Donegal Car Hire

Compare car hire in Donegal

Donegal is a small but very pretty village, located at the mouth of Donegal Bay on the north west coast of Ireland. It works as the perfect launchpad to explore the wild beauty of Donegal County and the rugged coastline.

A car enables you to discover the true natural beauty that the region has to offer. Rental vehicles are available for pick up directly from Donegal Airport or Derry Londonderry in the summer season. The best alternative for year round service is Belfast Airport where prices start at about £28 per day for a Peugeot 208 or similar with 5 doors. Prices in the summer season are slightly higher but depend on how far in advance they are booked, as well as the specific location.

• Guide
• Things to do
• Eating out
• Transport

Guide to Donegal

The idyllic town sits on the banks of the River Eske with the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains.and is home to a well-preserved castle and plenty of fantastic restaurants and places to stay , which makes it a popular base to explore the area. From rugged cliffs, stunning beaches and endless countryside, the scenery is truly breathtaking and there are plenty of things to see and do. In the 8th century , the area was invaded by the Vikings, who used it as a port. Later it was dominated by the O’Donnells who ruled it for about two centuries from the 15th century.

Things to do in Donegal

The area is renowned for its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, such as the towering Slieve League Cliffs or Cliffs of Moher, some of the highest cliffs in Europe, or the stunning beaches such as Maghera Strand. There are plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, riding, cycling, angling and even surfing on the Southern coast! For a little dose of culture : Donegal Castle dates back to the 15th century and is located in the centre of Donegal town; Glenveagh Castle is modeled on Scotland’s Balmoral Castle or Glebe House and Gallery where you will find an astonishing collection from renowned artists such as Picasso and Jack B Yeats.

Eating out in Donegal

The restaurant scene mostly consists of cosy pubs with a fantastic atmosphere accompanied by live music. Patsy Dan’s is just this - a traditional pub with peat fires and live music where everyone is welcome to bring along their own instruments, all accompanied by Sourdough pizzas. Similarly, Leo’s Tavern is family run and known for its legendary singalongs.

Transport in Donegal

The closest airports to the area are Donegal, City of Derry or Belfast, which has the most frequent flights but is the furthest away at about 2 hours and 18 mins away. Situated in the most northern part of Ireland, it is slightly more difficult to get to. The easiest way to get there is by renting a car and driving there.