The Gateway Lodge Donegal Town Exterior photoThe Gateway Lodge Donegal Town Interior photoThe Gateway Lodge Donegal Town Exterior photo

THE GATEWAY LODGE, Donegal Town – A Smart Stay in the City

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Check rooms and rates
From$110 /night
Check-in
14Aug
Check-out
15Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Killybegs Road (R925), Donegal Town, Donegal Town
-
A three minute walk to the diamond
Great
8.9
9.2
/10
4.3
4.7
/5

4-star comfort in Donegal Town with Exquisite Dining

Rooms

The Gateway Lodge provides 26 refurbished en-suite bedrooms, each equipped with super king beds and flat-screen TVs. Room configurations include Twin and Superior Double Rooms, along with Economy options for diverse guest needs. All rooms include tea and coffee facilities, offering convenience during stays.

Dining

Blas Restaurant at The Gateway Lodge, awarded Best In Ireland in 2017 by the Good Food Awards, showcases a commitment to culinary excellence. This bistro-style venue maintains many original features while offering an inviting ambiance for guests. Menus focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes, providing an authentic taste of Donegal.

Location

The Gateway Lodge is situated in Donegal Heritage Town, within walking distance to Donegal Castle and over 15 local pubs and restaurants. Just 7 kilometers from the renowned Harvey's Point and Solis Lough Eske Hotel, the location provides ample entertainment options. Guests can easily access the scenic Donegal Bay through cruises or explore the nearby Slieve League Cliffs.

Outdoor Activities

Donegal is home to 13 blue flag beaches, including popular options like Rossnowlagh for surfing and Murvagh for paddling. The area offers 17 golf courses that rank among Ireland's top 10, ideal for golf enthusiasts. Horseback riding experiences are accessible, allowing guests to enjoy the landscape from a distinctive perspective.

Wellness and Exploration

Natural beauty is abundant in Donegal, with Glenveagh National Park providing complimentary admission to explore its rugged mountains and serene lakes. The Slieve League Cliffs boast magnificent views, making them a must-see attraction for outdoor lovers. Visitors can find additional scenic routes and historical sites such as Fanad Lighthouse, recently voted the number 1 lighthouse in Ireland.

Highlights

Dining: Blas Restaurant, awarded Best In Ireland

Location: Close to Donegal Castle

Rooms: 26 refurbished en-suite bedrooms

Outdoor Activities: 13 blue flag beaches

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll along the scenic Donegal Bay at sunset for stunning views.
  • Try the fresh seafood chowder at The Olde Castle Bar in town.
  • Visit the majestic Donegal Castle for a glimpse into local history.
  • Explore the hidden gem of Lough Eske through a peaceful hike.
  • Don't miss the local market every Saturday for artisan products.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
  • Deluxe King Room
    2 persons
    32 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Large Single Room
    2 persons
    21 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    24 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review 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
Explore Donegal Town
Explore Donegal Town
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Donegal Castle
13 minutes' walk
Donegal Castle features impressive architecture and history, reflecting the region's rich heritage.
Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
10 minutes' walk
Railway Heritage Centre showcases the history of railroads in Donegal with fascinating exhibits.
Famine Graveyard
14 minutes' walk
Famine Graveyard is a memorial site honoring victims of the Great Famine, offering poignant remembrance.
Donegal Craft Village
4 minutes' drive
Craft Village hosts local artisans creating unique crafts, ideal for visitors seeking handcrafted souvenirs.
Donegal Bay Waterbus
7 minutes' walk
Waterbus offers scenic tours around Donegal Bay, featuring stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Hiking at Barnesmore Gap
15 minutes' drive
Barnesmore Gap provides exhilarating hiking trails with breathtaking scenery for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yoga Classes at The Yoga Loft
4 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga classes cater to all levels, promoting tranquility and wellness in a serene setting.
Blas
1 minute' walk
Blas features local specialties in a cozy atmosphere, known for its seafood and heat from fresh ingredients.
Olde Castle Bar
4 minutes' walk
Olde Castle Bar offers a warm pub environment with hearty Irish fare and local brews, a perfect spot to unwind.
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
La Fiesta brings vibrant Mexican flavors to Donegal, offering dishes packed with spices and community feel.
Market House Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Market House provides an elegant dining experience with a diverse menu, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
The Diamond
5 minutes' walk
The Diamond hosts various local events, festivities, and performances, making it the heart of Donegal's nightlife.
The Abbey Arts Centre
15 minutes' drive
Abbey Arts Centre offers cultural performances from theater to live music, perfect for art and culture lovers.
Doms Pier 1
6 minutes' walk
Doms Pier 1 features live music and a vibrant atmosphere, suitable for a night out with friends or family.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Donegal Town 4 min  ·  1000 ft
  • Airports
    Donegal (CFN) 103 min  ·  42.4 mi
    Ireland West Knock (NOC) 179 min  ·  74.0 mi
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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 the entire hotel 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

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Gateway Lodge is often described as a clean and modern place to stay, conveniently located within a short walk to the centre of Donegal Town, making it easy to explore the town. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and comfortable beds, with breakfast considered a great value. Some guests in rooms not in the main building have mentioned noise disturbances or having to go outside to reach their rooms.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1029 verified reviews
9.1 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.4/10
Free WiFi
8.7/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Convenient parking
Comfortable bed
Clean rooms
Helpful staff
Cons
Noisy disturbances
Cold bathroom
Slow refill
Guest reviews
based on 1029 reviews
9.1/10
based on 2184 reviews
8.9/10
Samantha from United States
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 14, 2026
7/10

Satisfactory stay

convenient location short walk helpful staff separate building basic toiletries missing conditioner
The location was convenient. It was a short walk into town. The breakfast had a good variety. The staff were friendly and helpful.
My room was in a separate building. It felt a little detached from the main hotel. The bathroom lacked basic toiletries. I missed having shampoo and conditioner provided.
0 Helpful
Evelyn from United Kingdom
Family with children
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 05, 2026
7/10
onsite parking convenient parking short walk easy walk seafood restaurant thin walls next door noise all night shouting
the onsite parking was convenient and accessible. the hotel is a short walk to the town center. a seafood restaurant was nearby and fantastic.
i could hear everything from the next door room. the walls seemed very thin. the lads next door were shouting all night until morning
0 Helpful
Mason from United States
Single
Twin Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 03, 2025
7/10

decent stay

onsite parking town square friendly staff stone stairs main road serious noise
the parking was easy on site. the town square was a block away. staff was friendly, i liked this.
access to the room was UP stone stairs, i hated this. it was like an emergency exit. it faced a busy main road it was very noisy in the morning.
0 Helpful
Leo from Canada
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 27, 2025
8.5/10

Great Location and Friendly Staff!

short walk spacious room comfortable bed helpful staff
The hotel is a short walk from the centre. Our room was spacious and clean. The bed was very comfortable. Everything was super clean. The staff were friendly and helpful. They were knowledgeable about the area.
The room faced a street, so there was some noise.
Dining
9/10
There were many options for breakfast and the food was delicious. The breakfast service is available only for breakfast and lunch, not for dinner. The city was close, though.
Facilities
8/10
There is plenty of parking available. Access is easy. The location is accessible and the hotel provides free parking near the center. There is a lift but it does not go to the car park level.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Aaron from United States
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 11, 2025
7/10
spacious room comfortable bed well-decorated bathroom stone stairs busy road noisy road
The room was spacious. It had everything I needed for my night stay. The bed was comfortable. The bathroom was well decorated and perfect.
My room access was up a flight of stone stairs. It reminded me of an emergency exit. This access faced a busy main road. The road was noisy, especially in the morning.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Gateway Lodge
Can guests enjoy seating outside at The Gateway Lodge?
10 November 2024
Yes, there are benches available for outdoor seating, though this is subject to the weather conditions.
Are pets allowed in the accommodation at The Gateway Lodge?
15 December 2024
Unfortunately, The Gateway Lodge does not accommodate pets.
How far is The Gateway Lodge from Lough Eske Castle?
8 January 2025
The lodge is approximately 7 kilometers away, which is about a 5-10 minute drive.
What is the cost for a double room at The Gateway Lodge?
19 February 2025
To provide an accurate rate for a double room, specific dates are needed for the inquiry.
What time is check-in available for guests?
6 March 2024
Check-in starts at 4 PM and continues until 10 PM. For different times, prior contact is encouraged to make arrangements.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
22 March 2025
Breakfast is not included in the room price but can be added during the booking process or at check-in.
What is the breakfast price at The Gateway Lodge?
18 April 2024
If added at check-in, breakfast costs €12.50.
How far is Harvey's Point from The Gateway Lodge?
20 April 2024
It is roughly 6 kilometers away from the lodge.
Is there on-site parking available at The Gateway Lodge?
13 May 2025
Yes, there is free on-site parking available for all guests.
Do the rooms at The Gateway Lodge have hairdryers?
2 June 2025
Every room is equipped with a hairdryer for guest convenience.
Is there secure storage available for bicycles at The Gateway Lodge?
12 July 2024
Yes, there is a secure area for safely storing bicycles during your stay.

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