The Gateway Lodge Donegal Town Exterior photoThe Gateway Lodge Donegal Town Interior photoThe Gateway Lodge Donegal Town Exterior photo
Book your stay on our website
and save up to 10%
compared to Booking.com!
Check rooms and rates
From110US$ /night
Check-in
08May2026Select date
Check-out
09May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Killybegs Road (R925), Donegal Town, Donegal Town, Ireland
-
Three minutes from the Diamond
Perfect
9.0
9.2
/10
4.3
4.7
/5

Rooms & Amenities

The Gateway Lodge offers 26 refurbished en-suite bedrooms with super king beds, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee facilities. Rooms include private bathrooms with rainfall showers, free toiletries, and hairdryers. Free WiFi and onsite parking are available. Superior rooms in the original 1800s house feature high ceilings, chandeliers, and extra-large beds.

Dining at Blas

Blas Restaurant, awarded Best in Ireland at the Good Food Awards 2017, serves breakfast, lunch, and home-baked goods. The bistro occupies the restored ground floor of the original Drumcliffe house, retaining historic features. A resident breakfast menu is available daily.

Outdoor & Activities

Donegal Golf Club and Deane's Farm Equestrian Centre are nearby. The area offers 17 golf courses, including scenic links ranked in Ireland's top 10. Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, and Fanad Lighthouse are within driving distance. Donegal Bay Waterbus provides coastal tours with seal colony sightings.

Central Location

The hotel is a 3-minute walk from The Diamond, Donegal Town's main square. Donegal Castle, built in the 15th century, is 2 minutes away. Sligo Airport is 52 km from the property. Harvey's Point Lough Eske and Solis Lough Eske Hotel are within 7 km.

Guest Services

24-hour staff assist with check-in/out. Ironing facilities are available on request. A roundtrip airport shuttle operates for a surcharge. The property includes a garden and free onsite parking for cars and coaches.

“The Gateway Lodge distinguishes itself with a commitment to quality dining, evidenced by its award from the Good Food Awards. Its location near Donegal Castle and the scenic golf links adds to its appeal. I especially like the personalized service, which includes customizable breakfast experiences.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
View all

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Large Single Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

The Gateway Lodge Location

Killybegs Road (R925), Donegal Town, Donegal Town, Ireland
Map view
Killybegs Road (R925), Donegal Town, Donegal Town, Ireland
Nearby
Church
Church of the Sacred Heart
1100 ft
Church
Donegal Town Church Of Ireland
1100 ft
Square
The Diamond
1200 ft
Quay St
Donegal Bay Waterbus
1900 ft
Restaurants
Blas
100 ft
Killybegs Road The Gateway Lodge
Olde Castle Bar
1000 ft
Castle Street
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
1100 ft
Merchant Court The Diamond
Market House Restaurant
1200 ft
The Diamond Donegal The Abbey Hotel
Doms Pier 1
1600 ft
Quay Street
Simple Simons
1400 ft
Diamond
Chandpur Indian Restaurant
1700 ft
Unit 4 Main Street Car Park Entrance
Cosy Corner Cafe
2200 ft
Crossroads Killygordon
Granny Mc's Kitchen
2200 ft
Drumrooske Business Park
Marina's Cafe & Wine Bar
1600 ft
Main Street
Mill Park Hotel Cafe Bar
2100 ft
The Mullins
Explore Donegal Town
Explore Donegal
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle
13 minutes' walk
A historic 15th-century castle showcasing Donegal's rich heritage with guided tours available.
Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
10 minutes' walk
A museum dedicated to Donegal's railway history, featuring exhibits and artifacts from the past.
Famine Graveyard
Famine Graveyard
14 minutes' walk
A somber site honoring the victims of the Great Famine, highlighting local history and heritage.
Donegal Bay Waterbus
Donegal Bay Waterbus
7 minutes' walk
Experience panoramic views of Donegal Bay on a scenic boat tour, with informative commentary available.
Hiking at Barnesmore Gap
15 minutes' drive
A stunning hiking destination with breathtaking views; suitable for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Relaxing at Lough Eske
14 minutes' drive
A peaceful lakeside retreat, perfect for picnics, walking, and unwinding amidst beautiful scenery.
Blas
Blas
1 minute' walk
Authentic dishes with local ingredients in a casual atmosphere. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Olde Castle Bar
Olde Castle Bar
4 minutes' walk
Traditional Irish pub with a vibrant atmosphere. Signature dishes include hearty stews and seafood.
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Colorful eatery serving fresh and flavorful Mexican dishes, perfect for family dining.
Doms Pier 1
Doms Pier 1
6 minutes' walk
Waterfront dining with seafood specialities and stunning views; ideal for a relaxed meal.
The Diamond
5 minutes' walk
A lively public space hosting weekly events and entertainment; family-friendly atmosphere.
Donegal Bay Marina
6 minutes' drive
Live music and nightlife venue with a vibrant atmosphere, offering events for all ages.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Donegal Town4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Donegal (CFN)103 min  ·  42.4 mi
Ireland West Knock (NOC)179 min  ·  74.0 mi
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-20:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of EUR 15 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
24

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Gateway Lodge is a popular choice, situated conveniently close to Donegal Town, often just a short walk away from attractions like the castle and pubs such as The Forge. Guests frequently compliment the spacious and clean rooms, which come equipped with amenities like tea and coffee. Breakfast is a highlight for many, with generous portions and varied choices that some consider the best they've had, though a few guests have mentioned occasional issues with noise from the road or stairs. With easy parking and its proximity to the town center, it's a great base for exploring the region.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 968 verified reviews
9.1/10
Perfect
96%
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Cons
No evening restaurant
Kitchen noise
Unpleasant smell
Guest reviews
based on 968 reviews
9.1/10
based on 2213 reviews
9.0/10
David from United States
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 21, 2026
9.3/10

fantastic stay

perfect locationconvenient parkingexcellent breakfastnoisy road
I found the breakfast excellent. It was the best i had during my trip (especially the pancakes!). parking was both easy and convenient, which i appreciated. the location is perfect, being close to the town center.
Access to my room required going up a flight of stone stairs. This seemed like an emergency exit and was quite noisy due to the busy main road. i had difficulty sleeping well because of the sounds.
Rooms
9/10
The room had a spacious layout with ample natural light. It featured two separate beds and a well-lit work area that was perfect for catching up on emails. i noted the super clean condition of the room upon arrival and appreciated the modern decor.
Dining
10/10
The breakfast area offered a wide selection of items including fresh fruit, pastries, and hot dishes. i noticed they served breakfast until 10:30 am on weekdays. This provided flexibility for early or late risers. there was also a menu for various dietary needs.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel provides complimentary high-speed wifi throughout the entire hotel, allowing me to stay connected. i found the parking area to be secure and well-lit, offering ample space .
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Mark from United Kingdom
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 10, 2026
9.0/10

solid stay near the town center

kind staffdelicious breakfaston-site parking
The staff at reception was very kind. the restaurant provided delicious breakfast options. i also liked the on-site parking. It made arrival simple.
my room lacked storage, making longer stays a bit challenging.
Rooms
9/10
my room was super clean. towels were very good. the shower room also looked new.
Location
9/10
the hotel provides convenient access to local shops. it is also near restaurants and pubs. a short walk is all it takes to reach the town center. it is perfect if you want to avoid driving.
Facilities
8/10
this is very helpful with heavy luggage. ample parking is available in front of the building. overflow parking is also present if required.
Service
10/10
breakfast service was quick. the staff handled requests efficiently. they provided helpful recommendations. this made planning the day easy.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
logan from united states
Single
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 03, 2025
6/10

an ok stay

great sizeroomfriendly stafffaultless breakfastnoisy roomlittle sleepindifferent reception
The room was a great size and very clean. the staff were very friendly. I liked that. breakfast at blas was faultless. I will definitely be back, hopefully soon.
Our room was in a downstairs section of a motel style wing. it was very noisy. I got very little sleep because of that. the response from reception was indifference when i reported the noise.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Gateway Lodge
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Gateway Lodge?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at The Gateway Lodge?
Free private parking is available on-site without reservation.
What are the nearest airports to The Gateway Lodge?
Sligo Airport is 52 km away, and Ireland West Knock Airport is 100 km away.
What room amenities are available at The Gateway Lodge?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms with rainfall showerheads.
What dining options are available at The Gateway Lodge?
The on-site restaurant, Blas, serves a full breakfast menu daily for an additional charge.
What attractions are close to The Gateway Lodge?
Donegal Castle is 0.5 km away, and Donegal Heritage Town is located southwest of the property.
Are there recreational activities available at The Gateway Lodge?
Guests can enjoy access to a golf course and walking tours.
How close is The Gateway Lodge to Donegal town centre?
The Gateway Lodge is a 2-minute walk from the centre of Donegal town.
What facilities does The Gateway Lodge provide for families?
Children's menus and cots are available for families visiting the hotel.
Are there any historical sites near The Gateway Lodge?
Nearby historical sites include Donegal Castle, built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century.
Is Wi-Fi available at The Gateway Lodge?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
08May2026Select date
Check-out
09May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room