Discover Letterkenny, Donegal’s lively gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way
Hotels in Letterkenny offer Donegal hospitality and touring convenience, from contemporary town centre properties near Main Street shopping to country house retreats on the edge of town and business hotels serving as gateways to northwest Ireland. You’ll find everything from traditional Irish guesthouses to modern hotels with leisure facilities, all positioned for exploring Glenveagh National Park, Fanad Head lighthouse, and the rugged coastline that makes Donegal Ireland’s most dramatic county. Whether you’re here for business, exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, or simply enjoying Irish market town character, there’s a stay to match your visit.
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Looking towards St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny
Where to Stay in Letterkenny
Letterkenny is Donegal’s largest town and commercial centre with hotels clustered around the town centre and along approach roads. Your choice shapes whether you wake to town bustle or countryside calm.
Town Centre and Main Street – The commercial heart with shopping, restaurants, pubs, and Cathedral Quarter with walkable access to amenities. Perfect for visitors wanting central convenience and evening entertainment.
Port Road and Business District – The approach from the south with business hotels, retail parks, and easy access to N56 routes. Ideal for business travellers and those touring Donegal by car.
Ramelton Road and North Approaches – Hotels on the northern edge with countryside views, quieter settings, and proximity to Fanad Peninsula routes. Suits families and those wanting peaceful surroundings near town.
Surrounding Countryside – Rural areas within 5-10 kilometres with country house hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and peaceful Donegal landscapes. Appeals to nature lovers and those seeking tranquil bases for exploring.
The R251 Highway close to Mount Errigal and Letterkenny
Best Hotels in Letterkenny
Letterkenny’s hotel scene balances touring practicality with Donegal warmth, from contemporary business properties to traditional Irish hospitality and country retreats. Whether you’re after town centre convenience, leisure facilities, or simply a comfortable base for Wild Atlantic Way adventures, there’s a stay to suit every traveller and budget.
Best Luxury Hotels in Letterkenny
Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny (4-star) – A contemporary hotel on Paddy Harte Road with spa, leisure club, restaurant, and modern comfort. Perfect for business travellers and families wanting full-service facilities.
Mount Errigal Hotel (4-star) – A well-established hotel with leisure centre, pools, family rooms, and convenient town edge location. Ideal for families and touring guests wanting reliable comfort.
Clanree Hotel (4-star) – A town centre property with spa, restaurant, contemporary design, and shopping proximity. Suits business guests and couples wanting central location with amenities.
Best Town Centre Hotels in Letterkenny
Station House Hotel (3-star) – A central hotel near the bus station with traditional Irish hospitality, restaurant, and walkable town access. Great for visitors arriving by bus and wanting central convenience.
McGinley’s Hotel (3-star) – A Main Street hotel with bar, restaurant, traditional character, and heart-of-town location. Perfect for shoppers and those wanting authentic Irish town hotel experience.
Best Business Hotels in Letterkenny
Letterkenny Court Hotel (4-star) – A modern hotel on Port Road with conference facilities, leisure club, and business district location. Ideal for corporate travellers and conferences.
Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa (4-star) – A contemporary property with extensive spa, leisure facilities, and convenient touring location. Suits wellness travellers and families wanting spa amenities.
Best Country Hotels near Letterkenny
Castle Grove Country House Hotel (4-star) – A Georgian mansion in 20 acres near Ramelton with fine dining, gardens, and peaceful countryside. Perfect for romantic getaways and couples seeking elegant rural retreat.
Rathmullan House (4-star) – A lakeside country house hotel 25 minutes from Letterkenny with beach, gardens, and Fanad Peninsula location. Ideal for nature lovers and those exploring coastal Donegal.
Best Guesthouse Hotels in Letterkenny
The Brewery (3-star) – A characterful guesthouse in a converted building with comfortable rooms and town centre location. Appeals to budget travellers wanting personality and convenience.
Rosslea House (3-star) – A welcoming guesthouse with home-cooked breakfast, comfortable rooms, and friendly hosts. Great for travellers seeking traditional Irish B&B hospitality.
Best Budget Hotels in Letterkenny
Port na Blagh Hotel (2-star) – A simple hotel near Dunfanaghy with basic rooms and coastal location. Perfect for budget travellers exploring northern Donegal.
Local B&Bs – Numerous family-run bed and breakfasts throughout Letterkenny offer budget-friendly stays with hearty Irish breakfasts and local knowledge.
Dooey Hostel (hostel) – A budget hostel in nearby Gortahork with dorms, shared facilities, and surf access. Ideal for backpackers and surfers exploring northwest Ireland.
Top Things to Do in Letterkenny
Glenveagh National Park – A stunning wilderness with castle, lakes, mountains, and red deer herds 30 minutes from Letterkenny. A must for nature lovers and hikers.
St. Eunan’s Cathedral – An imposing neo-Gothic cathedral dominating the town skyline with impressive architecture and stained glass. Perfect for architecture enthusiasts and peaceful reflection.
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills – A restored 19th-century mill complex showing traditional milling processes with working machinery and riverside walks. Great for history buffs and families.
Mount Errigal – Donegal’s highest peak with challenging hikes and panoramic views over the county. Appeals to experienced walkers and mountain enthusiasts.
Fanad Head Lighthouse – A dramatic lighthouse on the peninsula with coastal walks, visitor centre, and stunning Atlantic views. Ideal for photographers and coastal explorers.
Wild Atlantic Way Touring – Use Letterkenny as a base for exploring Donegal’s dramatic coastline including Malin Head, Slieve League cliffs, and sandy beaches. Perfect for road-trippers and scenery chasers.
Fanad Head Lighthouse
Getting to and Around Letterkenny
By Car: Letterkenny sits at the junction of N13, N14, and N56 routes making it Donegal’s transport hub, two hours from Derry and three hours from Belfast or Sligo.
By Bus: Bus Éireann and local operators connect Letterkenny to Derry, Dublin, Galway, and Donegal towns with the bus station centrally located on Port Road.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Derry/Londonderry 35 kilometres away with buses connecting to Letterkenny for onward train services to Belfast and Dublin.
Getting Around: Letterkenny town centre is walkable with Main Street and Cathedral Quarter within 15 minutes on foot, though a car is essential for exploring wider Donegal.
When to Visit Letterkenny
Spring (April to May) – Warming weather, blooming countryside, and moderate crowds make this ideal for exploring before summer peaks. Hotel prices are reasonable with comfortable conditions for Donegal touring.
Summer (June to August) – Peak season with warmest weather, busiest attractions, festivals, and highest hotel rates. Expect crowds during summer holidays though Letterkenny rarely feels overcrowded.
Autumn (September to October) – Comfortable temperatures, golden landscapes, harvest festivals, and thinning crowds create atmospheric conditions. Mid-range hotel prices with excellent touring weather.
Winter (November to February) – Cold, wet months with short days, quiet streets, lowest hotel rates, and cosy pub fires. Perfect for budget travellers and those embracing wild Donegal winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Letterkenny a good base for exploring Donegal?
Yes, Letterkenny’s central Donegal location makes it an excellent touring base with easy access to Glenveagh, Fanad Peninsula, Malin Head, and the Wild Atlantic Way within an hour’s drive.
Do I need a car in Letterkenny?
While Letterkenny town centre is walkable, a car is essential for exploring Donegal’s attractions, coastal routes, and national parks as public transport to rural areas is limited.
Are Letterkenny hotels cheaper than Dublin?
Yes, Letterkenny offers significantly better value than Dublin with similar quality hotels costing 40-60% less, making Donegal an affordable Irish destination.
Is Letterkenny worth visiting or just a touring base?
Letterkenny functions primarily as a touring base and shopping centre rather than a tourist destination itself, though the cathedral and mills offer interest for an afternoon.
Do Letterkenny hotels arrange Donegal tours?
Many hotels recommend local tour operators offering day trips to Glenveagh, Slieve League cliffs, coastal drives, and Malin Head with pickups from Letterkenny hotels.
Can I book Letterkenny hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Letterkenny Today
From contemporary leisure hotels to country house retreats, hotels in Letterkenny put you at the heart of Donegal’s touring routes. Whether you’re chasing Wild Atlantic Way drama, mountain hikes, or simply exploring Ireland’s northwest, there’s a perfect Donegal base waiting.
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