1. What is included in a private tour?
Our private Donegal tours and extended tours of Ireland include travel in a luxurious VW transporter with a qualified and experienced Irish driver-guide. The itinerary is fully customised to you/your group and is flexible to accommodate any last minute changes on the day.
Accommodation, meals and attractions entries are not included in the price.
2. Can I join another tour?
Turas Cartha only offers private tours and transfers, meaning that you will only be travelling with your own group. It is not possible to combine multiple groups.
3. How many passengers can you take?
Travel is in a VW transporter with seating for eight passengers plus driver. Vehicle is insured and SPSV registered to carry passengers by the National Transport Authority.
4. How much of the Wild Atlantic Way is in Donegal?
The Wild Atlantic Way has been described as the longest defined coastal touring route in the world. It’s a 2,500km (1,500 miles) stretch of road along the west coast of Ireland from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to Kinsale in Co. Cork. 500km of the Wild Atlantic Way driving route is in County Donegal.
There are 39 Discovery Points along Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, including three signature points – Sliabh Liag sea cliffs, Malin Head and Fanad Lighthouse.
5. What should I bring on a tour of Donegal?
We advise wearing layers you can easily take on and off for Ireland’s unpredictable weather and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget a well charged phone and/or camera and a battery backup.
6. Is Donegal in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland?
Despite its location in the North West corner of Ireland, and being home to Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head, County Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland. Confusion often comes from the fact that the province of Ulster is made up of nine counties, six of which are in ‘Northern Ireland’. The other three, Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan are in the Republic of Ireland. Donegal is the largest county in Ulster and the fourth largest county in Ireland.
7. How do I get to Donegal
By Air
Getting to Donegal has never been easier. Dublin, Belfast City and Belfast International Airports are less than 3 hours and 2 hours drive respectively. Donegal Airport is located in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht and the regional airports of City of Derry and Ireland West Airport are within 30 minutes and 2 hours drive also.
Donegal Airport: www.donegalairport.ie
City of Derry Airport: www.cityofderryairport.com
Ireland West Airport Knock: www.irelandwestairport.com
Dublin Airport: www.dublinairport.com
Belfast International Airport: www.belfastairport.com
Belfast City Airport: www.belfastcityairport.com
Cork Airport: www.corkairport.ie
Shannon Airport: www.shannonairport.ie
By Bus
Get to Donegal direct from Dublin Airport with Expressway Routes 30 and X30, or to Letterkenny on Route 32. With free 4G WiFi, charging points, and reclining leather seats, you'll arrive well rested and fully-charged. There are also express buses serving the principal towns of Donegal from Dublin, Belfast, Derry and other major cities.
Bus Éireann: www.buseireann.ie
Expressways: www.expressway.ie/donegal-dublin-airport-bus
Route 30: Return service from Donegal Town to Dublin City (via Dublin Airport)
Route X30: Direct express return service from Donegal Town to Dublin City (via Dublin Airport)
Route 32: Return service from Letterkenny to Dublin City (via Dublin Airport)
Route 64: Return service from Derry to Galway (via Knock Airport)
Local Bus services link towns and villages.
John McGinley - Route: Return service from Donegal to Glasgow: www.johnmcginley.com
Feda O'Donnell - Route: Return service from Donegal to Galway and Glasgow: www.busfeda.ie
Patrick Gallagher Coaches - Route: Return service from Donegal to Belfast and Derry: www.gallagherscoaches.com
Mangan Tours - Route: Return service from Letterkenny to West Donegal: www.mangantours.ie
McGeehan Coaches - Routes: Return service from West Donegal to Donegal Town and Letterkenny: www.mcgeehancoaches.com
North West Busways (Foyle Coaches) - Route: NW Donegal, Letterkenny, Derry and Inishowen Peninsula: northwestbusways.ie
What currency is used in Donegal Ireland
People are often unsure if it is Euro or Sterling currency that is used in County Donegal. The short answer is Euro, as that is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. However, as Donegal borders three counties in Northern Ireland, some border towns may also accept Sterling and give change in Euro. Currency isn’t as much of a concern anymore with the increasing acceptance of card payments in most attractions, shops, restaurants and hotels.
8. How do I pay for the tour
Turas Cartha accepts Euro cash or Visa/Mastercard payment on the day of travel, or bank transfer or Visa/Mastercard payment in advance of travel. Please note, American Express is not accepted.
9. How many days do I need in Donegal?
Donegal, Ireland’s fourth largest county, cannot be explored in one day alone. If possible, it is advisable to stay for five or six days. A two to four day Donegal tour, with a couple of personal days is highly recommended to fully appreciate the beauty of Ireland’s North West County.
Airport transfer and private tours, as well as leisure and corporate transfers available. (8 people max)
