We didn't stay overnight in Killybegs, just an afternoon. It was really nice and had a great beach. Donegal is fantastic, so wild and beautiful and wonderful wide stretches of gorgeous scenery untrampeld by the tourist hoards.
Your trip sounds fantastic NOT racing around Ireland but exploring the area. You will have great opportunities for the real Irish trip magic to happen....exploring and discovering things small and large yourself and interacting with the super warm locals. If you can laugh at yourself genuinely you'll find them the nicest most welcoming folks on the planet.
As for driving. Unless you are used to driving and shifting from the right side of a car cannot urge you strongly enough to get an automatic. It's worth the cost. Also get the full CDW insurance coverage PLUS tire and windshield. It's super easy to scrape or lose a tire on these narrow roads and it will cost hundreds if not thousands for a simple repair. It's pricey but so worth it.
The roads are good but narrow with the one lane off roads always a challenge. But dont worry the Irish know how to drive these roads. Just go slow at a comfortable speed and let them take the lead. It's not as bad as some make out. Basically multiply any suggested driving times by 1.5 to 2 and you'll be more accurate. Their times are based on ludicrously high maintained speeds that just don't happen for many reasons. Do avoid big city driving at almost all costs....Dublin and Belfast are nightmares driving....especially for new drivers in Ireland. Also have a good navigator and encourage back seat driving....seriously. it's easy to forget what lane your turning into and its good to have someone there to YELL "left". And don't expect to leisurely gaze at the countryside while driving......Irish driving does take constant attention.
As for lodging.....there are wonderful B&B 's and hotels. We prefer to rent a home for a week.....even if we don't use the full seven nights. It's much cheaper than a B&B or Hotel offers and provides space, peace and usually an awesome location. We usually book through Shamrock Cottages. They are excellent. Just an idea but for us is massively preferred and a good money savings. As for B&B 's would need to know where you want to go other than Killybegs.
Donegal has amazing things to do and spectacular haunting scenery. You won't want to leave. Things we enjoyed you may want to investigate......the Cliffs at Slieve League are gorgeous. Not touristy and so beautiful. Swan Park in Buncrana is so peaceful and beautiful and an easy stroll. It might not be good for your back but hiking Mount Errigal was incredibly .....the view and sky from there were insane. Although partially rebuilt the ring fort at Grianan Of Aileach was well worth a visit. Fort Dunree just outside of Buncrana is fascinating and has great easy walks near stunning scenery. Awesome. If you get up north the town of Malin and Malin Head are great spots to visit. Northernmost Ireland it's really pretty and for us wild and haunting. Glenveagh National Park, Beltany Stone Circle and Hornhead Loop were all fantastic stops.
Anyway others I'm sure will have other great experiences and ideas to share. You all are doing it right !!!! Have fun and always leave plenty of down time for leisurely exploring and interaction with the people.....it's the best part of a trip to Ireland. Have a great trip !
