Holiday rentals and lettings in County Donegal

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in County Donegal?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in County Donegal: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring County Donegal: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in County Donegal?

• Choice of accommodation: From cosy cottages to lodges, homes and glamping, Donegal suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: Along the Wild Atlantic Way coast for beaches and cliffs, or inland near Glenveagh and the hills.
• What guests love: Towering sea cliffs, golden beaches, wild mountain scenery and a warm Irish welcome.
• Best time to visit: Summer for long days and beaches, autumn for colour, and cosy winters by the fire.
• Things to do: Marvel at the Slieve League cliffs, explore Glenveagh National Park, drive the Wild Atlantic Way and relax on the beaches.

Donegal's holiday lettings suit its wild, beautiful landscapes, from cosy cottages and stone log cabins to spacious holiday homes and relaxed glamping. Many enjoy sea or mountain views and space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a snug coastal retreat or a base with room for a gathering, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and heating for cosy nights after the coast
• A garden or terrace with sea or mountain views
• A wood burner or open fire for chilly evenings
• Parking, handy for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way
• B&Bs and pet-friendly options nearby

Wherever you base yourself, a beach, a cliff or a mountain is never far away. Planning to see more? You can also compare cottages across the UK for a wider search.

What are the best areas to stay in County Donegal?

It depends on the trip you have in mind: the coast is best for beaches and cliffs, while the interior suits mountains and quiet. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in County Donegal through Holidu often highlight the breathtaking scenery, from towering sea cliffs and golden beaches to wild mountains and lakes. Many mention the friendly welcome, the peace and quiet and the comfort of a cosy cottage after a day on the Wild Atlantic Way, and return for the sheer natural beauty and unspoilt, away-from-it-all feel of Ireland's north-west.

In the wild and beautiful north-west of Ireland, County Donegal is a land of dramatic contrasts, from towering sea cliffs and endless golden beaches to rugged mountains, glittering loughs and remote peninsulas. Threaded by the famous Wild Atlantic Way and rich in Gaelic culture, tweed and traditional music, it remains one of Ireland's most unspoilt and spectacular corners. With a warm welcome throughout, it makes an unforgettable base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to County Donegal?

Most visitors arrive by car or by plane, then explore by road. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: Donegal is reached by road from Northern Ireland and the Republic, often via Derry or Sligo, with scenic routes throughout. A car is invaluable for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, the beaches and the mountains at your own pace, and most holiday lettings offer parking.
• By plane: The little City of Derry and Donegal airports connect the county with parts of the UK and Ireland, while Belfast and Dublin airports are within driving distance. From there, a hire car is the best way to reach the coast and countryside.

🥗Where to eat in County Donegal?

According to local reviews, The Olde Castle Bar in Donegal Town is one of the best rated spots in the county. Below is a table showing top highly-rated places hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Marta and James recommend a harbourside bar in Donegal Town for a bowl of seafood chowder: a cosy spot for fresh local shellfish and a pint of stout after a day on the coast.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the longest days and best beach weather, while spring and autumn are ideal for walking and drives. Winter is dramatic, with wild seas and cosy firesides.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Beaches, coastal drives and long evenings
• Weather: Mild with very long daylight hours
• Atmosphere: Lively, with festivals and music

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Hiking, wildlife and quieter roads
• Weather: Changeable but often bright and clear
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with spectacular light

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Storm-watching, walks and cosy nights
• Weather: Cool and blustery, but dramatic
• Atmosphere: Peaceful and snug, with turf fires

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Donegal hosts recommend an early start to catch the Slieve League cliffs before the crowds, then a slow drive along the Wild Atlantic Way stopping at hidden beaches. Ask your host for their favourite quiet strand and the best pub for a session of traditional music.

1. Marvel at the Slieve League cliffs
2. Explore Glenveagh National Park
3. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
4. Relax on the beaches
5. Discover Donegal's heritage

1. Marvel at the Slieve League cliffs

   Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League rises almost 600 metres sheer from the Atlantic in a breathtaking wall of rock and colour. Drive or walk up to the viewing points for jaw-dropping panoramas, or brave the narrow One Man's Pass ridge for the truly adventurous. Less crowded than the Cliffs of Moher, it is one of Ireland's most spectacular natural wonders and an unmissable Donegal experience.

2. Explore Glenveagh National Park

   In the heart of the county, Glenveagh National Park protects a wild landscape of mountains, lakes and glens around a romantic Victorian castle. Wander the beautiful gardens, take a tour of Glenveagh Castle by its lakeside setting and walk the trails in search of red deer and golden eagles. Overlooked by Ireland's tallest peaks, it is a stunning and peaceful haven for nature lovers and walkers.

3. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way

   Donegal boasts some of the finest stretches of the famous Wild Atlantic Way, the epic coastal route along Ireland's western edge. Follow the winding roads past dramatic headlands, hidden coves and lighthouses such as Fanad Head, stopping at viewpoints and villages along the way. With ever-changing scenery and few crowds, it is a magical road trip and one of the best ways to experience the county's rugged coast.

4. Relax on the beaches

   Donegal is blessed with some of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, from the golden curve of Ballymastocker Bay to surf-swept Rossnowlagh and remote strands backed by dunes. The water is bracing but the sand is glorious, perfect for walks, surfing and building sandcastles. Whether you seek a lively surf beach or a deserted cove all to yourself, the county's coastline delivers in spectacular style.

5. Discover Donegal's heritage

   Steeped in Gaelic culture, Donegal is a stronghold of the Irish language, traditional music and the famous handwoven Donegal tweed. Visit the 15th-century Donegal Castle in the county town, explore the folk village at Glencolmcille and browse the weavers' workshops of Ardara. With lively pubs full of music and a rich living heritage, it offers a deep and rewarding sense of Ireland's north-west.