Travel Budget for County Donegal Visit County Donegal on a Budget or Travel in Style

County Donegal, Ireland
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County Donegal is a rugged county known for its natural landscape with rugged mountains and scenic coastlines. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're relaxing on the beaches, hiking in nature, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to County Donegal that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to County Donegal?

A typical traveler spends $45,011 (€38,367) per day on a trip to County Donegal. This is the average daily price for a vacation in County Donegal based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $18,857 (€16,074) on meals
  • $5,882 (€5,014) on local transportation
  • $37,165 (€31,680) on hotels

A one-week trip to County Donegal for two people costs, on average, $630,149 (€537,138). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $45,011
    €38,367
  • One Week Per person
    $315,074
    €268,569
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $630,149
    €537,138
  • One Month Per person
    $1,350,319
    €1,151,010
  • One Week For a couple
    $630,149
    €537,138
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,260,298
    €1,074,276
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,700,638
    €2,302,020
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to County Donegal cost?

A one week trip to County Donegal usually costs around $315,074 (€268,569) for one person and $630,149 (€537,138) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to County Donegal on average costs around $630,149 (€537,138) for one person and $1,260,298 (€1,074,276) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in County Donegal will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to County Donegal on average costs around $1,350,319 (€1,151,010) for one person and $2,700,638 (€2,302,020) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is County Donegal expensive to visit?

In County Donegal, budget travelers spend $12,055 (€10,297) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $44,916 (€38,367) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $196,501 (€167,847) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to County Donegal.

County Donegal is a popular county that attracts many visitors who have various travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

You may find County Donegal to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, County Donegal is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as County Donegal.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is County Donegal Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to County Donegal?

The average County Donegal trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these County Donegal travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to County Donegal cost?

County Donegal on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$5,074
(€4,325) 		$18,583
(€15,840) 		$80,033
(€68,220)
Local Transportation1 $1,483
(€1,264) 		$5,882
(€5,014) 		$27,120
(€23,117)
Food2 $4,993
(€4,256) 		$18,857
(€16,074) 		$83,489
(€71,166)
Entertainment1 $2,583
(€2,202) 		$10,201
(€8,695) 		$46,882
(€39,962)
Alcohol2 $340-1,020
(€290-869) 		$1,293-3,878
(€1,102-3,306) 		$5,758-17,275
(€4,908-14,725)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit County Donegal on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $12,055 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting County Donegal generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $44,916 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $196,501. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the county means you'll need a more luxurious budget.



Accommodation Budget in County Donegal

The range of hotel prices in County Donegal can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $. From $ for budget hotels to $ for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in County Donegal for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $37,165 (€31,680). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $18,583 (€15,840) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $18,583
    €15,840
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $37,165
    €31,680

Hotels in County Donegal

Looking for a hotel in County Donegal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in County Donegal

County Donegal is a great destination for families, and if you're traveling with kids, an apartment with extra space might be ideal.

Visitors often spend a week in County Donegal. If you're planning to stay for a while, consider getting a vacation rental with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.

Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.



Transportation Budget in County Donegal

County Donegal lacks an efficient public transit system. There are local buses through the county but to make the most of your visit you need your own vehicle.

Unfortunately, getting around the county on foot can be quite challenging. While some of the towns are walkable, to really enjoy the region you have to have access to a vehicle.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $5,882 (€5,014) per person, per day, on local transportation in County Donegal. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in County Donegal is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $5,882
    €5,014

The main airport of the region is Donegal Airport, located on the west coast. Flights operate twice daily all year round from Donegal to Dublin Airport, with a schedule four times weekly from Donegal to Glasgow International Airport.

Letterkenny is the largest city in County Donegal. The Bus Eireann Travel Centre in Letterkenny provides bus service to Derry, Dublin, Galway, and many other locations. See their website for schedule details.

Being a fairly rural and large county, the easiest way to navigate the area is by car. Renting a vehicle offers much convenience to see what you want to see with easier access to the more rural towns, and no grueling bus rides.

Transportation Tips

When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.



Flights to County Donegal
How much does it cost to go to County Donegal? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in County Donegal
The price of renting a car in County Donegal will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in County Donegal

Cuisine in County Donegal is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the county to discover. This is the land of fish and chips, but you'll also find plenty of other seafood restaurants serving locally caught fish. There are also many pubs around where you can grab a fish dinner with a pint. Land lovers will also find plenty of meat dishes like roast beef or pork chops.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in County Donegal can vary significantly, the average cost of food in County Donegal is $18,857 (€16,074) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $18,857
    €16,074

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in County Donegal is around $18818 (€16074) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4983 to $83315. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in County Donegal are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $1882 to $5645
  • Lunch: $2823 to $7527
  • Dinner: $5645 to $13173
  • Coffee: $1505
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $2823

Many are familiar with the traditional Irish favorites beef and Guinness stew, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage-the list goes on. Plus, one cannot miss some of the domestic brews like Smithwicks, Guinness, and Harp. Northern Ireland, however, also has some of its own unique cuisine, the best known traditional dish being the Ulster fry. It is a breakfast dish prepared with griddle breads like soda bread and potato which are fried until crisp and golden and served with Bacon, sausages, an egg, a tomato and sometimes mushrooms or pancakes. Pubs, of course, are a staple anywhere in Ireland, most featuring nightly entertainment of traditional Irish tunes.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.

A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Save some money and appreciate the beautiful scenery by having a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic spot for your meal.

Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.

Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in County Donegal

It's easy to see why people visit County Donegal, given its beaches, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in County Donegal typically cost an average of $10,201 (€8,695) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $10,201
    €8,695

One of the most popular attractions of County Donegal is Glenveagh National Park. It is the second largest national park in Ireland, covering about 170 square kilometers of mountains, raised boglands, lakes, and woodlands. Glenveagh Castle is an architectural highlight of the park, a 19th century castellated mansion crafted from local granite. Its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat, and its preserved condition offers a glimpse of a lifestyle belonging to another age. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle.

Another important castle of the region is Donegal Castle, located in Donegal Town. As mentioned earlier, it was an important fortress of the O'Donnel clan, has since been restored, and is open to the public for touring and Gaelic cultural events.

Most of the other sites of Donegal County consist of striking natural features. The Slieve League, for example, is a mountain on the Atlantic coast that has some of the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland, reaching heights of up to 600 meters. Malin Head is the most northerly point of Ireland, located on the Inishowen Peninsula of County Donegal. This point where the land meets the sea is said to be breathtaking, wild and rugged with plenty of wildlife and an interesting wartime history. As far as the rest of the countryside goes, County Donegal is full of rolling mountains, scenic lakes, and beautiful waterfalls.



Being home to so many natural wonders, County Donegal is a hub for visitors looking to experience the outdoors of Ireland's unique landscape. From seaside cliffs and crashing waves to rolling mountains, sweeping green valleys, waterfalls, glens, and lakes, County Donegal is full of opportunity for the outdoor explorer. Glenveagh National Park with a wilderness of its own has become a haunt for many interesting plants and animals. You might catch sight of some along any of the park's marked trails, from pleasant walks to mountainous "hillwalking." If you find yourself further north, on the Inishowen Peninsula, a walk to the 40-foot Glenevin Waterfall is also well-worth the journey.

Beyond exploring the unarguable natural beauty, a visit to any of the towns and villages of County Donegal will offer up another range of activities. From souvenir shopping for local crafts like woolen tapestries, blankets, and rugs, to hopping pubs, museums, galleries, and local life, each town of County Donegal is its own little hub of culture. Some of the best activity can be found in popular seaside resort town of Bundoran, as well as Donegal Town and Letterkenny.

As far as history goes, a place like Glencolmcille Folk Village sits as a thatched-roof replica of a rural village, down to the details of period furniture and artifacts. Designed, built and maintained by the local people, the Folk Village is one of Ireland's best living-history museums. Doagh Famine Village, on the other hand, offers another kind of historical experience with guided tours that take visitors through a journey of Ireland's struggles from the great famine up until present day.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in County DonegalPeople travel to County Donegal in droves to relax on the stunning beaches. There are sandy beaches and beautiful stretches of coastline to explore. Some of the top beaches in the county include Ballymastocker Bay, Portnoo Beach, and Fintra Bay.

Hiking:
Hiking in County DonegalDiscovering the hiking trails around County Donegal is a delight. The dramatic coastline, beautiful seaside cliffs, and beautiful mountains all offer a beautiful backdrop for hiking. Some of the best hikes in the county include the Inishowen Head Loop, Tory Island Loop, and the Garden Trail in Glenveagh National Park.



Nightlife Budget in County Donegal

If you're in County Donegal, you'll notice that the nightlife is pretty gentle and relaxed. The county is on the quieter side and not known for its nightlife. Letterkenny is where you'll find the best nightlife in the region, but many towns also host festivals that can be fun.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $2,586 (€2,204) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in County Donegal per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $2,586
    €2,204
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for County Donegal

  • Prices in the county rise and crowds swell during the peak summer season. For a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience, consider visiting in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Opting for a slower travel pace can help you keep your budget in check while enjoying the scenic beauty. If you overbook your days with activities, you'll find yourself spending more. But taking your time often results in lower costs and a more fulfilling experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • With limited public transportation in County Donegal, it could be wise to rent a car or arrange for transportation, such as a tour. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • County Donegal isn't exactly teeming with hostels, so if you were hoping to find a low-cost dorm, you might want to rethink that. Finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment could be your best bet.
Traveling in County Donegal
County Donegal Donegal Coast

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean on Northern Ireland's northwestern perimeter, County Donegal is a largely Irish-speaking region known for its castles, rugged coastline, and scenic mountain landscape. Until around 1600, the area was largely controlled by the O'Donnel clan, one of Ireland's richest and most powerful Gaelic ruling families. Their base was located in what is now Donegal Town at Donegal Castle, which still stands today.

Like many areas on the western seaboard of Ireland, Donegal has a world renowned fiddle tradition with songs featuring a distinctive sound that can be heard in just about any village pub. It also has a long literary tradition, beautiful wool textiles, and a largely Catholic population.



Regions

Donegal Town, home to Donegal Castle, is the place that gives County Donegal its name. It is a quaint town with a handful of pubs and inns, and offers easy access to sandy beaches as well as hiking in the nearby Bluestack Mountains. While the pubs do have some nightly traditional entertainment, a better selection of shops and social amenities can be found in other nearby towns.

Letterkenny, for example, is the largest and most populous urban settlement in County Donegal. The town boasts a movie theater, annual music festivals, as well as a lively nightlife with many bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from.

If you seek more of a quaint, but bustling village, Ardara is becoming more and more popular with visitors. There has been some recent growth with pubs and shops featuring local crafts made from wool-as it is the woolen center of County Donegal. There is also a weaving museum, plus music, dance, and art festivals throughout the year.

Bundoran is the most southerly town in County Donegal. A popular seaside resort, the town caters primarily to tourism with a large selection of inns, pubs, and local activities.

Related:

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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