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Car rental in Donegal - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Donegal

Donegal

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Donegal

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Donegal

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Donegal

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Rent a Car in Donegal?

Donegal, with its rugged coastline and stunning landscapes, offers a unique driving experience. While public transport is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore its hidden gems.

Uncover Hidden Gems: Donegal's true beauty lies beyond the well-trodden paths. A rental car allows you to discover secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages at your own pace.

Navigate with Ease: Public transport can be limited, especially in rural areas. With a car, you can efficiently navigate Donegal's diverse terrain, from winding coastal roads to mountainous landscapes.

Tailor Your Itinerary: Escape the constraints of fixed schedules and create a personalised adventure. Stop wherever you please, whether it's a scenic viewpoint or a cosy pub, and make the most of your time in Donegal.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Donegal

Before renting a car in Donegal, be sure you are aware of the common rental terms and conditions. Make sure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), have a valid licence (IDP may be required), and are aware of insurance options and possible extra fees.

Area

4,861 square kilometres (1,877 square miles)

Population

Approximately 160,000 residents

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0)

Ideal for

Short-term and long-term rental

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6 PM in Letterkenny and surrounding areas

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Donegal require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some providers may have a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required for all rentals. If your licence is not in English or Irish, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. A passport and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Donegal – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%

Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts

Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Donegal?

Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for navigating small towns or an SUV for exploring rugged terrain.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Donegal

Donegal, in northwest Ireland, is renowned for its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, and rich cultural heritage. Ideal for scenic drives and historical explorations, it's best explored with a car to navigate its diverse landscape.

Donegal is a gem on Ireland’s northwest coast. It is one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions in Ireland, offering an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant towns. While public transport options are available, renting a car is a practical option if you plan to explore beyond the main towns and cities, such as the Wild Atlantic Way, Glenveagh National Park or Slieve League cliffs. Driving within Donegal requires an understanding of local road conditions, parking, and fuel access to ensure a smooth and stress-free driving experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Slieve League Cliffs

    Towering sea cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Glenveagh National Park

    A vast wilderness featuring mountains, lakes, forests, and a stunning castle.

  • Malin Head

    Ireland's most northerly point, offering dramatic coastal scenery.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Available in larger towns like Letterkenny and Donegal Town, offering secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited in smaller towns, especially during peak season.

  • Park & Ride

    Not widely available, but some towns offer peripheral parking with shuttle services to the centre.

Gas Stations in Donegal

  • Major Brands Available

    Look for stations from brands like Top, Maxol, Circle K and Texaco.

  • Availability in Rural Areas

    Plan ahead as fuel stations can be scarce in more remote areas.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Google Maps or similar apps help locate nearby stations in real time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Donegal

  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads

    Many rural roads are narrow and winding, so drive with caution.

  • Watch for Sheep

    Livestock often roam freely, especially in mountainous areas.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Distances can be deceiving due to road conditions, so plan accordingly.

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Widely accepted in most establishments.

Key Transportation Hubs in Donegal

Major Bus Stations

Letterkenny Bus Station

The main hub for Bus Éireann services in Donegal, connecting to various destinations.

Railway Stations

No active railway stations

Donegal has no operational railway stations. Bus services are the primary mode of public transport.

Airports

Donegal Airport (CFN)

Located in Carrickfinn, offering flights to Dublin and Glasgow.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Donegal?

Renting a car in Ireland is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.

  • If you're from Ireland, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Donegal as

3.9

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Relaxing, kinda slow

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 21.03.2025

Meh. Food was bland.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 11.01.2025

Heard amazing things, and Donegal delivered! Exploring the stunning coastline with our rental car was effortless and unforgettable.

OD

Olivia Davis

Reviewed: 28.09.2024

Scenic, kinda chill

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 28.01.2025

Okay, kinda underwhelming. Midges!

JL

Jasper Lee

Reviewed: 26.04.2025

Gorgeous scenery! Donegal exceeded expectations. A bit disappointed the local craft shop selection was limited, but I'll be back!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 10.05.2025

Pretty chill, really.

LO

Liam O'Malley

Reviewed: 27.12.2024

Absolutely stunning coastal drives! Exploring Donegal was a dream, though the weather was a bit unpredictable.

AP

Anya Petrova

Reviewed: 18.03.2025

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