Looking for a quick getaway? Depending on what activities you enjoy doing, there’s bound to be a perfect stay to match all your needs. Hike up to Slieve League, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, or walk down memory lane by visiting the nearby castle of Glenveagh Castle. Additionally, indulge in the flavors of authentic seafood and drink good beer in local restaurants such as The Harbour Restaurant & Bar. Or if you’re looking forward to reconnecting with old acquaintances, enjoy a lovely picnic full of conversations at Ards Forest Park. Being in the northwest of Ireland, Donegal offers distinctive and scenic attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. You can even revisit, Lough Swilly, one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords, and Malin Head, a filming location for Star Wars. Read on to find the best staycations in County Donegal, Ireland, and rediscover your county.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Mulroy Woods Hotel, Millford (from USD 150)
Come experience a stay at the cozy and charming Mulroy Woods Hotel. Sheephaven Bay and several beaches are just a 34-minute drive away, while Glenveagh National Park is a 24-minute drive away from the hotel. Being in the countryside, the quietness and slower pace make for a sweet short escape from everyday life. Here they have rooms with private bathrooms that have showers and bathtubs.
Additionally, the rooms are non-smoking, and they also offer family rooms. Grab a meal or two at Harper’s Restaurant which proudly uses locally sourced produce, and also, don’t miss the daily carvery available at The Lounge accompanied by jaunty Irish music. If you are looking for activities to do here, you may head to Donegal Bay for some water sports or fishing and diving.
Mulroy Woods Hotel
Address: Letterkenny Road, Millford,
2. Rockhill House, Letterkenny (from USD 233)
Check out Rockhill House for a beautiful castle-like stay. It lies within a Manor House nestled on 100.0 acres (40.4 hectares) of woodlands and is a one-of-a-kind, family-run estate offering contemporary hospitality with old-world elegance. Each accommodation has a private bathroom with a bath and complimentary toiletries, and some rooms also include a seating space.
Each morning, a hearty breakfast is served to guests. There are also a variety of activities available nearby including cycling and hiking as well as horse riding and walking tours. If you are in need of some pampering, there’s a spa right within the property grounds as well. Rockhill House is beautiful inside and out and will make for a great staycation.
3. Downings Bay Hotel, Downings (from USD 149)
Great value 3-course dinner deal. Reasonably priced food and bar. Excellent value for breakfast included. Good value for leisure center access.
Free access to leisure center. Clean and modern rooms. Partnered with leisure center for additional facilities. Live music in the bar.
Very central location. Right next to a beautiful beach. Ideal for golf trips. Close to local attractions and restaurants.
Fantastic 3-course dinner deal. Excellent breakfast with a good range. Delicious and well-presented food. Lovely restaurant and pub with great food.
Relax in this lovely hotel by the beautiful Atlantic Drive. Downings Bay Hotel is close to a local recreation center, equipped with a gym and a pool, which hotel guests have free access to. Furthermore, guests can enjoy walking by the coastal roads and taking in the refreshing fresh air. Besides that, the food served by the hotel is fresh and locally sourced. The Haven restaurant is the hotel’s in-house restaurant that serves Irish and European dishes made with the choicest local ingredients.
Additionally, the rooms here are coy and comfortable, and daily housekeeping is available. If you need anything, there is room service to make sure your stay is pleasant and comfortable. Also, don’t miss the live entertainment and karaoke by Wheelhouse Bar for fun-filled nights.
4. The Highlands Hotel, Glenties (from USD 109)
The Highlands Hotel is a 3-star hotel that looks and feels like home. Stepping in you will already feel the comfort and the warmth of the hotel. There’s a shared lounge wherein guests can relax and enjoy the lovely ambiance. Some of the rooms at Highlands Hotel have city views, however, each room has an electric teapot, a desk, a private bathroom, and a closet.
Furthermore, options for the daily breakfast include à la carte, continental, and Full English or Irish cuisine. The hotel can also cater to families with children as they have cribs and extra beds that you can rent. Other than that, some of the activities that you can do here are cycling and hiking. Watching live music and performance is also available here.
The Highlands Hotel
Address: Highlands Hotel, Main Street
5. Clanree Hotel & Leisure Centre, Letterkenny (from USD 106)
Located just a six-minute drive away from Letterkenny’s town center, is the grand Clanree Hotel & Leisure Centre. From the outside, it is a luxe and regal establishment with classic furnishings and warm lights. The hotel has a 20.0-meter (65.6-foot) pool, perfect for a relaxing dip. You’ll definitely get your day’s worth of exercise after swimming here.
There’s also an in-house bar and restaurant that are worth checking out. Experience a traditional roast meal lunch and an early bird menu. As for the bar, they have an extensive drink and food menu plus live entertainment. You can also pamper yourself by heading to Fuchsia Beauty Salon on-site for a wide range of beauty treatments.
6. Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana (from USD 120)
Reasonable pricing, good value for money, and competitive rates for the area.
Convenient location, well-maintained leisure facilities, and spacious, comfortable rooms.
Scenic views, easy access to town, and proximity to beautiful beaches and local attractions.
Excellent breakfast options, delicious bar snacks, and high-quality dining experiences at reasonable prices.
If you are staying in Buncrana, check out the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. The hotel boasts rooms with lovely views of Lough Swilly and is near Buncrana Golf Course, so guests can play a round or two for free there. Inside the room are cozy interiors with muted pops of color, giving the interiors a chic look. Aside from the views from the hotel, guests can also stroll by the beach as the property is beachfront.
Meanwhile, Peninsula Restaurant and Loughview Bar, the on-site eateries here, feature creative dishes and drinks made with local ingredients. On Sundays however, there’s a carvery by Lisfannon Banqueting Suite as a special treat. Also, Seagrass Wellbeing Spa offers a wide variety of luxurious beauty treatments along with a sauna, indoor pool, and wellness center where you can rejuvenate yourself.
7. An Chúirt Hotel, Gweedore, Donegal, Gweedore (from USD 139)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and great amenities.
Indoor pool, sauna, and steam room available. Separate on-site restaurant. Clean and spacious lounge area.
Beautiful location with breathtaking views and easy access to explore north west Donegal.
Great breakfast selection with friendly and attentive staff. Excellent bar food and cocktail options.
This is a 4-star hotel in Gweedore, Donegal. An Chúirt Hotel is a quaint hotel offering beautiful views of Errigal mountain and nearby lakes. With daily housekeeping available, the rooms are cozy and clean. Guests also have access to free high-speed wifi. Some of the in-room facilities include a TV, tea or coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom. It’s a great play for a staycation as it has activities for different ages.
Some off-site activities involve cycling, hiking, and horseback riding. For families with kids, there is an indoor play area with board games and puzzles. Additionally, the hotel spa here has many different services from massages to hair treatments. Guests can also utilize the full-size swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, and steam room at Errigal Health Club to soothe themselves after a busy day.
8. Shandon Hotel & Spa, Dunfanaghy (from USD 159)
Reasonable pricing for stunning seafront location and amenities
Spa, pool, tennis court, and gym available; beach within walking distance
Beautiful views of Sheephaven Bay and Marble Hill beach; close to Dunfanaghy and Portnablagh
Excellent breakfast buffet with a wide variety of options; good food in the bistro and bar
The Shandon Hotel & Spa, which was renovated in 2016, is situated in Dunfanaghy and offers stunning views of Sheephaven Bay from various points in the hotel. Each of the bedrooms has a comfortable lounging area, and a few also enjoy views of the ocean. Every room even has a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries, so you can travel here stress-free.
Moreover, the recreation area here includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, and the gym is available to hotel guests without charge. As for entertainment, live music nights are held at Shandon Bar, so enjoy a delectable meal with your loved ones here and be serenaded by the music.
Shandon Hotel & Spa
Address: Marble Hill Strand, Port-na-Blagh,
9. The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa, Ballyliffin (from USD 135)
Reasonable pricing for bar food and breakfast, excellent value for spa treatments
Lovely pool, spa, outdoor seating area, gym with great equipment, beautiful garden
Excellent location with beautiful views of the sea, close to the beach, perfect for exploring the north coast of Ireland
Outstanding food with great choices, big portions, and good value for money, excellent service from friendly staff
Stay at an award-winning leisure facility, offering a 17.0-meter( 55.7-foot) pool, a rock crystal spa, and stunning views of Malin Head. Additionally, guests can unwind in the hot tub, savor great dining, or travel 2.7 kilometers (1.6 miles) to the renowned Ballyliffin Golf Club.
Each of the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel & Spa’s elegantly and hospitably decorated rooms features quality amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi. Furthermore, parents would be glad to know that there is a playground by the beach for their kids. Furparents would be equally glad to know that there is also a space for their fur babies located close to the hotel.
10. Holyrood Hotel - Leisure Centre & The Spa at Orchids, Bundoran (from USD 97)
If you are heading to Northwest Ireland, you can check out Holyrood Hotel. This hotel, which is in the center of Bundoran, has a stunning Blue Flag beach right at its front door and offers stunning views of Atlantic Ocean. It’s a beachfront property so you can spend the day by the beach, sunbathing or swimming. Later, cap off the day at the hotel bar and enjoy their delicious cocktails.
The 4-star hotel offers three restaurants that all provide delectable, fresh food which will leave you wanting more. It also has a contemporary fitness center and an opulent spa where you can release the day’s stress. The Holyrood Hotel has been family-owned for three generations and is famously known for extending the friendliest of Donegal welcome to all their guests.
Rediscover County Donegal
If you are looking for a staycation, don’t miss out on rediscovering the beauty of your own neighborhood. The quiet and charming nature of Donegal makes it relaxing, but it’s just as exciting with its gem of natural resources that you can explore.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to