Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Ireland / County Donegal
 |  | Fact File : County Donegal |
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| | | County Donegal | | Did you know?
County Donegal is virtually separated from the rest of the Republic by the westward projection of County Fermanagh.
Language
English, Irish (Gaelic)
Visas
No visa is required for UK citizens, but take your passport for identification.
Getting there
Flights from London, Manchester and other regional airports go to the capital Dublin, Shannon and Cork. Unless you are setting off from the North you will travel to County Donegal from Sligo on the N15. There are frequent bus connections with Derry, Enniskillen and Belfast in the North, Sligo, Galway and Killybegs in the west, Limerick and Cork in the south and Dublin in the south-east.
Flying time from London
Around one hour
Getting around
There are flights between Dublin and Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Shannon and Sligo. Once in County Donegal you can get around by bus, but it's time-consuming. This is walking and cycling countries. Just remember that country cycling is for the fit, includes hills and there is frequent rain.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 54p; pint of beer £1.73; moderate restaurant meal £7.50-£15; roll of film £2; four-mile taxi ride £4.
Weather
Winter can be miserable, so June and September are probably the best times. Summer 15-20C (58-68F), winter 2-10C (35-50F). If you arrive in County Donegal in March for example, you'll find most of it shut down.
Time difference
None, it's on GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 353
Voltage
220V 50Hz AC; flat three-pin plugs - no adaptors necessary.
Opening hours
Offices open 9am-5pm weekdays, shops open 9am-5.30/6pm Monday to Saturday, with Thursday and/or Friday late opening. Tourist offices and attractions often open fewer hours or close from October to April.
Health - Before you go
No vaccinations needed.
Health - When you are there
You do not need an EHIC form to get free treatment in Eire - but you do need proof of UK residency. Obtain information regarding treatment from the Health Board of the region you are staying in.
Warnings
Remember that at least one third of Donegal lies in the Gaeltacht, where Irish is more widely spoken than English. Be prepared for road signs (in Irish only), no road signs at all and keep an eye out for suicidal sheep!
Emergency
Police dial 999. British Embassy in Dublin: 29 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4, Tel. (00 353 1) 205 3700.
Customs
You might be invited to a pub for its good "craic" (pron. "crack"), which describes having a good time hanging out with friends. People really do sing and play music in pubs. Join in - it's fun and will be appreciated.
Pets
Eire allows pets entry but has restrictions on certain breeds of dog, and all dogs have to have been resident in the UK for at least six months before their visit.
Tipping
Some places add 10-15% and no additional tip is required. Some don't but if you want to tip, round up the bill or add 10% at most. Taxis don't have to be tipped, but 10% is fine.
Tourist office
Tourism Ireland, 103 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1QS. Tel.0800 039 7000.
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| | Available rental properties in County Donegal |
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| |  | | Luxurious New Donegal shore house.
Inver Port, a brand new luxurious seafront townhouse, with fantastic sea views, own boat parking and slipway. Sleeps 6 from £595 per week.
|  | | Meenan's Thatched Cottage
Situated in the shadow of Slieve League, this quaint Thatched Cottage offers a peaceful, comfortable holiday experience with a difference.
|  | | Holiday Cottage Sleeps 8
Luxurious New 3 Bedroom/3Bath Detached Dormer Holiday Cottage Sleeps 9 on Atlantic Drive Downings close to Beach,Water Sports,Golf,Restaurants,Pubs,Horse Riding.
|  | | Teach Ruari Holiday Cottage
A newly built bungalow situated on 1.5 acres enjoying spectacular sea views of Mulroy and Sheephaven Bays. The bungalow is very comfortably furnished
|  | | BRAND NEW COTTAGE IN DONEGAL
Our brand new cottage was completed Easter 2004, Experience what Ireland is realy about.
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Holiday Rentals in County Donegal |
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