Top Hotels in County Donegal
Top Things to do in County Donegal
The 10 best hotels in County Donegal, Ireland
Discover the best hotels in County Donegal including Lough Eske Castle, Shandon Hotel and Spa, Mill Park Hotel, Villa Rose Hotel & Spa, Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Kee's Hotel, Leisure & Wellness Centre, The Harbour Inn, Great Northern Hotel, Redcastle Hotel, Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel.
Things to do in County Donegal
1. Lough Eske Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3536 reviews
Lough Eske Castle is a historic castle dating to the 15th century and closely identified with the O'Donnell Clan, the founding fathers of Donegal. Set in a secluded storybook location within 43 acres of native woodland on the shores of Lough Eske with the dramatic Bluestack Mountains as a stunning backdrop, it is the ideal place to relax and experience superior hospitality and exceptional friendly service. Winner of the 'World's Best Luxury Country Hotel' title in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and topping 'My Guide Ireland's Top 10 Hotels in Ireland, this lovingly restored castle hotel blends its historic past with a dash of contemporary luxury where you can escape into a world of relaxed elegance. From the spa to the dining table to your beautifully appointed guestroom, we provide a truly accommodating environment where our dedication to the guest is thoughtful, reliable, consistent and complete - a place where superb service and superior amenities make every day here a perfect day.
Outstanding
Reviewed By barbaramhicdhonnachaI had the best 2 nights here with my family. The grounds are stunning, beautiful location, fabulous hotel. Ate in the bar the first night and the restaurant the second. We were disappointed we didn't dine both nights in the restaurant as it was so much better. The staff were so attentive and friendly. Our room was just gorgeous. We stayed in the main building. Great pool, spa and thermal suite. We will definitely return.
2. Shandon Hotel and Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2202 reviews
The Shandon hotel & spa overlooks the breathtakingly beautiful Sheephaven Bay and is located on the Wild Atlantic Way Route being just a short drive from Dunfanaghy and Horn Head. This reasonably new Donegal Hotel is probably one of very few hotels that can say that almost every bedroom has a spectacular view of the sea, the lobby, bar, swimming pool, thermal spa, relaxation room & outdoor Canadian hot-tub all, overlook the beautiful bay, hills & countryside.
Really wanted to rate it higher
Reviewed By pixxiepieMyself and my husband stayed in the hotel on the Sunday of the June Bank holiday. While it was fab to get away for the night as we only live 30 minutes away, we had a few issues with our stay. First off, our experience at reception on check in and check out was fabulous, the nicest girls working there and they are a credit to the hotel. Food was absolutely beautiful in beats bar we couldn't fault it and the entertainment was absolutely fantastic and lively. Really nice vibe. But the service in the bar was atrocious. I worked in the hospitality industry for 13 years of my life at waitressing level all the way to management so I like to give the benefit of the doubt, but I couldn't excuse the service or lack of service. We ordered 4 drinks each for the duration of our time in the bar that evening and every single drink was forgotten about and the waitresses that took our order didn't bother with us,they didn't seem bothered that we would have to go to the bar for our drinks that we ordered off them. Once even twice you would forgive it but everytime was very frustrating. I understand they were busy during dinner service but that eventually died down and the problem still existed. We brushed it off and enjoyed our night... .. Until the glass door at the leisure centre was broken into at 1am and we happened to be in the room next to the leisure centre and for 20 minutes before that there was obnoxious banging of the door. We didn't know what was going on and we were afraid to go outside our door. Obviously this isnt the hotels fault but there was still broken glass at our door the next morning. The door was blocked off with a laundry hamper. Overall, it was great to get away and the food and the spa were superb. But the service we experienced was really awful and the broken down door by a guest in the hotel really dampened our experience.
3. Mill Park Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1330 reviews
The hotel offers 110 guest bedrooms, which have been individually designed with comfort, style and convenience in mind; these include executive rooms and luxurious suites for your complete indulgence. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of the state of the art gymnasium & swimming pool, sauna & steam room, including a children's pool. Or alternatively, relax in the wellness center for absolute relief from the stresses and strains of everyday living.
Three day visit.
Reviewed By Adrian SEnjoyed our break from the moment we checked in to our last minute there. The staff were so helpful , informative and friendly. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful well maintained gardens. We had stayed there last September and had a great time, so no surprise we returned. Lovely rooms, first class food, what more could you ask for. Will be back.
4. Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1660 reviews
Villa Rose is an ideal base from which to experience destination Donegal. Whether you are visiting for our central location, a relaxing spa break or a Villa Rose Wedding, we endeavour to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Established by the Gallen Family in the year 2000, Villa Rose is a stylish and contemporary hotel with 55 bedrooms and 2 signature suites. Popular as both a girlie spa destination and as a short break getaway for couples. A visit to our award-winning spa for rest and relaxation is a must. Dine in one of our restaurants or bars with both casual and a la carte options available.
Top class service and food
Reviewed By Rebeccab1231xxAte in the restaurant Saturday evening. We had an excellent meal. I had the arancini to start and he was given a taster of the soup as didn't want a starter which was a lovely touch. I had the chicken supreme which was delicious and my partner had the fillet steak. He said it was cooked really nice. He then had chocolate pudding and I had the creme brulee. The only negative I would have to say is the shortbread alongside the creme brulee was not appetizing at all, it tasted like pastry. We will be back though and will recommend !
5. Inishowen Gateway Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1568 reviews
The Inishowen Gateway Hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way, Buncrana Co. Donegal, offers guests stunning views of Lough Swilly leading out to the Atlantic Ocean with the majestic mountains sitting imposingly in the background. Enjoy a cool pint of Guinness watching the world go by in our Loughview Bar or dine in our Peninsula Restaurant with a menu that changes everyday, again with fantastic views over the Lough, you will be impressed by the views of this beautiful part of the world whilst relaxing and having the craic. Our friendly Donegal service makes our guests feel at ease with the knowledge that nothing is too much trouble. With a purpose built Planet Active Kids facility to keep the little ones occupied, to a state of the art Gym in our Health & Fitness Centre which also has a 20 metre straight, deck level swimming pool, a Seagrass Spa complex, 80 well appointed bedrooms, Inishowen Gateway is your Gateway to a wonderful breakaway for fun, exploring or simply taking it easy!
Family wedding
Reviewed By Lindsay_AdrianBeautiful hotel, stunning wedding. Really lovely, hard working staff. I recommend they all get a pay rise, especially Brendan and Ciara . If you do one persons job well, you should be paid well. These guys were doing the work or 3 or 4 so I hope they are getting a pay rise!!! Thank you! It's the staff that make the experience we really appreciate it! X
6. Kee's Hotel, Leisure & Wellness Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1243 reviews
In the twin towns of Stranorlar and Ballybofey, near the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains, you'll find Donegal's warmest welcome at Kee's Hotel, family run since 1892. The bedrooms are bright and comfortable, offering the high standards expected by any seasoned traveller. The restaurant offers the finest local seasonal specialties. Spend quality time in the gym, sauna, pool or beauty salon. Ideally located for hill-walking, golf and touring. Numerous awards from international tour operators.
June Bank Holiday
Reviewed By I2944ELjadecFood was absolutely beautiful, always love the food here, such a great menu and everything is fresh & tasty! But the bar is very poor, to no fault of the workers. Your bar offers cocktails but bar staff have not been trained how to make the cocktails correctly, have sent back cocktails in the past. Ordered cocktail this weekend but not enough ingredients there to make said cocktail. Not enough bar staff, waiting a long time on service again no fault of bar staff it’s up to who ever is training/employing them to over see this. If you cannot provide proper cocktails then do not advertise them. Also definitely need more bar staff, if you do not want people drinking alcohol on premises then simply don’t have a bar as it’s not working out.
7. The Harbour Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
The Harbour Inn is located 1km outside the seaside town of Buncrana, with the Hotel situated on the shores of Lough Swilly. The Harbour Inn offers 30 En-Suite bedrooms with family, double, twin, triple and single rooms available, offering food 7 days a week with live music in the bar every weekend. The Northwest Golf Club is just a 5 minute walk and the world renowned Ballyliffin Golf Club, who hosted the Irish Open 2018 is just a 20 minute drive. We are the perfect base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, with Ireland’s most Northerly Point, Malin Head being just a 30 minute drive away.
Very disappointed
Reviewed By OPH2008Extremely disappointed in our meal tonight. Nacho’s to start lacked meat was basically a bowl of crisps. Chicken goujons very small (4) over cooked burnt and chicken was dried up,the garlic potatoes were swimming in grease and over done. The chips with the cod were rubbery and basically the tail end of potatoes. The only positive thing was the cod. To pay €16.00 for 4 dried up burnt goujons was an absolute disgrace. Whoever cooked these knew they weren’t good as the very burnt one was hidden under the other three A waste of €50.00 won’t be back
8. Great Northern Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1828 reviews
This luxury hotel in Bundoran Co Donegal is located on an 18 hole championship golf course and boasts a beautiful Leisure & Conference Centre. After your meal you can enjoy a relaxing drink in our lounge bars or dance the night away in our Atlantic Ballroom. Enjoy the charms of our Tir-Chonail Dining Room open daily with a full dinner menu on offer.
Anniversary celebration
Reviewed By dd0naghy1Disappointed as it was our anniversary and a family get together due to also returning my mother’s ashes back to her home town Ballyshannon Was recommended this hotel and left feeling more than dissatisfied
9. Redcastle Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2539 reviews
A warm Irish welcome awaits you at the four star Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel. With a magical waterfront location, overlooking Lough Foyle on the picturesque Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, it’s the perfect getaway for a short break or family holiday at home.Set among mature woodland with 93 guest rooms including suites and family rooms and sea view rooms, our own 9-hole parkland golf course and exclusive Thalasso Spa, the Resort oozes charm, style and warm hospitality. Our Waters Edge Restaurant is appropriately named with breathtaking views across Lough Foyle and a menu that features the finest local seafood and fare.
Our Wedding Day
Reviewed By NiamhmcvWe recently just got married on 6th of May 2022 and had our reception with the Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel. Our day was perfect from start to finish, honestly our guests did not stop talking about how amazing it was and how lovely everything was. The whole booking process was really easy and stress free, the staff were so so helpful and made the planning side of things very enjoyable. Nothing was too much for them.There were also a few extra touches which was a surprise to us on the day (I won't ruin it for anyone) but honestly they were just amazing and made our day even more special. The food was honestly amazing, and the service was top class, there was nobody sitting around waiting ages for food or other guests finished before other tables, everyone was served so quickly and I couldn't explain just how excellent the service truly was. If anyone is thinking of booking there wedding with this hotel, don't even think twice about it as they really are top class. We can't wait to go back for a stay.
10. Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 529 reviews
The Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel is the only hotel in the centre of the beautiful heritage town of Ardara in County Donegal. Fully refurbished in 2016/17 the hotel boasts 49 ensuite bedrooms. At Ramblers Bar & Restaurant our award winning chefs will delight you with the best of local fresh produce. With daily deliveries of fresh fish from Killybegs Port and sumptuous meats from Dunkineely both only a small distance from the hotel, our menus offer a great variety of dishes with options for vegetarians also. Upstairs @ Ramblers, is an ideal spot for more formal dining where many a party has had a great night. FREE High Speed WIFI is available for all guest to catch up with the news of the day. Weavers Suite is the ideal place for bigger groups, weddings or meetings. Conal Haughey Suite offers private dining along with great meeting space with all up to date technology. There are an amazing amount of activities and attractions in the area to suit all our guests desires.
Wouldnt recommended for food
Reviewed By Samantha MWent there for dinner and the starters were cold and wouldnt recommend the garlic mushrooms they were half warm and half freezing cold . I asked for the chicken with no mushroom sauce wanted pepper sauce instead it came out covered in mushroom sauce. The waitress wrote it down it the chef seems to don't care. Just becareful if you have kids going to check there food makes sure its hot and done. Be safer prob going somewhere else.
