5 Days In Ireland From Donegal (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using A Car + Good Fitness)

Planning a 5-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 5-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 slow pace
• With a good level of fitness (i.e. it includes 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 5-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

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: Dunfanaghy

The charming village of Dunfanaghy 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 4: 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 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 hikes 

Today we’re heading out into the gorgeous Donegal countryside to tackle the highest mountain in the county, Errigal. This is a moderately tough hike, so be sure to have decent footwear and all-weather clothing. 

You’ll also want to take a packed lunch and snacks with you. Your accommodation might be able to sort you out with a packed lunch. Otherwise, you can grab something to go from one of the local shops or cafes.

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, with plenty of healthy and not-so-healthy options, like porridge, granola, their hefty pancake stack, or a sausage and bacon bap.

Stop 1: Errigal Mountain

The Errigal Mountain Hike Car Park is just a 26-minute drive from Dunfanaghy, down the scenic R251. You’ll find the small car park on the side of the road, pretty much directly beneath the mountain.

If you put “Errigal Mountain Hike Parking” into Google Maps, you’ll find it easily enough.

The car park fits around 10 to 12 cars, though be advised, it can be busy on a fine summer weekend, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.

At 751m high, Errigal is the highest peak in the Derryveagh Mountains. If you tackle the hike on a fine day, you’ll have views of everywhere, from Slieve Snaght in north Donegal to Sligo’s Benbulben. 

The hike is around 4.5 km in length and should take between 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you spend at the summit taking in the views. As a moderate to strenuous hike, some knowledge of mountain navigation is definitely helpful.

The terrain is a mix of bog, rock, and shale, and with some steep inclines along the way, it can be tough-going at times. But once you make it to the top, you’ll know it was well worth the effort. Enjoy the summit, have a bite to eat, and then head back down the same way.

Stop 2: Glenveagh National Park

Congratulations, you’ve completed the Errigal hike! Our next stop 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 an 11-minute drive from Errigal, 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 fantastic lakeside walk that takes you from the car park all the way to the castle, along the shores of Lough Veagh.

It’s an easy-going walk that’s 3.5 km long and typically takes about 40 minutes one way. You can also take a shuttle bus if you don’t feel like walking anymore. 

Alternatively, it’s a nice path for cycling too and it’s possible to rent bikes from the visitor centre. There are plenty of other walking and cycling trails in the park if you still have energy left.

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. You’ll also find a cafe at the castle, ideal for recharging your batteries.

Stop 3: Back to Dunfanaghy for the night

It’s a 23-minute drive back to Dunfanaghy from Glenveagh National Park. 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.

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 to 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: The Donegal coast

Today we leave Dunfanaghy and head to Ardara, arguably one of the most charming towns in Donegal.

Before we get there, though, we’ll enjoy a nice drive along Donegal’s gorgeous coastline, exploring the sights and attractions of Rosguill and Fanad Peninsulas in north Donegal.

We’ll spend two nights in Ardara, so be sure to check out some of our top choices in terms of accommodation.

We’ve got a busy day ahead, so be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.

Our Ardara accommodation recommendations

• Places in the town: Atlantic Lodge (on the main street – superb reviews) and Hillhead House (a gorgeous, cosy spot with great reviews)
• Places outside of the town: Ashling House (top reviews and a 2-minute drive from town) and Woodhill House (superb reviews and a 3-minute drive from town)

Stop 1: Ards Forest Park

If variety is the spice of life, then Donegal’s Ards Forest Park honours that adage. Sand dunes? Check. Woodlands? Check. Salt marshes? Check. Wildlife? You’ll find it in abundance. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Dunfanaghy too. There’s a spacious car park which costs €5 to park, just bear in mind that cash isn’t accepted – you’ll need a contactless bank card.

There are countless Ards Forest Park walks that you can head off on, many of which are regarded as some of the finest walks in Donegal. The 1 km Sand Dune Trail is one of the handiest walks to enjoy for those short on time. It follows a forest track, boardwalk, and gravel path and hugs the coast while passing through woodland and the extensive sand dune complex. It shouldn’t take more than 1.5 hours to complete.

Stop 2: Downings Beach

Our next stop is a 25-minute drive away to Downings Blue Flag Beach. This stunning horseshoe-shaped bay of golden sand marks the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Drive around the Rosguill Peninsula.

There’s an easily accessible car park just off the Downings’ main street, so feel free to take a wander along the soft sands and paddle in the sea, or perhaps enjoy a swim if you’re feeling brave!

Otherwise, it’s well worth pulling over for a bit and admiring the scenery before heading off to our next stop.

Stop 3: Murder Hole Beach

Don’t let the name put you off, Murder Hole Beach (aka Boyeeghter Bay) is one of the more unique places to visit in Donegal! To get there, follow the coast road through Doagh to the car park at Melmore Caravan Site.

The drive should take about 25 minutes and is worth it for the scenery alone. From the car park, it’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk along the trail to the beach.

The going is a little tough at times, but anyone with a moderate level of fitness should be okay with it. This is one of the more dangerous beaches in Donegal, and swimming is a definite no, due to strong rip tides. 

Also, be sure to check the tide times, as a large part of the beach, including the sea cave, gets blocked off at high tide.

Aim to visit as the tide is going out to enjoy plenty of time to explore. Heading back to the car park will take another 15 to 20 minutes, so plan for at least an hour here if you want to explore.

Stop 4: Lunch in Downings

For lunch, head back to the seaside village of Downings, this time a 15-minute drive via Cloughbane. The Galley offers an extensive menu that includes pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, salads, toasties, burgers, and a range of tasty desserts. You’ll find a decent amount of parking next door. 

For seafood and fish and chips, head for Fisk Seafood Bar. The battered fish tacos are amazing, and they offer a bunch of small plates so you can try a good variety. You’ll find convenient parking right across the road too.

Stop 5: Fanad Head Lighthouse

Enjoy a nice 30-minute drive while you digest your lunch before arriving at our next stop, Fanad Head Lighthouse. There’s something immensely special about this place. Especially when you visit during the off-season, as the chances are you’ll have the whole area to yourself. Perched on the edge of the dramatic coastline of northern Donegal, the working lighthouse dates back to 1817.

You’ll find plenty of parking right next to the lighthouse, and from there you can get a fantastic view of the tower against a gorgeous backdrop. If you want to get closer, there are two tours to enjoy. The first is a self-guided tour of the grounds and the exhibitions, which costs €4 for an adult. The guided tour offers the same but also takes you up to the tower for some amazing views. It costs €10 per adult. 

Stop 6: Portsalon Beach

The mighty Portsalon Beach is a short but spectacular 20-minute drive from Fanad Head Lighthouse on the east side of the peninsula. There’s parking near the southern end of the beach, making it easy to stop and enjoy all the beach has to offer.

Also known as Ballymastocker Bay, Portsalon is a beautiful Blue Flag beach with long stretches of sand for rambling, clear water to swim in, plenty of waves for surfers, and sheltered coves for escaping the wind. The views from this beach are simply breathtaking and it’s well worth taking a gentle stroll along the 1.5 km stretch of sand.

Stop 7: Ardara

After an eventful day, it’s time to head to your final stop and the place you’ll be calling home for the next two nights, Ardara.

It’ll take about an hour and fifteen minutes to drive to Ardara from Portsalon Beach, cutting through the spectacular Donegal countryside.

The village is a wonderful alternative to the hustle and bustle of nearby Donegal town and a couple of days here offers an insight into life in a quaint Irish village.

Once you arrive, check into your accommodation, freshen up, and see what all the fuss is about!

Stop 8: Dinner, drinks and live music

Ardara showcases life in ‘rural Ireland’ at its very best. The village is beautifully maintained, there are heaps of traditional pubs and countless restaurants where you’ll get a fine feed. Perfect as dinner time approaches!

Our Ardara food recommendations

Nancy’s has been a staple of Ardara for many years now, and its age is reflected in the lovely rustic interior that’s full of wood finishes and stone floors. Not only will you be set for a few creamy pints here, but they also do a fantastic food selection, including fresh oysters.

You’ll also get a warm welcome at Mickalene’s on Main Street. Winner of Ulster Gastro Pub of the Year 2019 at the Food Awards Ireland, their fare is hearty, well-sourced and tasty.

Our Ardara pub recommendations

There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Ardara. If you were to construct a pub crawl of Ardara, then Teague’s Bar at the top of Main Street would be a fine place to start. Its unfussy décor and friendly atmosphere mean you can sit back and enjoy your pint without too much bother.

Lying at the other end of my imaginary pub crawl is Doherty’s, where its bright pink and green exterior would be hard to miss, even after a few too many! There’s live music and a fine food selection here (including pizza) to keep the good times rolling.

The Corner House is definitely one of the best places to catch live music and regular trad sessions in Ardara. Settled right at the apex of the town centre, the Corner House Bar is also steeped in the history of the village.

Day 4: Donegal cliffs and coast

Donegal’s west coast is wild and rugged, offering up some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Today, we’ll be enjoying a drive that takes in some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the area.

Nature lovers, this day is for you! Start your day well with a hearty breakfast, either at your accommodation or at one of the cafes in town.

The all-day breakfast at Charlie’s West End Café is not to be missed, plus they do a veggie version too. Corby Cafe is also highly recommended, with quality coffee, tasty Eggs Benedict, and of course, a sumptuous full Irish.

Stop 1: Glengesh Pass

Roads like the one at Glengesh Pass in Donegal make Ireland an absolute joy to explore.

Glengesh (which means ‘Glen of the Swans’) is a high mountain pass that cuts through the Glengesh and Mulmosog mountains and links the towns of Ardara and Glencolumbkille.

Over the course of your spin, you’ll encounter quiet open countryside, plenty of green fields, narrow roads and sheep… lots and lots of sheep!

Take it easy on the bends, visibility can be poor, and the roads are narrow, so there’s no need to rush.

The epic Glengesh Viewing Point has space for around seven cars and is just 12 minutes from Ardara. Park up here and soak up the epic views through the valley before driving on to our next stop.

Stop 2: Assaranca Waterfall

Our next stop is the lovely Assaranca Waterfall. Now, we’re going to double back here, to save doing the same later on. Plus, we’re sure you won’t mind driving back up the Glengesh Pass! It’ll take about 20 minutes to reach the falls. 

The mighty Assaranca Waterfall is a spectacular sight that’s right next to the road and is quite possibly one of the most impressive waterfalls in Donegal. You can, quite literally, park up right next to them and soak up the sights and sounds of Assaranca from a few feet away. 

It’s natural attractions like this that make Ireland an absolute joy to explore – there’s no fancy visitor centre and no fuss – just nature at its finest!

Stop 3: Maghera Beach and Caves

Maghera Beach, another stunning natural sight is just around the corner, just a 2-minute drive away. There’s a car park here that’s run by a local fella who charges a very reasonable €3 per car. It’s well worth the cost, as he also single-handedly maintains the pathways to the beach and caves.

It’s a bit of a walk into the beach from the car park, but as you stroll, you’ll be treated to stunning views and your breath will catch when the beach itself comes into sight. Perfect white sand, deep blue water, and dunes for shelter if the wind is strong, entice tourists from all over the world to visit this hidden gem.

The caves are only accessible at low tide, so be sure to check the tide times in advance if you want to visit them. With more than 20 caves, 8 arches, and 5 tunnels, there’s a lot to see here. According to legend, locals sheltered in the caves from Cromwell or the Vikings, depending on who you talk to.

Stop 4: Glencolumbkille for Lunch

As lunchtime draws near, enjoy a 28-minute drive through more gorgeous scenery to Glencolumbkille. Once you reach the pretty little town, head for either An Cistin or Cafe Blasta.

Both have their own spacious car parks, so there’s no need to worry about that. The seafood chowder at Cafe Blasta is superb and one of the best things ever on a cold, drizzly day.

At An Cistin, you’ll find an extensive menu that takes in dishes from around the world.

Stop 5: Malin Beg (Sliver Strand)

Once you’ve had a good feed, it’s back on the road to visit another beautiful beach. But before you get there, take time to enjoy the epic scenery along the 14-minute coast drive from Glencolumbkille to Malin Beg AKA Silver Strand.

Slightly off the beaten track, this is a remarkably peaceful beach to visit. The horseshoe-shaped bay is enclosed by cliffs that tower all around, offering a sense of tranquillity and utter beauty.

With crystal clear waters, it is a good beach for capable swimmers but bear in mind that there isn’t a lifeguard service here.

Warning: There’s 174 steps you’ll need to go down and up if you want to get to the sand, which won’t suit those of you with limited mobility

Stop 6: Sliabh Liag Cliffs

Sliabh Liag, or the Slieve League Cliffs, are the highest sea cliffs on mainland Ireland, towering a little over 600 metres above the sea. Three times higher than the cliffs of Moher, they boast spectacular scenery. It’ll take about half an hour to drive from Sliver Strand, and you have a couple of options in terms of parking.

Having said that, we strongly recommend you stick ‘Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience’ into Google Maps and park at the visitor centre there. From here, you can take a shuttle bus to the viewpoint for around €6. If you’re up for it, the steep walk up to the cliffs should take about 45 minutes each way. 

Alternatively, you can drive to the upper car park and from there, it’s just a fifteen-minute stroll to Bunglass Point, one of the best viewpoints for the mighty cliffs. However, this car park tends to be closed during the summer for all but coaches and those with mobility issues. Also, with a narrow road, often full of hikers, we don’t recommend it.

Following the Sliabh Liag walk, you’ll come across a WWII Eire coastal sign and enjoy breathtaking scenery at every turn. It’s also possible to organise a Slieve League Boat Tour, which is another fantastic way to see the cliffs.

Stop 7: Back to Ardara

After enjoying the epic Sliabh Liag Cliffs, jump back in the car and enjoy the 35-minute drive back to Ardara.

Once more, you’ll be passing through spectacular landscapes, and for good measure, why not drive back up the Glengesh Pass one last time? Drop by your accommodation, freshen up, and then hit the town once more.

Stop 8: Dinner, drinks and live music 

You’ll be leaving Ardara tomorrow, so make sure to visit any of the places you missed last night!

Our Ardara food recommendations

Nancy’s has been a staple of Ardara for many years now and its age is reflected in the lovely rustic interior that’s full of wood finishes and stone floors. Not only will you be set for a few creamy pints here, but they also do a fantastic food selection, including fresh oysters.

You’ll also get a warm welcome at Mickalene’s on Main Street. Winner of Ulster Gastro Pub of the Year 2019 at the Food Awards Ireland, their fare is hearty, well-sourced and tasty.

Our Ardara pub recommendations

There’s certainly no shortage of great pubs in Ardara. If you were to construct a pub crawl of Ardara, then Teague’s Bar at the top of Main Street would be a fine place to start. Its unfussy décor and friendly atmosphere mean you can sit back and enjoy your pint without too much bother.

Lying at the other end of my imaginary pub crawl is Doherty’s, where its bright pink and green exterior would be hard to miss, even after a few too many! There’s live music and a fine food selection here (including pizza) to keep the good times rolling.

The Corner House is definitely one of the best places to catch live music and regular trad sessions in Ardara. Settled right at the apex of the town centre, the Corner House Bar is also steeped in the history of the village.

Day 5: 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. 

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!