Donegal Airport, located on the northwest coast at Carrickfinn, provides a small but efficient hub for travellers exploring County Donegal or connecting to Dublin and Glasgow. Serving as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, the airport handles domestic and UK flights with Aer Lingus Regional and Loganair, offering a straightforward and welcoming experience. Its modest size and focus on passenger convenience make it an appealing choice for those seeking a low-stress journey.
Accessing the airport is simple, with its location just 15 minutes from Dungloe and Gweedore, and 45 minutes from Letterkenny. No direct public bus service operates, but Hughes Taxi, Josie Joe’s Larsson Cabs, and Cronan Mac Mini Bus and Coach Hire provide pre-bookable transfers to Derry~Londonderry or Donegal Town, taking 40 to 60 minutes for around £30 to £50 depending on distance. Drivers can reach the airport via the N56, a 15- to 20-minute trip from Dungloe, though rural road conditions or weather may slow travel. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, located on-site, offers vehicle hire for those exploring the region, with a courtesy shuttle to the terminal. Passengers are advised to pre-book transport to avoid delays, especially during off-peak hours.
The airport’s single-terminal, single-level layout is easy to navigate, with check-in, security, and departures all within a compact space. Passengers can move from entrance to gate in under 15 minutes, with check-in closing 45 minutes before flights and security screening averaging five to 10 minutes. The small scale ensures minimal walking, but during peak summer months, when tourist traffic increases, queues may lengthen slightly, so arriving 80 minutes early for domestic flights or two hours for international is recommended. Fog or strong coastal winds can disrupt flights, occasionally leading to diversions to City of Derry or Dublin, so checking live flight status via Flightradar24 or airline apps is prudent.
Dining and retail options are limited but practical. Café Bar Carraigfhinne, located in the main concourse, serves hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and sandwiches, with a small shop offering Irish souvenirs, newspapers, and travel essentials. Passengers seeking more substantial meals are advised to eat before arriving, with Bonners Bar in Kincasslagh, just 2 kilometres away, providing a nearby alternative. The Amelia Earhart Lounge, accessible for a fee, offers a quiet space with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and flight information screens, ideal for a relaxed pre-flight wait.
Facilities are basic but functional. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, with an ATM and tourist information desk in the arrivals area. Accessibility features include ramps, accessible toilets, and special assistance services, which can be arranged through airlines for passengers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities. No dedicated baby changing rooms are available, but staff can direct families to suitable areas. Parking is convenient, with short- and long-term lots opposite the terminal offering two hours free for pick-ups and drop-offs, and competitive rates when pre-booked online. The airport also supports general aviation, helicopter tours, and Marine Search and Rescue operations.
On-time performance is generally strong, with the airport’s focus on short-haul routes contributing to reliable schedules. Aer Lingus Regional’s twice-daily Dublin flights, operated by Emerald Airlines, and Loganair’s seasonal Glasgow service, running up to four times weekly, maintain consistent departures. Weather remains the primary cause of delays, particularly in winter, so passengers should monitor forecasts. For connections, the airport supports single-ticket transfers via Dublin, with minimum connection times of 45 minutes for domestic-to-international flights. Self-transferring passengers should allow extra time for baggage rechecking and customs, as the Dublin Flight Connections Corridor expedites security but not baggage processes.
