beautifully designed artisan crafts stores and samples of local beers and whiskeys in rustic country pubs.
Price: $977.65
Duration: 8-9 hours
Join our experienced skipper in the rich waters of Donegal Bay for some offshore fishing or deep sea fishing. We have built up an extensive knowledge of the best places to fish and what to cast. Each trip is tailored to your sea angling experience to fish for mackerel, shark, ling, cod, plaice, whiting, conger, dogfish, brill, pollack, turbot, sole and skate. We have the latest in navigation aids, safety equipment and the best fishing rods and tackle. Our boat is is capable of handling all weather and sea conditions safely & swiftly.
Price: $880.48
Duration: 8 hours
This flexible tour will give a greater knowledge of Irelands most popular tourist destinations. Destinations will be suggested to give the maximum satisfaction and flexible itineraries are available. We guarantee to show the best that the north of Ireland has to offer. Donegal has a beach for every day of the year, it has mountains, islands, parks , walks all waiting to be explored. In the north of Ireland the stunning landscape will take your breath away and a shopping paradise in Belfast and other cities.
Price: $331.81
Duration: 24-168 hours
You will be met in by your chauffeur at the reception of your hotel. Stress-free luxury transfer in a Mercedes E220 Executive Class, Suitable for up to 2 passengers with luggage ( 2 standard 20 Kg + 2 small suitcases) . The vehicle and Chauffeur are fully licensed and insured in accordance with The Irish Government Transport Authority.
Price: $1,183.85
Duration: 3-3 hours
Pick up at The Harvey's Point at coordinated time and Stress-free luxury transfer in a Mercedes Benz E220 Executive Class, Suitable for up to 3 passengers with luggage ( 2 x Standard 20 Kg + 2 Small Suitcases) . The vehicle and Chauffeur are fully licensed and insured in accordance with The Irish Government Transport Authority.
Price: $673.74
Duration: 3-3 hours
Pedal assist e-bike tour to immerse you in the sights, sounds, and smells of Ireland's Atlantic coastline. Breathe the salty sea air while you visit: - Europe's highest sea cliffs - Pristine sandy beaches - A 5000 year-old court tomb - Early Christian standing stones - The ancient valley of Glencolmcille We provide quality e-bikes, maps, and on-call support. The pace you cycle at is up to you, but to get the most from your experience it is best to allow at least 4 hours.
Price: $58.07
Duration: 4-6 hours
For this 3 to 4 hour hike you will need a waterproof coat and trousers, hat, gloves, walking boots, lunch & water (2L), warm clothing, face mask, hand sanitizer and a rucksack to carry it all in. This route is on track & mixed terrain which can be wet, boggy, and slippery in places.
Price: $49.77
Duration: 2 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Donegal’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood such as salmon, crab, and shellfish, often served in traditional Irish styles. Signature dishes include seafood chowder, soda bread, and locally sourced lamb. The food culture emphasizes hearty, wholesome meals with an emphasis on local ingredients. Noteworthy dining spots include traditional pubs offering live music and local fare, as well as restaurants specializing in modern Irish cuisine.
Getting Around
Donegal can be reached by car or bus from major Irish cities, with the nearest airports in Donegal Airport and City of Derry Airport. Local transportation includes limited bus services connecting towns and villages. For convenience and to explore remote areas, renting a car is recommended. Taxi services are available in larger towns but may be scarce in rural locations.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is between May and September for pleasant weather. Pack waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear due to variable weather and outdoor activities. Respect local customs, especially in Gaeltacht areas where Irish is spoken. Carry some cash as smaller shops may not accept cards. Safety is generally good, but be cautious on rural roads and coastal cliffs. Use contactless payments where possible and plan transport ahead in remote areas.
Culture & Customs
Donegal has a strong Gaelic heritage with Irish language and traditional music playing a central role. Social customs include warm hospitality and respect for local traditions. Important events include the Mary From Dungloe International Festival and traditional music festivals. Visitors should be polite, greet locals, and be mindful of quiet rural communities. Tipping in pubs and restaurants is customary but modest.
