Donegal Base

I enjoyed Killybegs, which has boats that will take you out to see the Slieve League from the water. And it's a short drive to see them from the top. Best fish and chips of my trip were from the chippie run by Anderson's Seafood Restaurant across the street. Be sure your accommodation includes parking, as the town center is tight. I changed my stay dates because there was a cruise ship coming in, and I wanted to avoid that. The site I used for this info last year doesn't seem to have a list up yet for 2025, but here is a site that does: http://crew-center.com/killybegs-ireland-cruise-ship-schedule

Letterkenny might work. Though it's on the northern part of Donegal, Letterkenney is within reasonable driving distance of Donegal Town to the south, Buncrana to the north and the western and northern coasts of the Atlantic. If you'd like to explore Northern Ireland, such as Derry, that's not far away either. Letterkenny is right in the area where Irish and English speakers mix, including people who use Irish in their daily conversation. And Letterkenny isn't far from the stunning Glenveagh National Park (https://www.nationalparks.ie/glenveagh/). Letterkenny is quiet, yet it's the most populous town in Donegal. Pubs and eateries abound.

We spent a week just outside Letterkenny a few years ago and were decidedly underwhelmed by the town. We wished we'd stayed somewhere further west in the Killybegs to Dunglow area. There are some very pretty villages around there too...

I wouldn't rule out Donegal Town, especially if you like music. The town is sort of quaint, although it might be crowded in the high season. From there you can range all directions. Depends a bit on where you're coming from and going to. We were coming from Dunfanghy and headed to Westport, so it made a perfect two night stay, letting us visit Slieve League and Glencolmankille on the way in and Fairy Bridges and Glencar Falls on the way out. There's a nice walking tour of town and my wife absolutely loved Salt Hill Gardens, mainly because the owner was very chatty. Also the Castle and Abbey in town.

We stayed in Donegal town....easy drive from Derry and super walkable. Great Air BNB. (Riverview house or Riverside house). Close to castle. I wish we had more time.