Car Rental at Donegal Airport

Airport travel guide

The northernmost and most remote of all the counties, Donegal is sometimes forgotten by visitors of the Republic of Ireland. Those who choose not to overlook it, however, will find a region of stunning coastline, strong cultural heritage, and plenty of hospitality. These are three of County Donegal’s most interesting attractions:

• Letterkenny. A lot of people, including some locals, will tell you that Donegal’s largest town is not an especially notable place and can best be used as a hub for exploring the rest of the region. But while the second part of the statement is true, there’s also plenty to see in Letterkenny if you’re ready to scratch beneath the surface. Attractions include the impressive St. Eunan’s Cathedral, the County Museum, and the historical Corn and Flax Mills.
• Glenveagh National Park. The second-largest national park in Ireland, Glenveagh is the main natural attraction of Donegal. The Derryveagh Mountains, which make up most of the park’s landscape, are home to the red deer and golden eagle, as well as a wealth of local flora. Meanwhile, Glenveagh Castle — the most notable building in the area — is known for its palatial gardens where many unique plant species from abroad can be found.
• Doagh Famine Village. Located in the northernmost part of Donegal, Doagh explains the Great Famine and the repercussions it had for the people of Ireland. The historical lesson is grim, but there’s also plenty to learn about Irish history, traditions, and the spirit of perseverance of the local people. Visit the village’s website to learn more. Doagh is near Five Finger Strand, a scenic beach known for its towering sand dunes.
• Derry. Located right across the border, Derry is the second-largest city of the neighboring Northern Ireland, a separate political entity that’s part of the United Kingdom. Derry is famous for its beautiful Walled Town, although travelers are also attracted by the Bogside area that still bears scars of the recent conflicts and where several historical landmarks such as the Museum of Free Derry can be found. The city has also achieved greater global significance thanks to the TV show Derry Girls. While the United Kingdom, unlike the Republic of Ireland, is no longer a part of the European Union, there is no physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland (but it’s nonetheless a good idea to tell your rental car provider in advance if you plan to travel here). A car trip from the Donegal Airport to Derry will take about 90 minutes.

Top air routes

• Dublin
• Glasgow

Main airlines

Aer Lingus Regional

Terminals

The single airport terminal serves all domestic and international flights.

Location

Donegal Airport is about 12 km (7.4 mi) west of Gweedore, about 57 km (35 mi) west of Letterkenny, the largest town in County Donegal, and about 91 km (56 mi) west of Derry, the second largest city in Northern Ireland.

Most popular types of rental car

• Medium cars - from $60 per day
• Large cars - from $50 per day
• SUVs - from $66 per day
• Small cars - from $57 per day
• Vans - from $226 per day

Car rental desks

Most are inside the terminal building. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

Although the airport is really small, you’ll find a couple of stores, a souvenir shop, and a combination café bar. There are also ATMs, a tourist information center, and a nearby hotel. Donegal Airport facilities are equipped for travelers with reduced mobility; special assistance is also offered, but be sure to contact your airline or Donegal Airport staff in advance if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

McDevitt Oil Company gas station in Annagry, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, near Motorway R259, can be reached in about five minutes and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday to Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays. There are many other gas stations near Donegal Airport and in County Donegal.

Popular one-way rentals

• Letterkenny (58 km / 36 miles)
• Sligo (134 km / 83 miles)
• Galway (272 km / 169 miles)
• Belfast (205 km / 127 miles)
• Dublin (287 km / 178 miles)
• Derry (92 km / 57 miles)