10 Inishown Hotels That Make The Perfect Base To Explore From

If you’re in search of the best hotels Inishowen has to offer, you’ve landed in the right place.

This mighty corner of Ireland is home to a number of hotels that have racked up some excellent reviews over the years.

And the vast majority of them are finely placed for exploring the sensational Inishowen Peninsula and its many attractions.

In the guide below, you’ll find the best hotels in Inishowen, from the much-loved Inishowen Gateway Hotel to some lesser-known spots that still pack a fine punch!

What we think are the best hotels Inishowen has to offer

Section one is packed with what are our favourite Inishowen hotels. This section is a mix of old and new places to stay, with each boasting great reviews on Booking.com.

Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. The Inishowen Gateway Hotel

Located in beautiful Buncrana, the Inishowen Gateway Hotel boasts beachfront views, a wellness spa, 20m indoor pool and a bar.

The Buncrana Beach is also a stone’s throw away, if you fancy a wee dip in the sea and guests can go golfing at the Buncrana Golf Course.

The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated and come with a work desk, tea and coffee facilities and an en suite bathroom (some have sea views).

If you read the reviews for the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, you’ll get a good idea as to why it’s regarded by many as one of the best hotels in Donegal.

2. Redcastle Hotel

This luxurious 4-star is one of the more popular spa hotels in Donegal and you’ll find it nestled on the shores of Lough Foyle, boasting an impressive indoor pool, spa and fine restaurant.

It’s impossible not to feel chilled here. Its location gives the hotel a natural charm, with lovely views over Magilligan Beach and Lough Foyle.

The stylish rooms incorporate part of the buildings 18th-century architecture. The hotel resort even comes with a 9-hole golf course and a modern gym.

This is one of the more indulgent hotels Inishown has to offer, and it’s great if you’re looking to mark a special occasion.

3. The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa

Also known as “Ireland’s Most Northerly 4-star Hotel” and widely regarded as one of the best beach hotels in Donegal, this award-winning hotel in Inishowen offers stunning views towards Malin Head.

The modern rooms ooze elegance and the fitness centre and spa equipped with everything from a pool and a steam room to a sauna and Jacuzzi await you.

If you’re looking for Inishowen hotels that’ll make a great base for a couples getaway, this place is well worth checking out.

4. Lake of Shadows Hotel

The Lake of Shadows is one of our favourite Inishowen Hotels. This boutique seaside hotel is situated in Buncrana, a prime location on the peninsula.

The hotel is just 5 minutes from the town centre and Lough Swilly. All rooms were recently refurbished, creating an elegant and comfy atmosphere.

The hotel might be small but it’s reasonably priced and full of character. The food, in particular, is known for being top-notch here.

5. McGrory’s Hotel

Next up in our guide to the best hotels Inishowen has to offer is the very popular McGrory’s Hotel. Situated in Culdaff village, this family-run hotel has a reputation for providing guests with a traditional Donegal experience.

From the freshest of fresh seafood to traditional music in the bar to the down-to-earth staff, it all feels as though you are staying in someone’s home, and I mean that in a good way!

The hotel is only a few minutes drive away from Culdaff Beach where you can go swimming, canoeing or even surfing. 

More Inishowen hotels and guesthouses with rave reviews

Now that we have our favourite hotels in Inishowen out of the way, it’s time to see what else the peninsula has to offer.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from The Castle Inn and the Ballyliffin Townhouse to some very unique places to stay in Inishowen.

1. Ballyliffin Townhouse Boutique Hotel

Out of the many Inishowen hotels in this guide, the Ballyliffin Townhouse comes the most recommended, with guests raving about the standard of both the rooms and the service.

Situated in the seaside town of Ballyliffin and on the route of the Wild Atlantic Way, this 4-star family-run boutique hotel is nothing short of magical

The spacious rooms come with super king-sized beds as well as a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and deluxe en suite bathroom.

Not too far from the hotel is Glenevin Waterfall, Tullagh Strand and Pollan Strand (two perfect unspoiled beaches to check out).

2. The Castle Inn

Nestled within the scenic village of Greencastle, the Castle Inn boasts bright, elegant rooms with the added bonus of amazing ocean views.

Each room has a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. The Castle Inn is also next to the ruins of Northburg Castle and the Lough Foyle Ferry is only 300 metres away.

Guests can also enjoy hiking nearby or simply just chill in the garden and Benone Beach is 1.2 km from the guesthouse.

Although the Castle Inn is a guesthouse, it could go toe-to-toe with some of the more popular hotels Inishowen has to offer.

3. Templeview Lodge

Situated in Greencastle, this guest house offers stunning views from the comfort of a spacious and cosy room. There is also a shared lounge and garden if you fancy a bit of socialising.

One of the biggest highlights is the host Sheila, who is more than happy to tailor your experience during your stay, such as offering helpful tips about hidden gems or advise on getting from A to B or a bit of banter.

4. Sea Vista Boutique Accommodation

Situated in Greencastle, this guest house offers stunning views that go toe-to-toe with the best hotels Inishowen has to offer.

Honesty, hit play on the video above – it really is something else! This is a 5-star escape and many of the rooms, each of which is beautifully decked out, offer stunning coastal views.

5. Malin Head View B&B

Malin Head View B&B located in Ballygorman village, right at the very top of Donegal. The location is absolutely fantastic, from the breakfast room you can get panoramic ocean views, getting you primed for the adventures that await you.

Rooms are comfy, a lot of attention to detail and en suite. You can take a little walk from the house to get to a rocky beach though there is so much more to do around the area.

What hotels in Inishowen have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some hotels in Inishowen from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about places to stay in Inishowen

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Where’s good for couples?’ to ‘Which of the Inishowen hotels would suit a family?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.