Come fly with me…to Donegal

“Have you ever flown to Donegal?” I was asked recently. I hadn’t and so my next road trip to Donegal quickly turned into an air trip and car hire adventure for me and my twins. I really don’t mind the 3-4 hour drive and my children don’t get travel sickness in the car but for families that have children who do, why not fly!
The Aer Lingus Regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines) flies from Terminal 2 in Dublin and has a 50 minute flight time; we landed in 42 minutes on a gorgeous sunny August day. The views, I had heard are spectacular and I can now confirm, they are. The closer we got to landing near Carrickfinn beach, the more it reminded me of a domestic flight, I had many moons ago, along Australia’s East coast. The colour of the sea was tropical and not what you would expect to see in Ireland.
We landed to a quiet airport, no hassles, bags collected on time and my hired car was waiting right at the front door, keys in hand from Kenny of Europcar. I had a gorgeous Hyundai Tucson and it was a dream to drive. Anyone who has been to Donegal, will know about the Wild Atlantic Way route and its many beaches and tourist attraction stops that you can pull into for a swim, a photo or just to sit and admire the spectacular landscape of Donegal.
We drove on to the seaside town of Dunfanaghy, a 45 minute drive from the airport to our hotel – the popular, family-run Arnolds Hotel. It is located overlooking Sheephaven Bay and in walking distance to the beautiful Portnablagh pier/beach and Killahoey beach. Arnolds is a fourth generation family owned hotel and is 102 years in business. The family room was two rooms in one, which I love as you can have your space and set up the kids in a separate room. Comfy beds, plumped up pillows (a must for me) and the best home made breakfast with lashings of tea. Each time I go to Donegal, I look for something different to do and you will find it each time. The drive from the airport is through the Gaeltacht area and the view of Mount Errigal was stunning to see in all its glory, amid the rugged landscape.
We were staying two days this time and here is what we managed to do – visited Glenveagh Castle & Gardens, Ards Forest Park& Ards Friary (stunning sandy beaches),Horn head Scenic Drive is amazing (I think it is better than Malin Head) and we went for a walk along Marble Hill beach. If you love secluded beaches, take a good trek over the sand dunes to Tramore beach (Trá Mor) or park at Ards Friary or Ards Forest park and look for Shell beach. They all have the clearest water to swim in, so bring your swimmers as you will be raging if you don’t.
If you want to go further afield to explore, check out Fanad Lighthouse or drive to Downings and Murder Hole beach (it’s a bit of a trek to get to but worth it, there is now a carpark close to it) Why not plan a day trip to Tory Island by ferry or go off the beaten track by horseback (check out Dunfanaghy Stables behind Arnold’s hotel) If you love castles, you will find plenty up here and one close by called Doe Castle. If you want to try surfing on the many beaches in Dunfanaghy, you can hire wetsuits and boards all from the town.
Dunfanaghy is busy in the Summer and now you know why. There is plenty of trad music each night, quiz nights in Arnolds hotel or you could also sit outside the pubs and watch the gorgeous sunset and watch the world go by.
Whether it’s a road trip, or a flight, Donegal will take your breathe away, time and time again. The people, the landscape, the beaches and the craic are all part of its secret sauce, and of course the Guinness and traditional atmosphere in every pub you visit. Donegal is authentic, inimitable and completely Irish – to be sure.
Flybreak packages runs from Sept 1st – Dec 18th and includes Return flights, Dublin to Donegal + 2 nights B&B & Enterprise Car Rental. Midweek is from €220.00 per person sharing Weekend from €235.00 pps. For more info, email flybreaks@donegalairport.ie