Getting to Gleann Cholm Cille
Gleann Cholm Cille is easily accessible by both public and private transport.
Public Transport
Bus Éireann route 30 travels direct Dublin-Donegal Town several times daily including weekends. International visitors can board this service at Dublin Airport. In Donegal Town you can take the LocalLink bus service (route 293) to Gleann Cholm Cille. These services connect in Killybegs and Donegal Town with buses from and to elsewhere including Derry, Belfast and Galway. We recommend purchasing your Bus Éireann ticket in advance via the Bus Éireann website. It is not necessary (or possible) to buy a LocalLink ticket in advance.
Bus Éireannbuseireann.ie
LocalLink Donegal-Sligo-Leitrimlocallinkdsl.ie
Feda Ó Dónaillfeda.ie
Ulsterbustranslink.co.uk
Driving time
from Dublin4 hours
from Galway4 hours
from Belfast3 hours
Nearby airports
Donegal Airportdonegalairport.ie
70 km (43.5 miles) away
City of Derry Airportcityofderryairport.com
130 km (85 miles) away
Belfast International Airportbelfastairport.com
200 km (130 miles) away
Belfast City Airportbelfastcityairport.com
230 km (145 miles) away
Ireland West Airport, Knockirelandwestairport.com
140 km (90 miles) away
Questions? Answers!
How easy is it to get to Gleann Cholm Cille by bus?We are very fortunate to have an excellent transport system to bring you to the Glen. There is a daily service directly from Dublin offered by Bus Éireann, departing from Busáras (Central Bus Station) in Store St., in Dublin’s city centre. Bus Éireann also provides a service from Galway to Donegal Town. When in Busáras, ask for return ticket to Donegal Town. The express bus goes directly to Donegal Town. From there you can use the LocalLink service to travel to Gleann Cholm Cille, departing the same bus stop at the Abbey Hotel. If, by chance, you miss connections and arrive in Donegal Town late, call us on our office line at 074 97 30248.
Is it far from the bus stop to Oideas Gael?Is it far from the bus stop to Oideas Gael? Not very. The bus stops at the top of the village (near the post office, the school and Biddy's pub). From there it is a 10-minute walk to Oideas Gael or, if you are travelling on the Local Link service, simply ask the bus driver to drop you at the Oideas Gael building. When possible Oideas Gael staff will meet arriving Bus Éireann buses and pick up course participants directly from the bus stop.
What happens if I arrive late?Oideas Gael does not have a 24-hour reception, so if arriving later than 9pm please call the office on +353 (0)74 97 30248 and let us know beforehand to make sure someone is here to meet you when you arrive.
What about taxis?Taxis from Donegal Town to Glen (30 miles) can be costly. You should negotiate a fare or decide to stay in a B&B until next day. If you are arriving into Donegal Airport, let us know. The taxi fare can be expensive and we may know of others travelling here and who would share with you. If there is a larger group travelling together, it will be cheaper to organise transport from Glen to collect you.
How do I leave the Glen?We usually link people on the courses who are looking for a lift with those with a car and going their way. This usually works out if heading for Derry, Belfast, Sligo, Dublin or Galway. The buses leave everyday as well.