Place profile · Donegal, Co. Donegal

Is Donegal a good place to live?

Donegal is moving with the market.

Below average today — tracking the national trend — no strong local tailwind or headwind.

↓ Unemployment fell 13% → 8%, in line with nationally↑ Prices up 24.3%

Where Donegal sits.

Co. Donegal · 3 bus stops · no rail.

177 min
drive to Galway

Ranked #2 in Donegal for quality of life.

57/100
#93 nationally
Affordability100
Family & community83
Environment74
Safety71
Local economy28
Transport & services22
Schools & education20

Homes sell for €185,000.

€125,000€267,500
↑ +24.3%28.2% new-build1543 sales / 2yr
€€

Affordable for its access.

100/100
Affordability score

Good for families.

83/100
Family & community score

Clean, green surrounds.

74/100
Environment score

A community that's growing.

3,000 people, up 8.3% since 2016.

Who lives here.

36%
third-level
36%
professional
10.5%
unemployment
Affluence: below average

Mostly owner-occupied.

70.6% own18.6% rent9% social

For sale in Donegal right now.

Get a full report on any Donegal property →

The honest trade-offs.

↓ Transport & services 22/100↓ Schools & education 20/100

Compare with nearby towns.

Donegal vs LetterkennyDonegal vs LiffordDonegal vs BundoranDonegal vs BuncranaDonegal vs Ballybofey-StranorlarDonegal vs BallyshannonIs Letterkenny a good place to live?Is Lifford a good place to live?Is Bundoran a good place to live?Is Buncrana a good place to live?

Sale prices from the Property Price Register (rolling 24 months). Quality of Life averages seven equal-weighted dimensions from 40+ metrics across 13 public datasets (CSO census + SAPS, Garda crime, SEAI, EPA, DES schools, GTFS). Population is CSO Census 2022; the “on the up” trajectory compares 2016→2022. Figures refresh daily · an area assessment, not advice on a specific property. Updated 2026.