Ardara, Glenties and Donegal County

There is no need to drive in Ireland, they have excellent public transportation (natives rely on it)

From Dublin Airport there are several options to get to Connoly Train Station or Busaras bus station. (http://www.dublinairport.com/to-and-from/by-bus/)

If you want to take a 3 hr train ride to Sligo (that'd be my choice) Irish Rail has great fares if you book online, mid-week. Today (Tue) they list a round-trip (on 4/21 & 4/27) for only 32 euro. There are also different fares for different departure times, so play around with the options on their easy to use site.(http://www.irishrail.ie)

From Sligo (or Dublin) take Bus Eireann (the national bus system)to Ardara. A 1 week pass is only 54 euro (you can take as many busses as you want on 3 days out of 6, buy additional stamps if you want more travel days) (http://www.buseireann.ie)

My 11 yr old and I used only public transportation (train, bus, luas, cab) and found it all very clean, comfy and easy (and we've never been anywhere!). Both websites have maps and schedules that can be downloaded and make it easy to plan a trip anywhere in Ireland. We explored Dingle Peninsula (incld the must-see Slea Head tour), West Cork, Cobh, Newgrange, Dublin, Doolin and Shannon; all by public transportation.

Have a wonderful journey!

Great suggestions that we will probably follow since it makes perfect sense. Thank you. It should be an awesome vacation to return to my grandparents home town especially since there are so many family members still in the area. Thanks again, Donna.

I am happy to help! We had a fabulous time and you are so (Irish) lucky to have it in your blood. Its a favorite question there: "Do ya have any Irish in ya?" Many times my daughter proudly stated that she did (on her dad's side). Before we left, I had an answer, too: I'm not too sure about Irish blood in my veins, but I am certain I'm Irish in heart and soul! It is a magical land full of generous, kind people. I'm sure you'll love it.
Don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.

I agree with Mylene - public transport is great!

You are so lucky to be able to spend time in my favorite part of Ireland - County Donegal. Ardara, Glenties, Carrick, Kilcar, Killybegs, Kerrykeel, even Letterkenny... all wonderful memories!

I was excited to see your reply that you traveled to the Donegal area. Did you travel by car or rely on public transportation? Also, please let me know if you there are any "must see" places that you enjoyed.
Thank you,
Donna

I was Born in Donegal (Letterkenny) I have visited my parents 2 times a year for the past 10 years, I'm not sure what you mean by "Ireland has great public transportation, "natives rely on it" Certainly in Dublin they do and while you can get most places by bus/train calling it "great" is a stretch.

In rural Ireland a car is essential, while you can get from Dublin to Sligo via bus I would advise that you get a car for your trip to Donegal.

slán agus beannacht leat

Brian - I understand what you mean, but I think what makes us think the public transportation is great is because 1) you really can get to many places by bus, and 2) compared to the US, Ireland is small enough for us to be excited by the fact that it doesn't take a week to drive across. I've used Bus Eireann several times, and while there were a few tourist-types like me, most were locals heading for a larger town to shop, or go to the movies, etc. I have also been the "navigator" on road trips in a rental car and while you can get to way more places faster, and sometimes easier, if you're not comfortable driving on the left and shifting (automatics are SO expensive to rent), the bus is a pretty darn good alternative.

Brian, I describe public transport as "excellent" because beyond finding it "very clean, comfy and easy",(both in planning and on the ground) IMHO, it is also the cheapest, safest and least stressful way to travel in Ireland. After extensive research before our trip, I determined it simply wasn't logical to spend hundreds of dollars on transportation that is repeatedly described (even by you) as a "challenge" and a "white knuckle experience" on roads that "are narrow and twisting" with signs that are "to little to late" (sic), likely leading to those "5 hour nightmares" you referenced.
My bus pass covered 11 days in Ire and cost less than 100 euro. I always knew exactly how long it would take to get from point A to point B because buses adhere to schedules. We easily changed plans on a whim because service is plentiful throughout the entire country. I never worried about squeezing past those huge "buses and trucks (that) share" tiny roads; I was ON the bus! I enjoyed a Guinness or 2 whenever I wanted, knowing I didn't have to drive. And travel time was free-time to read, sleep, write e-mail, socialize, upload photos or best of all, sit back and relax while enjoying the stunning scenery. (as opposed the whole white knuckle thing) Like Tina, I too witnessed more locals than tourists on buses and trains; relying on them for work, school, etc, because they are dependable, cheap and convenient. Of course, this is just my opinion/experience.
Donna stated she wasn't "keen on driving" so I wanted to encourage her with details of how public transport is a viable option for her. Reflecting on our experience, including not a single glitch during 11 days of seeing and doing everything we desired, it isn't a "stretch" to say public transportation in Ireland is excellent. Have you had an experience that demonstrates it is less than I described? You state a rental car is "essential", but offer no reason why. What is the big advantage of renting a car? (I am sincerely curious:-)

To see places in Donegal such as the Slieve League sea
cliffs,Glencolumbkille,Glenveagh National Park etc. you will either need a car or a local taxi/quide to get you there.

I have traveled over most of Ireland using either the bus or Aer Arann and always enjoyed the experience but in some cases a car is a necessity.

Unless something opened in the last year the only car rental in Sligo is at the airport, which is at Strandhill, a few miles out of town. The road from Sligo to Donegal Town is actually good most of the way, a nice wide two lane with wide paved shoulders. Driving time between the two is about 45 minutes.

If you have family in the area that could drive you then I would skip the car rental and take the train to Sligo, a nice three hour trip, then the bus on to Ardara. The bus station in Sligo is just down a set of steps from the train depot so getting from one to the other is no problem.
Donegal is a great part of Ireland,very scenic and no hordes of tourists from the USA as in Dingle, Killarney or the Cliffs of Moher.