The Donegal International Rally returns from Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June 2026, bringing three days of thrilling motorsport action to the spectacular roads of County Donegal.

Organised by the Donegal Motor Club, this world-famous event is a highlight of the Irish motorsport calendar and a major round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Every year, it attracts top drivers, teams and thousands of spectators from across Ireland, the UK and beyond.

📅 Event Details

Dates: 19–21 June 2026
Location: County Donegal, Ireland
Organiser: Donegal Motor Club
Official Website: https://donegalrally.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donegalrally.ie/

🚗 The Rally Weekend Begins in Letterkenny

The excitement starts with the ceremonial launch in Letterkenny, where rally fans can see the competing cars and teams before they head out onto the stages.

Throughout the weekend, Letterkenny becomes the hub of the rally, welcoming competitors, support crews and visitors from all over Ireland and overseas.

🏁 Iconic Stages Across Donegal

The Donegal International Rally is renowned for its challenging closed-road stages, which wind through some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The Inishowen Peninsula plays a starring role in the event, offering spectacular coastal roads, technical corners and fast-paced sections that test drivers to their limits. Combined with mountain passes, rolling countryside and dramatic Atlantic scenery, Donegal provides one of the most demanding rally challenges in Europe.

Famous roads and stages across Inishowen, Fanad and the wider county have helped establish the Donegal Rally as one of the most respected and eagerly anticipated events in motorsport.

⭐ Why the Donegal Rally is Special

First held in 1972, the Donegal International Rally has grown into one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting events.

Widely regarded as one of the toughest tarmac rallies in Europe, it combines world-class competition with a unique festival atmosphere that spreads throughout the county. Towns, villages, hotels, restaurants and bars come alive as thousands of visitors descend on Donegal for one unforgettable weekend.

Whether you’re a dedicated motorsport enthusiast or simply looking to experience Donegal at its most vibrant, the rally offers something for everyone.

🎉 A Weekend Like No Other

• 🚗 Top-class rally cars and international competitors
• 🌍 Thousands of visitors and spectators each year
• 🎶 A lively atmosphere across towns and villages throughout Donegal
• 📸 Incredible opportunities to experience Donegal’s scenery and culture
• 📍 One of Ireland’s most exciting annual sporting events

👀 Spectator Information

Official stage maps, spectator guides, event programmes and safety information are released closer to the event date.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the official Donegal Rally website and social media channels for the latest updates on stage routes, viewing areas, road closures and event schedules.

Always follow instructions from rally marshals and event organisers and watch only from designated spectator areas.

🏨 Book Accommodation Early

The Donegal International Rally is one of the busiest weekends of the year for tourism in the county. Accommodation across Letterkenny, Inishowen and surrounding areas often books out well in advance.

Visitors are strongly advised to secure accommodation early and plan their travel arrangements ahead of time.

⚠️ Plan Your Journey

Road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place throughout the weekend to facilitate the event. If you’re travelling around Donegal during the rally, allow extra time for journeys and check official updates before setting out.

Whether you’re a lifelong rally fan or a first-time visitor, the Donegal International Rally 2026 promises excitement, atmosphere and unforgettable experiences in one of Ireland’s most scenic destinations.

Start planning your visit and discover why Donegal is considered the home of Irish rallying.