The most remote county in Ireland — and the most rewarding. Malin Head, the Inishowen Peninsula, Slieve League, Glenveagh. Donegal has four spots in our directory and probably a hundred more that nobody's written down yet. This is where van life actually feels like van life.
Donegal's remoteness is its best feature. Garda tolerance is high across most of the county — but reciprocate with respect for the land. Filter the full spots list by Donegal →
Ireland's most northerly point. Large car park, zero drama, dramatic views. Off-season best.
Hidden gem near Greencastle. Slipway area. Nobody knows it — which is the point.
Ireland's biggest fishing port. Working culture means large vehicles are unremarkable. Year round.
Donegal's surf beach. Tolerated overnight but patrolled in summer. Weekdays are fine.
The Inishowen 100 takes you from Buncrana to Malin Head and back. Allow two days minimum — there's more on the peninsula than the brochures suggest. The Five Fingers Strand alone is worth the drive.
Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe — and far less crowded than Moher. The road up to Bunglass is narrow but passable for most vans. The Old Man of Slieve League is a serious walk; time it for late afternoon light.
Remote mountain and lake terrain in the heart of the county. Camping is not permitted inside the park itself, but the roads approaching from the north through the Derryveagh Mountains have pull-offs that see the odd van with no issues.
Letterkenny is the main hub — Tesco and SuperValu both stock Campingaz and Kosangas. Donegal town and Bundoran have smaller options. Stock up before heading north of Ardara.
Killybegs pier has a tap used by fishing boats — ask at the harbour office. Donegal town leisure centre has a day pass. Petrol stations throughout the county will usually fill a tank.
Letterkenny has the county's main bring centre. Donegal town tip also accessible. Chemical toilet disposal: Bundoran Surf Lodge has a dump point used by visiting van lifers.
Three and Vodafone both have decent coverage on main roads and towns. The Inishowen north and the Glenveagh area have genuine dead zones — download offline maps before you go.
Genuinely wild. Roads quiet. Weather unpredictable. The county rewards the brave — Malin Head in a January storm is unforgettable if you're warm inside.
Best window. Wildflowers on the Inishowen, cold Atlantic water, warm evenings. Most of the country hasn't arrived yet.
Busy by Donegal standards (still quiet by Kerry standards). Rossnowlagh gets full. Everything else is fine.
Dramatic autumn light, empty roads. The county at its most photogenic. September is the best single month of the year here.
Donegal done right takes two weeks. When you run out of road, here's where to head next.