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EuropeIrelandUlster

Donegal

Ulster, Ireland · Europe

About Donegal

Donegal is worth a stop: 20 minutes from Ballyshannon, 34km from Gleniff Horseshoe.

Donegal is a town located in Ulster, Ireland. With a population of 2,618, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Donegal sits in Ireland, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/Dublin time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Donegal to your route.

About Donegal

The Diamond is the main square in Donegal Town. It forms the town centre with an extensive pedestrian area with seating and trees. It includes a prominent 'obelisk' unveiled in 1938 celebrating 'the Four Masters', four Gaelic historians led by Brother Mícheál Ó Cléirigh who wrote The Annals of the Four Masters between

Read more 1630 and 1636. The Plantation of Ulster and the establishment of 'plantation towns' often included a meeting area or market place (often with a 'mercat cross') in the town centre.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Donegal

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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Donegal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Donegal?

Donegal offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Donegal?

Plan your road trip to Donegal with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Donegal as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Donegal located?

Donegal is located in Ulster, Ireland, Europe. The coordinates are 54.6538 latitude, -8.1113 longitude.

What is the population of Donegal?

Donegal has a population of approximately 2,618 people, making it a town in Ireland.

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Quick Information

Population
2,618
Continent
Europe
Country
Ireland
Region
Ulster
Timezone
Europe/Dublin
Coordinates
54.6538, -8.1113

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Ireland

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
All emergencies
112
Driving side
left
Full driving guide for Ireland

Tags

EuropeIrelandUlsterTown

Worth the detour from Donegal

7 notable places within an hour's drive.

mountain pass

Glengesh Pass

A dramatic horseshoe mountain pass winding down a glacial valley between Ardara and Glencolmcille in Donegal.

21 km · about 25 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Mullaghmore Head

A dramatic Sligo headland with Classiebawn Castle on the skyline and one of Europe's biggest big-wave surf breaks.

30 km · about 35 min drive

famous road

Gleniff Horseshoe

Six-mile single-track loop under the sheer Dartry cliffs of Benwiskin and Truskmore in Sligo's Yeats country, passing Diarmuid and Gráinne's cave: the highest cave mouth in Ireland. Barely a car on it most days.

34 km · about 40 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Slieve League Cliffs

Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe at nearly 600 metres, far less crowded than the Cliffs of Moher and even more dramatic.

37 km · about 40 min drive

natural wonder

Benbulben

A distinctive flat-topped table mountain rising over the Sligo countryside, immortalised by poet W.B. Yeats.

39 km · about 45 min drive

national park

Glenveagh National Park

A remote wilderness of mountains, lakes and a fairytale castle in the heart of the Donegal highlands.

42 km · about 50 min drive

natural wonder

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

The 'Stairway to Heaven': a wooden boardwalk climbing across protected blanket bog to a 450-step staircase up Cuilcagh's ridge, with views over Fermanagh's lakelands. 7.5km each way from the Marlbank Road car park.

48 km · about 55 min drive

Driving roads near Donegal

  • 21 kmGlengesh PassA dramatic horseshoe mountain pass winding down a glacial valley between Ardara and Glencolmcille in Donegal.
  • 30 kmMullaghmore HeadA dramatic Sligo headland with Classiebawn Castle on the skyline and one of Europe's biggest big-wave surf breaks.
  • 34 kmGleniff HorseshoeSix-mile single-track loop under the sheer Dartry cliffs of Benwiskin and Truskmore in Sligo's Yeats country, passing Diarmuid and Gráinne's cave: the highest cave mouth in Ireland. Barely a car on it most days.
  • 37 kmSlieve League CliffsAmong the highest sea cliffs in Europe at nearly 600 metres, far less crowded than the Cliffs of Moher and even more dramatic.
  • 76 kmMamore GapSteep, narrow pass climbing to 260m through the Urris Hills of Inishowen, with a holy well and grotto at the summit and a plunging descent to the Atlantic at Urris. Part of the Inishowen 100 drive; low gears essential.

Driving in Ireland

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.78/litre
Motorway tolls
~€2.10/100km

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Donegal.

Ballyshannon

🇮🇪 Ireland

18 km awayPop. 2,299

Killybegs

🇮🇪 Ireland

22 km awayPop. 1,236

Bundoran

🇮🇪 Ireland

22 km awayPop. 1,963

Kinlough

🇮🇪 Ireland

25 km awayPop. 1,032

Ballybofey

🇮🇪 Ireland

27 km awayPop. 4,852

Castlederg

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

34 km awayPop. 2,822

Dungloe

🇮🇪 Ireland

37 km awayPop. 1,164

Convoy

🇮🇪 Ireland

37 km awayPop. 1,526

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence