3 Days In Ireland From Donegal (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those Using A Car + Low Fitness)

Planning a 3-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!

In a nutshell, this 3-day itinerary:

• Starts and ends in Donegal
• Has been meticulously planned
• Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
• Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

• Starting in/near Donegal
• Using your car/a rental
• Looking to explore at a fast pace
• With a low level of fitness (i.e. it avoids long walks and hikes)
• Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Belfast for 2 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: Arrive in Donegal 

It’s day one, so first of all, welcome to Ireland! Today you’ll land at Donegal airport, where you’ll pick up your rental car, ready for a 3-day adventure across Ireland. For today, we’re going to assume that your flight gets in around midday.

Once you’ve got the keys and loaded up your luggage, it’s time to hit the road. Our final destination for today is the delightful coastal town of Dunfanaghy, where you’ll be spending two nights. Here are a few ideas for accommodation.

Our Dunfanaghy accommodation recommendations

• Budget to mid-range: Kings Accommodation (cosy spot a 10-minute walk from town) and The Mill (exceptional reviews and a 2-minute drive from town)
  
• Luxury: Shandon Hotel & Spa (10-minute drive from town right by the beach) and Arnolds Hotel (super central with top reviews)

Stop 1: Lunch in Annagry 

Dunfanaghy is a 40-minute drive from the airport on a road that cuts through the moody yet beautiful scenery of Ireland’s northwest. But you’re probably hungry after the journey, so let’s sort some lunch out first.

Time & Tide in Annagry is the perfect place to grab a bite after a long flight. It’s just a 6-minute drive from the airport and offers a selection of delicious baked goods, soups, and what many claim to be the best toasties in the land. They also brew up a superb cup of coffee, ideal if you’re in need of a little pick-me-up.

As for parking, there’s a spacious, free car park right next to the cafe.

Stop 2: Falcarragh Beach

There are some glorious beaches in Donegal and Falcarragh Beach is up there with the best of them.

A 28-minute drive from Annagry, it’s well worth dropping by before heading to your accommodation in Dunfanaghy.

At 4.5 km long, the beach is ideal for a gentle stroll along the soft, white sands. We don’t suggest swimming here but feel free to kick off your shoes and let the cool Atlantic Ocean gently lap at your feet.

On a fine day, you’ll notice that the sea takes on a turquoise colour, making for a pretty spectacular scene, especially with the gorgeous Donegal landscape surrounding it.

Stop 3: Horn Head Drive 

The mighty Horn Head in Donegal is a fine spot to soak up views and ocean air, and it’s a superb place to get a first taste for the type of adventure that this trip promises!

Jutting out into the North Atlantic with some seriously epic views, Horn Head is home to sweeping panoramas, dramatic cliffs and even a WW2 lookout tower.

It’s about a 25-minute drive from Falcarragh Beach, and there are a couple of parking spots. If you put “Horn Head Lookout Point” into Google Maps, it’ll take you to the main viewpoint, which is essentially the end of the road.

Hop out of the car and enjoy the views, but stay away from the edge, it’s a long way down, and it can get very misty very fast up there!

As you drive back, keep an eye open for a left turning with a cattle grid. Follow this epic cliff-top road to the Wild Atlantic Way viewpoint for more incredible views.

Continue along the road as it loops around the headland before rejoining the main road into Dunfanaghy. The roads are extremely narrow, steep, and windy at times, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

Stop 4: Dunfanaghy

The charming village of Dunfanaghy is about a 20-minute drive from Horn Head and is home to breathtaking beaches and several excellent places to eat and drink. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from many of Donegal’s top attractions, making it an ideal base for our first couple of days in Ireland.

Once you arrive, check into your accommodation, freshen up, and feel free to explore the charming little village. If time allows, it’s worth checking out the Workhouse, where you can step back in time and have a nosey around the craft shop, see the Famine Exhibition, kick back with a coffee in the cafe or head off on the Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail is accompanied by an audio guide that offers an insight into local points of interest.

Stop 5: Dinner, drinks and live music

After exploring the village, it’s time to get some dinner and drinks in, and perhaps even a little live music to celebrate your first night in Ireland.

Our Dunfanaghy food recommendations

There are some fantastic places to grab dinner in Dunfanaghy. The Rusty Oven Pizzeria is always a winner. They cook up tasty pizzas in the wood-fired oven. It’s easy to find from Market Square – just follow your nose! In summer, the atmosphere in their sheltered undercover garden is sensational.

Cafe Arnou is another good shout, with excellent fish and chips, while Lizzie’s is the place to be for seafood. The chowder is heavenly.

Our Dunfanaghy pub recommendations

You’ll find some great pubs in Dunfanaghy too. If you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub experience, Patsy Dans is a fantastic choice, boasting a low ceiling, a real turf fire, and a homely atmosphere.

You can also order pizza from the Rusty Oven here. It echoes the beat of live music and trad sessions on most evenings, so bring your best singing voice. They serve a top-notch pint of Guinness too.

The Oyster Bar is also worth checking out. A place where Irish music, cold beer, and good food come together, this busy social hub is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. There’s also a pool table.

Molly’s Bar is another good option in the town. There’s a nice beer garden to the rear of this family-friendly pub on Main Street.

Day 2: Donegal Castles

Today we’re heading out into the gorgeous Donegal countryside to explore some of the incredible castles dotted throughout the county (there are heaps of castles in Donegal).

As well as castles, we have some natural wonders to enjoy. This should be a fairly leisurely day out in the countryside, with plenty of history to soak up.

Enjoy a hearty full Irish breakfast at your accommodation, or head into the village for something. Muck ‘n’ Muffins is a delightful coffee shop above a ground-floor pottery studio that offers a superb breakfast menu.

Stop 1: Glenveagh National Park & Castle

Our first stop for the day is Glenveagh National Park, a gorgeous 16,000 hectares of parkland in County Donegal that takes in loughs, forests, rugged mountains, waterfalls, and a castle. It’s only a 25-minute drive from Dunfanaghy, and there’s a large car park at the entrance, complete with toilets and a visitor centre.

If you want to visit Glenveagh Castle, there’s a shuttle bus which runs regularly between the car park and the castle. You can also walk or cycle there, with an easy-going 3.5 km walk along the shores of Lough Veagh. This will typically take about 40 minutes and is well-signed. You can also rent a bike and cycle to the castle.

The fairytale castle is also a wonder to behold. It’s well worth strolling the grounds and gardens before taking a guided tour of the inside. The tour generally lasts about 45 minutes, but it’s worth planning 2 to 3 hours here to fully enjoy both the park and the castle.

Stop 2: Lunch at Glenveagh Tea Rooms

The castle also boasts a lovely little cafe, the ideal place for an early lunch or a late brunch. You’ll find a range of cafe classics, including sandwiches, wraps, sausage rolls, and quiche, as well as a huge variety of cakes. They also do a great cup of coffee.

Stop 3: Doe Castle

Once the stronghold of the MacSweeneys, the fairy-tale-like Doe Castle stands right on the edge of Sheephaven Bay. Overlooking the ocean, the 15th-century structure is an incredible historical landmark to visit while exploring northwest Donegal. As you drive towards the castle, you’ll see a large parking area at the end of the road, as well as a small coffee shop.

The castle grounds are open all year round, and they’re free to enter. The guided tours only operate during the summer months, however. The tours take you through the inside rooms of the castle, including the tower and hall. It’s the best way to really get a nice idea of what it was like during its glory days as the stronghold of the MacSweeneys and during the more tumultuous 17th century. Guided tours are just €3 per person.

Stop 4: Marble Hill

Marble Hill in Donegal really is hard to beat. During the autumn and winter, it’s lovely and quiet, and you’ll often have the whole place to yourself. During the summer, the area comes alive with people flocking to what’s arguably one of the best beaches in Donegal.

It’s a 15-minute drive from Doe Castle, and you’ll find parking on Marble Hill Ct, the road that flanks the strand. There are plenty of spaces to be had on the sandy roadside by the beach. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months, and it’s a top spot for swimming and surfing. 

It’s also a great place for a nice gentle stroll with an ice cream from The Shack.

Stop 5: Back to Dunfanaghy for the night 

It’s an 8-minute drive back to Dunfanaghy from Marble Beach.

After a fairly active day, you’ll probably want to head back to your accommodation to freshen up, before hitting the town for dinner and a few well-earned pints.

Stop 6: Dinner, drinks and live music

Once you’ve had a breather, head back to Dunfanaghy’s main street to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Our Dunfanaghy food recommendations

There are some fantastic places to grab dinner in Dunfanaghy. The Rusty Oven Pizzeria is always a winner. They cook up tasty pizzas in the wood-fired oven. It’s easy to find from Market Square – just follow your nose! In summer, the atmosphere in their sheltered undercover garden is sensational.

Cafe Arnou is another good shout, with excellent fish and chips, while Lizzie’s is the place to be for seafood. The chowder is heavenly.

Our Dunfanaghy pub recommendations

You’ll find some great pubs in Dunfanaghy too. If you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub experience, Patsy Dans is a fantastic choice, boasting a low ceiling, a real turf fire, and a homely atmosphere.

You can also order pizza from the Rusty Oven here. It echoes the beat of live music and trad sessions on most evenings, so bring your best singing voice. They serve a top-notch pint of Guinness too.

The Oyster Bar is also worth checking out. A place where Irish music, cold beer, and good food come together, this busy social hub is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. There’s also a pool table.

Molly’s Bar is another good option in the town. There’s a nice beer garden to the rear of this family-friendly pub on Main Street.

Day 3: Back to Donegal Airport

Today is your final day in Ireland, and while we don’t have any more attractions to check out, you do have a nice drive up ahead!

We recommend booking a late flight home if possible, so you don’t have to rush.

It’s your last breakfast in Ireland, so go large! 

Once you’re ready to hit the road, the drive to Donegal Airport should take about 40 minutes. Give yourself plenty of time to get there and drop your car off, all while enjoying the gorgeous countryside on the way there.

We hope you’ve enjoyed Ireland and go home with fond memories and new friendships! May the road rise to meet you.

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!