Major city · Ireland
LetterkennyLeitir Ceanainn
Use Letterkenny as a 2-night base for Glenveagh and the north Donegal coast, not as a sight in itself: the town is a hub, the scenery is 20–75 km (12–47 mi) out.Use Letterkenny as a 2-night base for Glenveagh and the north Donegal coast, not as a sight in itself: the town is a hub, the scenery is 12–47 mi (20–75 km) out.
Letterkenny is County Donegal's largest town and its transport and shopping hub, sitting above Lough Swilly about 20 km from Glenveagh National Park. The town centre is compact and walkable, but the coast, the national park and the mills all need a car or a bus. Most travellers use it as a practical base for two nights rather than a destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days); rally weekend in June books out beds
- Airports
- LDY · CFN · BFS · DUB
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Letterkenny112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Letterkenny, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyOne of Ireland's safer towns; the real risks are weather, unlit coastal roads at night and the last-bus problem on outlying routes.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue · 999 Same services (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLDY City of Derry (About 40 min by road; flights from London Heathrow, Liverpool and Glasgow.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiMetered; nationally regulated.€10–14 (≈ US$12–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€28 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €160 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LDY City of Derry (About 40 min by road; flights from London Heathrow, Liverpool and Glasgow.) · CFN Donegal Airport (West coast, about 1 h 30 min by road; small regional flights.) · BFS Belfast International (About 2 h by road via Derry.) · DUB Dublin (About 3 h 30 min by road; Expressway 32 bus runs every couple of hours.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Care
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May, Jul–Sep. Mixed: Jun. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Apr (15). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Letterkenny: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
16 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
17 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
18 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
17 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
19 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
19 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable end to end in about 20 minutes. For Glenveagh, Newmills, Glebe House, Fanad Head and Malin Head you need a car or a Local Link bus. Taxis wait on Market Street and by the bus station and must use the meter; fares are nationally regulated. Car hire is available in town, but airport pickup is usually easier.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Glenveagh National Park
goDoor to door: About 40 min by car
Car on the R251 via Churchill, about 25 min; or Local Link 971 from Letterkenny
Castle by guided tour only; park grounds free. Check castle days before you go.
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Car 5 km (3.1 mi) west on the R250Car 3.1 mi (5 km) west on the R250
Working waterwheel; seasonal opening, check dates.
Glebe House and Gallery
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Car on the R251 towards Churchill
Regency house and garden; small entry fee, seasonal.
Fanad Head
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via Ramelton and Milford
Lighthouse and cliffs; a half-day with the coast road.
Malin Head
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Car via Carndonagh and the Inishowen peninsula
Ireland's northern tip; a full day, better with an overnight in Inishowen.
Beltany Stone Circle
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Car 14 km (8.7 mi) southeast near RaphoeCar 8.7 mi (14 km) southeast near Raphoe
Free, open access; a short stop on the way to Donegal Town.
Derry
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Expressway 64 bus, every two hours
Walled city across the border; no border checks on the bus.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Main Street and Port Road)
Walk to pubs, restaurants and the bus station; best for a car-free stay.
Bus station and Port Road
Expressway and Local Link departures on the doorstep; handy for one-night stops.
Ramelton Road and the ring road
Chain hotels with parking; 15–25 min walk or a short taxi to the centre.
Out of town (Glenveagh, Churchill, Ramelton)
Quieter and closer to the park; you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–140 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or guesthouse double room1 × 2 nights × €130 | €260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €95 | €380 |
| Expressway 32 from Dublin, one way2 × €25 · check | €50 |
| Local Link 971 to Glenveagh, one way2 × €5 · check | €10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €73 |
| Trip total≈ €201 per person per day, bed included | €803≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Fish and chips | €12–16 (≈ US$14–19) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| 5 km taxiMetered; nationally regulated. | €10–14 (≈ US$12–17) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Outlying sights have no useful evening bus back: check the last Local Link departure before you set out.
- Some seasonal sites close outside May–September: check opening dates before travelling.
- Rally weekend in June fills every bed in town: book months ahead or stay in Derry or Donegal Town.
- Rain arrives fast off the Atlantic; a waterproof shell beats an umbrella on the coast.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue
- 112
- Same services (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
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LetterkennyLeitir Ceanainn
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue112
- Same services (alternative)999
Embassy
No embassy in Letterkenny; US and UK embassies are in Dublin, and the US also has a consulate in Belfast. Consular help for most countries: Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Expressway 32, Dublin to Letterkenny: about €25 (≈ US$30), 4 h (check)
- Expressway 64, Derry to Letterkenny: about €6 (≈ US$7), 30 min (check)
- Taxi across town: €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) metered
Say or show
- Dia dhuit — Hello (jeea ghwitch)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
- Cá bhfuil an stáisiún bus? — Where is the bus station? (kaw will an staw-shoon bus)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
Tourist information is inside An Grianán Theatre on Port Road, open M–Sa 9AM–5PM (check).
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Letterkenny. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days); rally weekend in June books out beds · month by month →
- 4 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for LDY and CFN: last bus and taxi fallbacks, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street and Market Square, Port Road and the bus station, Cathedral Square, the retail parks.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Glenveagh, Newmills, Glebe House, County Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialLetterkenny official town site
- officialDonegal County Council — County Museum
- officialGlenveagh National Park
- officialHeritage Ireland — Newmills Corn and Flax Mills
- officialHeritage Ireland — Glebe House and Gallery
- officialSt Eunan's Cathedral
- officialAn Grianán Theatre
- officialRegional Cultural Centre
- officialBus Éireann Expressway
- officialLocal Link Donegal
- secondaryWikivoyage: Letterkenny, revision 5327708 (CC BY-SA 4.0)