Sligo to Donegal Town by Coach or Minibus
Donegal Town is about 65 km north of Sligo on the N15, a coastal run past Benbulben, Bundoran and Ballyshannon. It works as a day out in its own right or as the first leg of a trip into south-west Donegal.
Journey
- Sligo to Donegal Town
- Approximately 55 mins
- Serving Sligo
Up the N15
The N15 leaves Sligo past Drumcliffe, with Benbulben on the right, and runs north through Grange and Cliffoney. It briefly crosses County Leitrim at Tullaghan, passes Bundoran on the Donegal coast and bypasses Ballyshannon on a viaduct over the River Erne. A further bypass takes the road round the east side of Donegal Town. The route is toll-free.
In Donegal Town
The Diamond, the central square, is pedestrianised, so a coach cannot stop on it. The driver sets down nearby and confirms where the vehicle waits. Donegal Castle, an OPW site, stands in the heart of the town over the River Eske and is open daily with guided tours; check last admission before you fix the return. Access inside the castle is limited for wheelchair users.
Stops along the way
Drumcliffe churchyard, where W. B. Yeats is buried, is ten minutes out of Sligo and makes a good first stop. Mullaghmore Head is a short detour off the N15 near Cliffoney. Bundoran is a seaside resort with a promenade, and groups with children often break the homeward run there.
Going further
From Donegal Town the N56 heads west to Killybegs, and the R263 continues to Kilcar and Carrick for the Slieve League cliffs. That adds about an hour each way and narrow roads at the far end, so it suits an early start. Big coaches park at the visitor centre there, as Fáilte Ireland rates the cliff road unsuitable for them.
How long should we spend in Donegal Town?
Two to three hours covers the castle, a walk round the town and lunch. Add longer if you plan to shop or take a boat trip on Donegal Bay.
Can a school group do this as a day trip?
Yes. Under an hour each way leaves most of the school day for the castle and the town. Anyone aged three or over must use a seat belt wherever one is fitted, so leaders should check before setting off.
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