Independent in Donegal from NZ$176

The best areas to stay in Donegal are Donegal Town itself for convenience and access to amenities, or further afield along the Wild Atlantic Way for a more scenic and remote experience.


Donegal Town is the main hub for visitors to the county. It's a compact and walkable town with a central diamond-shaped square, known as The Diamond, where you'll find shops, pubs, and restaurants. Donegal Castle, a restored 15th-century O'Donnell fortress, is a prominent landmark right in the town centre, and the Eske River flows through, leading to Donegal Bay.


For couples, staying in Donegal Town offers the convenience of having numerous dining options and traditional pubs within easy reach, great for evenings out after a day of exploring. It's also an excellent base for day trips to attractions like the Slieve League Cliffs or the Bluestack Mountains, as major roads radiate from the town.


For those seeking a more tranquil experience with stunning coastal views, areas along the Wild Atlantic Way, such as the vicinity of Rossnowlagh or Killybegs, are ideal. Rossnowlagh is known for its expansive sandy beach, popular for surfing and long walks. Killybegs is Ireland's largest fishing port and offers a glimpse into maritime life, with picturesque harbour views and fresh seafood restaurants.

Two of the best hotels in Donegal that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are Lough Eske Castle and Harvey's Point Hotel.


The Lough Eske Castle, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers a luxurious experience with amenities such as 24-hour room service and elegant fireplaces in the rooms. Guests frequently praise the spacious rooms, the phenomenal staff, and the excellent bar and food options. The hotel is located approximately 10.9 km from the Bluestack Mountains.


Another highly recommended option is the Harvey's Point Hotel, which boasts an outstanding 9.8 rating. Many rooms offer beautiful lake and mountain views, and amenities include plush bathrobes and premium bedding. Guests consistently praise the comfortable rooms, excellent food, and the friendly and helpful service. It is situated about 10.4 km from the Bluestack Mountains.


For those looking for a hotel closer to local attractions, the Mill Park Hotel, rated 9.4, is an excellent choice. It features an indoor pool, steam room, and fitness facilities, along with rainfall showerheads and premium bedding in the rooms. It is conveniently located 0.8 km from the Donegal Bay Waterbus and 0.7 km from the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre. Guests often highlight the spacious rooms, the friendly staff, and the great breakfast and restaurant.


The Lodge at Harvey's Point, with a 9.4 rating, provides a more relaxed setting with lake and mountain views, and complimentary full breakfast. It is located approximately 10.2 km from the Bluestack Mountains.


Finally, The Central Hotel Donegal, a hotel with an 8.6 rating, is popular for its central location and amenities such as an indoor pool, hot tub, and health club. It is very close to the Donegal Bay Waterbus (0.2 km) and the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre (0.4 km). Guests often mention the friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and great breakfast.

For family-friendly accommodation in Donegal, consider Lough Eske Castle, Harvey's Point Hotel, The Abbey Hotel Donegal, The Central Hotel Donegal, and Mill Park Hotel.


The Lough Eske Castle, with a superb 9.4 rating, offers a fantastic experience for families. It provides complimentary cribs and rollaway extra beds, dedicated kids' meals at the restaurant, sofa beds, and on-site babysitting services. Children will also enjoy the playground.


Another excellent choice is the Harvey's Point Hotel, boasting an outstanding 9.8 rating. This hotel features child-friendly window designs, kids' meals, and mountain views. Families can also enjoy mountain biking on-site and the convenience of suites, some offering beautiful lake views.


The Abbey Hotel Donegal, rated 8.2, is well-located for family outings. It provides kids' meals at its restaurant and offers free WiFi. Parking is available nearby. It is just 0.2 km from the Donegal Bay Waterbus and 0.4 km from the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre.


The Central Hotel Donegal, with an 8.6 rating, is another great option for families. It provides complimentary cribs, an indoor swimming pool with a dedicated children's pool, and a hot tub. Free WiFi is also available. It shares the excellent location of being 0.2 km from the Donegal Bay Waterbus and 0.4 km from the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre.


Finally, the Mill Park Hotel, rated 9.4, is highly recommended for families. It offers on-site babysitting services, an indoor swimming pool with a children's pool, and is situated near mountains. Guests can also enjoy bicycles and complimentary toiletries. It is located 0.8 km from the Donegal Bay Waterbus and 0.7 km from the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Donegal

For a luxurious experience in Donegal, Lough Eske Castle is an excellent choice.


This remarkable hotel has a superb 9.4 rating and offers a truly opulent stay. Guests consistently highlight the big, amazing rooms and the phenomenal staff who are always more than helpful. You can enjoy excellent food and a wonderful bar on-site, along with plenty of amenities designed for comfort. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, secured valet parking, and premium bedding for a restful night. For those who enjoy a cosy evening, some rooms feature a fireplace and bathrobes. It is also conveniently located near the stunning Bluestack Mountains. Find more luxury hotels in Donegal

For hotels in Donegal that offer complimentary breakfast, The Lodge at Harvey's Point is a superb choice.


This hotel, rated an impressive 9.4, provides a full breakfast free of charge, with guests frequently praising the exceptional breakfast and great food. The Lodge at Harvey's Point also offers free toiletries and complimentary WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay. The staff are consistently described as friendly, adding to the positive guest experience. For those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area, the Bluestack Mountains are just 10.2 km away.

For budget-friendly accommodation in Donegal, consider The Central Hotel Donegal, The Abbey Hotel Donegal, and Donegal House.


The Central Hotel Donegal, with an 8.6 rating, offers a variety of facilities including an indoor pool, a children's pool, a hot tub, and a steam room, alongside a health club. Guests frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the comfortable and clean rooms. It is conveniently located near Killaghtee Old Church, just 0.1 km away.


Another great option is The Abbey Hotel Donegal, an establishment with an 8.2 rating. This hotel provides free WiFi and offers kids' meals in its restaurant. Guests appreciate the beautiful and clean rooms, the great location, and the helpful staff. It is also very close to Killaghtee Old Church.


Donegal House, rated 9.4, is a hotel that provides free WiFi and air conditioning. Travellers often highlight its amazing location, comfortable and clean rooms, and the comfortable beds. Parking is also conveniently close. View all budget hotels in Donegal

For a romantic getaway in Donegal, couples have several excellent options, including Harvey's Point Hotel, Lough Eske Castle, and The Lodge at Harvey's Point.


The Harvey's Point Hotel, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is a wonderful choice. This hotel sits by a lake and offers stunning lake and mountain views, with comfortable and amazing suites. Guests consistently praise the excellent food and great service provided by the friendly and helpful staff, especially the excellent breakfast. You can also enjoy mountain biking on-site.


For a luxurious and romantic experience, consider the Lough Eske Castle, rated 9.4. This hotel provides a full-service spa with a range of treatments including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages, as well as aromatherapy, body scrubs, and couples' treatment rooms. The spa also features a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Guests frequently comment on the big and amazing rooms, the phenomenal staff, and the excellent bar. The Bluestack Mountains are also nearby.


Another delightful option is The Lodge at Harvey's Point, rated 9.4. This hotel offers complimentary full breakfast and free WiFi. Guests appreciate the exceptional breakfast and great food, as well as the friendly staff. Like its sister hotel, it also boasts lake and mountain views, providing a tranquil setting for couples. See all romantic hotels in Donegal

For excellent hotels in Donegal near the beautiful Bluestack Mountains, consider Harvey's Point Hotel, Lough Eske Castle, and The Lodge at Harvey's Point.


The Harvey's Point Hotel, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, is located approximately 10.4 km from the Bluestack Mountains. It offers stunning lake views and is well-suited for families, featuring child-friendly window designs and kids' meals. Guests consistently praise the comfortable and amazing rooms, excellent food, and friendly, helpful staff.


Another superb choice is the Lough Eske Castle, rated 9.4, situated about 10.9 km from the Bluestack Mountains. This luxurious option provides amenities such as free cribs, rollaway extra beds, and kids' meals. The hotel also has a children's playground and offers babysitting services. Guests frequently highlight the big, amazing rooms and the phenomenal staff.


The Lodge at Harvey's Point, a hotel with a 9.4 rating, is approximately 10.2 km from the Bluestack Mountains. It offers complimentary full breakfast and free toiletries. Travellers often praise the exceptional breakfast and the friendly staff.

The best time to go to Donegal is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is at its mildest and the days are long.


During this period, you'll find the most opportunities for outdoor activities, from exploring the stunning coastline and hiking in the mountains to enjoying boat trips. The longer daylight hours mean you can make the most of your days, whether you're visiting the Slieve League Cliffs or exploring Glenveagh National Park. This time of year is particularly good for families looking to enjoy the beaches and various outdoor attractions without the chill of the off-season.


Should you prefer to avoid the peak season crowds, the shoulder months of May and September also offer pleasant conditions. While the weather might be a little cooler, you'll still experience good daylight hours and often find better value on accommodation and activities.

Donegal Town's nightlife is centred around its main street and the surrounding lanes. You'll find a selection of traditional pubs here, many of which host live Irish music sessions, particularly on weekends. These pubs are generally relaxed places for a pint and conversation.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Donegal.

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Donegal hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Prices for hotels in Donegal often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$176 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.