Coach Hire Donegal
Our Donegal base is in Letterkenny County Donegal and there we offer private hire for touring groups who might want to tour the Wild Atlantic Way visit Derry City the Giants Causeway. Tour the Antrim coast and Belfast or visit any of the many attractions in Co. Donegal such as Glenveagh National Park.
Set up by Garvan Boyce who has 20 years’ experience in the Coach Tourism Industry in Ireland, we bring a new modern stylish look to coach hire offering flexible friendly coach hire at affordable rates.
Letterkenny Coaches provides private coach and minibus hire for groups across County Dublin, the North West of Ireland and well beyond, travelling regularly to Cork, Kerry and Galway. Whether the journey is a day trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, an airport run, a multi-day golf group itinerary or transport for a wedding or corporate event, the service is built around what the group needs from departure to return.
Garvan is often seen behind the wheel endeavouring to keep standard of service high by being on the ground himself or were jobs are large enough to require several coaches he will be on the ground in a management role liaising with clients.
Letterkenny Coaches Fleet
49, 53 or 55 Seat Full Size Coaches
We offer for hire full size coaches with either 49, 53 or 55 seats. All with air conditioning, luxury seating, WC on request and our coaches are fitted with the latest ABS breaking systems for safety as well as being extremely environmentally friendly with Euro 6 emissions certifications.
Minicoaches 33, 29 and 19 Seats
Our minicoaches have seating capacity for 33, 29 and 19 passengers with air conditioning as standard. Ideal for smaller groups touring or golf outings. We also offer Mercedes V and S classes. Call us to discuss your own specific requirements. Garvan will be only too glad to help.
What coach hire in Donegal covers
Coach hire in Donegal covers private group transport arranged around a specific journey, itinerary or occasion/event. A qualified, experienced, friendly, insured driver is included, the vehicle is reserved for your group and to cover your preferred route or itinerary. Travel times and stops are agreed in advance. This obviously differs hugely from scheduled bus services, which operate on fixed routes and timetables that rarely suit group travel needs.
Private coach hire is used by golf societies, wedding parties, corporate groups, visiting tourists, sports clubs, community organisations and families planning private day trips. Letterkenny Coaches operates from Letterkenny in Co. Donegal and covers routes across the county, into Derry and Belfast and south to Dublin Airport and the city. All journey times are approximate and subject to road and weather conditions at the time of travel. The weather can add a wee bit of time and never gives us any extra. And in Donegal it is different and slower in many ways.
Fleet options for every group size
We offer a modern fleet that covers a wide range of group sizes, from small executive parties to large touring groups.
11 Seater VIP Business Class. Our VIP Business Class vehicle is available for smaller executive parties, corporate clients and private groups requiring a higher standard of comfort and presentation. This is the vehicle for clients who want something above standard minibus specification. You can eat at a table and chat whilst you look out the window as the world goes by. It is ideal for bringing you brown lunch or dinner. Or we can stop off at one of the local delicatessens like The Blue Goat or The Counter or Shines Tuna and pick up some tasty treats.
16 and 19 Seater Touring Spec. Our mid-size minicoaches seat 16 and 19 passengers with air conditioning as standard. It is Donegal so the heat is standard too 🙂 These work well for golf outings, sightseeing day trips, airport transfers and smaller event groups.
33 Seater. A great option for mid-to-large groups who want more space without moving to a full size coach. Air conditioning included, as is that hat again. With the extra height the views are even more expansive..
Full size coaches. Our full size coaches carry larger groups, fitted with air conditioning, plenty of luggage storage and Euro 6 emissions certification. Suitable for touring groups, large events and long-distance transfers.
7 Seaters and taxis. Available for smaller private bookings where a full coach is not required. We do like our Mercs.
Private coach hire across Donegal and beyond
Organising group transport is much easier when everyone travels together on one clear agreed plan or itinerary. Private coach hire gives a group a single departure point, a single itinerary and a comfortable way to move between your chosen destinations without the difficulty of coordinating multiple cars. Whether the journey is local within Donegal or continuing to Derry, Belfast, Dublin or another destination, coach hire keeps the day more organised from the outset. And everybody can relax, as nobody is responsible, other than our drivers, as it is their job
We work with a wide range of groups who need dependable transport for day trips, events, tours and planned travel. That includes sports clubs, corporate groups, family occasions, wedding guests, walking groups, visiting tourist groups and community organisations. Some groups need a simple return journey. Others need a more detailed itinerary with several pick-up points, stop-offs and a planned return time. We move at whatever pace you want. And we are flexible, if the group finds a place where they want to spend more time we can go with the flow. Both types of runs can be arranged.
For groups also planning flights or onward travel, our airport transfers service can be arranged as part of the same booking. Groups travelling for business or meetings can view our corporate travel page. And golf societies can explore our golf tours in Donegal for course-focused itineraries across the county and beyond. Golf is a growing part of our business, and many groups come back to us year after year, regardless which counties or courses they want to visit.
Who uses private coach hire in Donegal
Private coach hire suits a wide range of groups and occasions. Many bookings are for everyday group journeys where timing, comfort and coordination matter most.
Inbound visitors are a significant part of the enquiries we receive. Groups arriving into Ireland for a golf break, a sightseeing trip or a private tour benefit from knowing the transport side is already arranged. Instead of dividing luggage across hire cars or relying on several drivers to find the same venues, the group can settle in and focus on the trip.
This is particularly relevant in a county like Donegal where journeys pass through coastline, hills, villages and rural stretches that reward a more relaxed pace. Travelling together means the group can take in the route rather than spend the day trying to keep several vehicles in contact.
For groups organising from within Ireland, the same principle applies. One vehicle, one plan and one contact for the transport makes the day easier to manage from the outset.
According to Failte Ireland, group and golf tourism consistently ranks among the most significant visitor segments to the North West and along the Wild Atlantic Way. And private coach hire is the most commonly requested transport format for these groups. Weddings in Ireland are becoming very popular for American and English families.
Coach hire routes and service area
We cover County Donegal as our primary service area, with regular routes across the county to key destinations including Slieve League, Glenveagh National Park, the Inishowen Peninsula, Fanad or Ros Guill and the full length of the Wild Atlantic Way. Groups visiting golf courses such as Ballyliffin, Rosapenna and Portsalon are regularly accommodated as part of single-day or more commonly multi-day itineraries.
Beyond Donegal, we cover transfer routes to City of Derry Airport, Belfast International Airport and Dublin Airport. Long distance runs connecting Donegal with Dublin are available for groups travelling to conferences, events or onward flights. Cross-border routes into Northern Ireland, including transport to Royal Portrush and the Antrim coast, are also part of our regular service area.
For groups planning a sightseeing itinerary, the sightseeing tours page covers popular day trip routes across Donegal in more detail. Again we can have a plan B if the weather turns dodgy. Just talk to Garvan about it.
School Bus Coaches
We do school tours and trips as one off day trips or as scheduled runs.
How the booking process works
Booking coach hire works best when the main details are clear from the start. When making an enquiry, it helps to have the following ready:
- Your travel date and approximate departure time
- Your pick up point or points
- Your destination and whether there will be multiple stops
- Your expected group size
- Your return time or whether the vehicle is needed for the full day
- Any luggage, golf clubs or extra space requirements
Once those details are in place, we can match the right vehicle to the journey and provide an accurate quote. For straightforward return journeys, this is usually quick to confirm. For multi stop or multi day trips, a more detailed itinerary may need to be planned together. The more information provided at the outset, the easier it is to plan the transport properly and avoid delays. We might have to do a bit of research at our end to check for bank holidays or Festivals dates or sports fixtures, which can be a moveable feast depending on how well the local teams are doing.
Garvan is always happy to answer questions and talk through the options before a booking is confirmed. Contact us with the main details of your journey to get started.
Frequently asked questions about coach hire in Donegal
What information is needed for a coach hire quote?
The main details required are the travel date, pick up location or location, destination, group size and expected return time. If the journey involves multiple stops, specific luggage such as golf bags, or a full day itinerary, that information should be included when making an enquiry. Groups with a complex route or multi-day travel plan should share as much detail as possible at the start. The clearer the outline, the easier it is to confirm the right vehicle and provide an accurate quote without follow-up delays. Get in touch via the contact page with the key details. If your group has any specific needs regarding access or food, let Garvan know.
Is private coach hire suitable for smaller groups?
Private coach hire can work well for smaller groups as well as larger ones. The most suitable vehicle depends on the number of people travelling, the route and how much space is needed for luggage or equipment. Smaller groups are often better matched to a minicoach, a 16 or 19 seater, or the VIP Business Class vehicle rather than a full size coach. Booking a vehicle with more capacity than the group needs adds unnecessary cost. We will recommend the right option based on the details of the journey once an enquiry is received. Talk to us as early as possible. Once the season is started we will be flat out on the buses.
Can coach hire be combined with an airport transfer or onward travel?
Yes, coach hire can be arranged alongside airport collection and onward group travel. This is particularly useful when a group is arriving together at Dublin, Belfast or Derry Airport and needs to continue directly to a hotel, golf course, sightseeing itinerary or event venue in Donegal or elsewhere in Ireland. Rather than arranging two separate bookings, both legs can often be planned as part of one conversation. Details of the airport transfers service are available on the dedicated page.
How far in advance should a coach hire booking be made?
Booking as early as possible is recommended, particularly for summer weekends, public holiday periods, golf travel, wedding dates and the Christmas season. Booking well ahead allows more flexibility on timing and vehicle choice. If the travel date is approaching soon, it is still worth making an enquiry, as availability may remain for certain dates and routes. Early contact also allows more time to plan any multi-stop or multi-day itineraries properly. Demand for golf and sightseeing travel is at its peak between May and September, so advance booking is especially important during those months. Basically, it is never too early to speak with Garvan.
Can a custom itinerary be arranged for trips with more than one stop?
Yes, of course, custom itineraries can be arranged for groups that need more than a straightforward return journey. Many bookings involve hotel collections, scenic stop-offs, meals, visits to golf courses, national parks or coastal attractions and planned evening return times. A group might need collection in Letterkenny, followed by a scheduled stop at Glenveagh National Park and a return later that evening. Another might require a full day tour with multiple coastal stops along the Wild Atlantic Way. The best starting point is to share the planned route and timing outline so the journey can be properly organised. Bear in mind that Garvan knows about places that you will not see in a Google search.
People also ask
How does private coach hire differ from a standard bus service?
Private coach hire reserves a vehicle and driver for one group only, with the route, timing and stops agreed in advance. Donegal has limited scheduled bus coverage and no rail network, so for groups with a specific itinerary, private hire is often the only practical way to get around the county. Our sightseeing tours page shows how we plan routes to places scheduled services do not reach.
What kinds of occasions is minibus hire in Donegal used for?
Golf outings, airport transfers, weddings, hen and stag parties, corporate events, sporting fixtures, birthdays and community trips are among the most common bookings. The right vehicle depends on group size and the nature of the journey. The Letterkenny Coaches blog has practical guides for golf trips and sightseeing tours across the county and the wider North West.
Can a group book transport from Dublin to Donegal?
Yes. Long distance runs from Dublin Airport and Dublin city to Donegal are available and are regularly used by inbound golf and sightseeing groups. Contact the team to discuss route options and timing. All travel times are approximate and subject to road conditions on the day.
What is the Wild Atlantic Way and can a group tour it by coach?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 kilometre coastal driving route along the west of Ireland. Donegal's sections take in Slieve League, Glencolmcille, Fanad Head, Malin Head and the Inishowen Peninsula. Contact us to plan a day trip or multi day itinerary along the route.
Ready to plan your group travel in Donegal?
Contact the team with your travel date, group size and route. Garvan will confirm the right vehicle, talk through the itinerary and provide an accurate quote with no obligation.
24 Coylin Ct, Ballyboe, Rathmelton, Co. Donegal, F92 XR20, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)86 812 2616 | +353 (0)74 91 52715
Email: info@letterkennycoaches.com
No pressure. Clear advice. A practical next step for your group.