Travel time: Year-round
Donegal occupies a unique position on the northwest edge of Europe, where the rugged coastline meets the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. Its climate is defined as temperate maritime, characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and a persistent moisture that creates the county’s legendary emerald landscapes.
Donegal’s weather is dictated by the North Atlantic Drift, a warm ocean current that ensures the region remains significantly warmer than other locations at the same latitude (such as parts of Canada or Russia). This current prevents extreme temperature drops in winter, but the proximity to the ocean also means that high-pressure