Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Donegal
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Donegal
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Donegal
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Donegal
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Donegal as
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.
Meh. Food was bland.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
Heard amazing things, and Donegal delivered! Exploring the stunning coastline with our rental car was effortless and unforgettable.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Scenic, kinda chill
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.01.2025
Okay, kinda underwhelming. Midges!
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!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Liam O'Malley
Reviewed: 27.12.2024
Absolutely stunning coastal drives! Exploring Donegal was a dream, though the weather was a bit unpredictable.
Anya Petrova
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
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Relaxing, kinda slow
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 21.03.2025