County Donegal
County Donegal is known for its Atlantic coastline, high sea cliffs and Irish-speaking communities. Plan a trip around coastal drives, walks and time outdoors.
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County Donegal is in northwest Ireland, with an Atlantic coastline of headlands, beaches and sea cliffs. Slieve League is known for its high cliffs, and Glenveagh National Park has mountain scenery and a historic castle. In Gaeltacht areas, you can hear Irish spoken in towns and villages, and find traditional music in local settings.
Plan several days for scenic drives, walks and stops in small communities. Distances between sights can add up, so a short trip may mean choosing either the coast or inland attractions. Late spring to early fall brings longer days for outdoor plans, but Atlantic weather can change; pack for rain in any season. A car gives you more flexibility for reaching remote coastal areas. Without one, check transport connections and build your itinerary around places you can reach.
County Donegal in five
- Drive on the leftKeep left and expect narrow roads, especially on peninsulas and in rural areas. Allow more time than a map’s main-road distance suggests.
- Bring a type G plugIreland uses type G sockets and 230V mains electricity. Pack an adapter if your plugs are not three-pin UK-style.
- Carry a payment cardThe currency is the euro. Cards are widely used, but keep some cash for small purchases in rural areas.
- Check your entry requirementsVisa rules depend on your nationality. Check Ireland’s immigration guidance before travelling.
- Save both emergency numbersCall 112 or 999 for police, fire or ambulance services. Either number works in Ireland.
Things to do in County Donegal
See all attractions in County Donegal
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Visa requirements depend on nationality Read more
- Emergency
- 112 or 999 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Optional; appreciated in restaurants
- Time
- UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryShort days
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchSpring starts
- AprilLonger days
- MayMild, quiet
- JuneLong days
- JulyPeak season
- AugustBusy roads
- SeptemberQuieter, mild
- OctoberShorter days
- NovemberWind, rain
- DecemberShort days
Right now in County Donegal
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
5
- Feels like
- 3°
- Humidity
- 94%
- Wind
- 1 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
County Donegal
08:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today11°1°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue10°0°0%Tuesday: Fog. High 10°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed10°1°0%Wednesday: Fog. High 10°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu10°-1°2%Thursday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Fri10°5°8%Friday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sat10°5°10%Saturday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sun10°5°4%Sunday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 4%.
Updated 04:55 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Derryabout 1 hour by carVisit the historic walled city just across the border in Northern Ireland.
- Glenveagh National Parkabout 45 minutes by car from LetterkennyWalk park trails and visit Glenveagh Castle in the Derryveagh Mountains.
- Slieve Leagueabout 1 hour by car from Donegal TownSee the sea cliffs on the southwest coast of the county.
Before you go to County Donegal
Rules for County Donegal, checked
- Check Ireland’s entry requirements for your nationality with Irish Immigration before you travel.Source
- Check Irish Revenue’s travellers’ guidance before bringing goods into Ireland from outside the EU.Source
- Drive on the left and follow posted speed limits; rural roads can be narrow, so slow down when passing oncoming traffic.
- Call 112 or 999 for emergency services in Ireland.
Plan around County Donegal
Entry rules, money and planning for an Ireland trip
Read the guideGetting aroundTransport options for planning your route
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideWhere to stayPlan where to base yourself
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cards, cash and travel costs
Read the guideCounty Donegal FAQ
How many days do you need in Donegal?
Allow at least three days for a first trip. Add time if you want to explore the Inishowen Peninsula as well as other parts of the county.
Do you need a car in Donegal?
A car makes it easier to reach rural areas and viewpoints beyond the main towns. Check public transport connections for your route before relying on them.
What is the best time to visit Donegal?
May to September is the most practical period for longer days and outdoor trips. Pack a waterproof layer in any season.
Can you visit Donegal without a car?
Yes, but plan around the towns and places connected by public transport. A car gives you more flexibility for rural stops.
What currency does Donegal use?
Donegal uses the euro (EUR), like the rest of the Republic of Ireland.
Is Donegal in Northern Ireland?
No. County Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland, though it borders Northern Ireland.