Aer Lingus, JetBlue, Delta, and American Airlines offer direct flights from JFK to Dublin. Dublin Airport is about a 2 hour and 45-minute drive to Letterkenny. On your return trip, you'll clear U.S. customs and immigration in Dublin, making arrival back in the U.S. smoother. Round-trip flights typically start around $700+, but prices will likely be higher due to Independence Day week and the peak summer season in Ireland. Keep an eye out for airline sales in the fall and early spring.
It is a good question, and we are here to help you! Car Rental: Recommended approach but just a heads-up — in Ireland, we drive on the left side of the road! Also, be sure to request an automatic car when booking, as manuals are the default. Public Transport: Bus Éireann, AirCoach and John McGinley Coaches (recommended) run multiple daily direct services from Dublin Airport to Letterkenny — a great option if you prefer not to drive. Carpooling: We’ll help coordinate carpools closer to the date for anyone interested in sharing a ride.
No one knows the answer to this. Expect all four seasons in one day. Pack layers, maybe even an umbrella. Come prepared for anything!
Yes. Buses will be provided for the evening trip to Breen's Bar (July 5) and the Donegal day trip (July 6). The Wedding venue is walkable or an easy taxi from most hotels in the Letterkenny area.
Not if you’re from the U.S., Canada, EU or UK — but double check just in case! More information can be found on ireland.ie.
Euros (€). However, if you are feeling adventurous and plan to venture into Northern Ireland, a 20-minute drive from Letterkenny, then you will need GBP (£). Of course, you do not need cash at all, you can just tap your card. When using your bank cards, vendors will typically ask if you want to pay in Euros or USD. Always select Euros, you will get a better exchange rate from your own bank.
Tipping in Ireland isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it’s common to leave around 10% if service isn’t already included in the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare is typical. At hotels, small tips for helpful staff are welcome but not expected. For the wedding itself, we’ll be taking care of all vendor gratuities—no need for guests to worry about tipping on the day!
As much as we’d love to celebrate with everyone, our venue has limited space. Please refer to your formal invitation to see who has been included. If you’re travelling to Ireland with children, we’d be happy to help arrange childcare at the hotel — just let us know, and we’ll assist however we can.
Of course, here are our top picks! Lemon Tree: Seasonal Irish cuisine, Michelin recommended Yellow Pepper: Beloved by locals for fresh, hearty meals No. 9 Market Square: Trendy bistro with cocktails and great food
Absolutely! There are several great salons in the Letterkenny area we recommend, including: Hue Hair & Makeup Sharron’s Hair & Beauty Patrick Gildea Peter Mark Academy Hair & Beauty We suggest booking early to secure your preferred time. Let us know if you need help arranging an appointment!
We've got you covered! One of the top barbers in the area will be on-site at the hotel the morning of the wedding. If you'd like to book an appointment, just reach out to us—we’ll get you scheduled!
There are several fantastic makeup artists and salons in the Letterkenny area that we’re happy to recommend: Simply Devine Makeup – Based in Letterkenny, offering professional makeup for all occasions. Make Me Up By Nicola – Known for formal and glam looks, also based in Letterkenny. The Makeup Sanctuary – An experienced, ITEC-qualified artist with over 12 years in the industry, located in Donegal. AMG Hair & Makeup – Offers both hair and makeup services, highly recommended in the area. The Style Studio – Provides bridal hair and makeup services and comes well recommended for weddings in Donegal. We suggest reaching out early to secure a booking, as appointments can fill up quickly around wedding weekends!
Donegal County Museum Housed in a former workhouse (1843), this museum chronicles the history of County Donegal from prehistory to today with engaging exhibits and rotating displays. It’s especially great if you’re looking for something enriching or a rainy-day activity. Glebe House & Gallery Just outside town, this historic home features works from renowned artists like Picasso and Renoir, alongside serene gardens with views over Lough Gartan. A real treat for art and nature lovers alike. St. Eunan’s Cathedral An architectural gem built between 1890 and 1900, this neo-Gothic cathedral stands tall at 240 ft and is locally known as a defining feature of “Cathedral Town.” Tropical World A delightful zoo near the golf club featuring colorful birds, reptiles, meerkats, and a vibrant butterfly house—perfect for families or a light-hearted outing. An Grianán Theatre & Regional Cultural Centre County Donegal’s largest theatre offers drama, comedy, music, and festivals like Trad Week. Across the street, the Cultural Centre hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cinema in a sleek, oak-and-glass building. Newmills Corn & Flax Mills Located just outside Letterkenny, this historic mill—once powered by one of Ireland’s largest working waterwheels—lets you step back into 19th-century industrial heritage. Lurgybrack Open Farm & Letterkenny Town Park The farm offers petting experiences and playground fun, while the 10-acre Town Park—complete with gardens, playground, and a tearoom—provides a peaceful green escape. Karting at Letterkenny Activity Centre Fun and adrenaline-packed, this mostly outdoor track offers both junior and adult karts and brings some high-speed excitement to your trip. Savvy Evenings in Town Enjoy Letterkenny’s lively nightlife with cozy traditional pubs, great local food, and a thriving arts scene to soak in the local Irish charm.
Of course, here is a few of our recommendations. Tropical World Walk-through butterfly house, exotic birds, meerkats, reptiles, and small animals to pet. Indoors and great for a rainy day. Just beside Letterkenny Golf Club tropicalworld.ie Lurgybrack Open Farm A family-run petting farm with animals, playgrounds, bouncy castles, zip lines, and go-karts. Picnic areas and snack bar on-site. Perfect for toddlers to pre-teens. lurgybrackopenfarm.ie Letterkenny Town Park (Bernard McGlinchey Town Park) Excellent playground with slides, climbing structures, and swings. Wide open green space for running around and paths for scooters/bikes. Great for a relaxed afternoon or picnic. Letterkenny Activity Centre Outdoor karting (kids’ karts available), paintball, laser tag. Better for older kids (8+ years). letterkennyactivitycentre.com Century Cinemas & Backstage Bar & Grill Family-friendly movies and a great indoor option for downtime. Bonus: attached to an arcade and kid-friendly restaurant. centurycinemas.ie Arena 7 Entertainment Complex Bowling, arcade games, indoor soft play, and a restaurant. Works well for mixed ages or rainy days. arena7.ie
The North of Ireland is full of stunning scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences — perfect for a little exploring before or after the wedding! Here are some day trip ideas we recommend: Glenveagh National Park – Beautiful hiking trails, a fairytale castle, and breathtaking views just 30 minutes from Letterkenny. Fanad Head Lighthouse – A scenic drive to one of Ireland’s most iconic lighthouses with dramatic coastal views. Slieve League Cliffs – Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, even taller than the Cliffs of Moher! Derry City – A historic and vibrant walled city just under an hour away, great for walking tours, museums, and great food. The Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique rock formations — around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, and well worth the trip. If you’re planning a longer stay, we’re happy to offer more suggestions or help you put together an itinerary!