My husband and I are renting a cottage in County Donegal for a week in late September. We are flying into Dublin and we are trying to figure out if we should drive or fly to and from Donegal. Has anyone done this drive and know exactly how long it takes to drive from Dublin to Donegal town? Has anyone flown this route? Would you recommend it? Any advice would be great! Thanks!

I just checked out the driving route on AARoadwatch.ie and it has us driving through Northern Ireland - do you have to go through any checkpoints when you enter N. Ireland? If so does this cause any delays?

It's a relatively easy drive, and going through NI is not a problem -- no checkpoints or security issues.

From the airport, follow signposting to the M50 (south) and take the exit for the N3. It is a mostly single carriageway main road that goes all the way to Donegal. About 140 miles, delays possible passing through a couple of towns. Estimate four hours plus time for any stops you choose to make.

Thanks so much Padraig! That makes me feel much better about driving back to Dublin in time to catch our flight

Are you trying to drive this on your first day in Ireland? That is a very long drive if you are flying across the Atlantic that day.

Padraig is right, the drive through NI should be without incident. You will scarecely realize that you are in NI.

The other question is where in Co. Donegal? Once you get to Donegal, unless you are on the main roads, driving can be pretty slow.

Bill

We will be doing this drive after a good night's sleep in Dublin first...and we are actually going to Germany 1st for a few days, so this won't be right after a trans-atlantic flight

We are renting a cottage just outside of Dungloe and we can't check in until 4pm so we will be taking our time getting there. I was more concerned about our drive back to Dublin to make our 2:30 pm flight out....but we will give ourselves some extra time to get there.

Thanks!

You asked for timing to Donegal Town. Dungloe is a different question, and involves a change of route and a little bit more time.

From the airport, take the M1 northwards towards Belfast (€1.80 toll payable so have some cash ready); after about 30 miles, exit for Ardee/Derry; 7 mile link road takes you on to the N2, Dublin-Derry road; stay on this road for about 80 miles; as you approach Sion Mills, look for signposting for Castlefin and Stranorlar; on that road you will pick up signposting for Dungloe. It's a greater distance, and the last bit is on scenic rather than express routes; in compensation, the average speed for the first 140 miles should be a good deal higher. I'd allow 4.5 hours, but that is possibly generous.

This routing is an advantage returning to the airport, especially with your flight time, because you will have a cleaner run in, and be less vulnerable to traffic problems.

You could always check out the price of the flight - it's very handy - 40 mins flight

http://www.aerarann.com/

and it's 50 euros per person.....i'd fly

That's a real travel bargain that Lawchick has identified -- 50 euros return, no extras. I'd nearly do it myself just for the hell of it.

The airport is not too far from Dungloe, and you can hire a car there. The only issue is whether the times of flights are okay.

It's just about cheaper than the petrol at the moment.

My nephew took that flight to meet us all when we were staying on Cruit Island. The flight was fine.

Bill