Donegal, County Donegal Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Donegal, County Donegal? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (July 2025 – June 2026), the short answer is $15,216 per year — at a $213 nightly rate, 31.1% occupancy, and a $68 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
With just 29 active listings, Donegal is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 866.7% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Donegal?
In Donegal, the headline Airbnb metrics are $15,216 in average annual revenue,31.1% occupancy, $213 ADR, and $68 in RevPAR, and guests book about 49 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Donegal?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Donegal is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Donegal is typically August, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Donegal across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,301+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,855 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,020 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,073, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Donegal
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Donegal?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Donegal STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Donegal:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 64%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 43% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 30%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 20% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Donegal
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Donegal?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Donegal involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Donegal typically peaks in June and dips lowest during January. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $323+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $290 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $214 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $125 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Donegal
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Donegal?
RevPAR in Donegal is currently $68. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $34 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $62 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $85 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $147 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Donegal
RevPAR Insights for Donegal
- The average RevPAR in Donegal is $68. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($147) and bottom 25% ($34) is $114, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Aug and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Donegal benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $62, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $85+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Donegal?
Donegal's peak Airbnb season falls in August, May, July, while the softest stretch is January, February, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (August, May, July)
- Revenue averages $3,302 per month
- Occupancy rates average 49.2%
- Daily rates average $209
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,044 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 32.1%
- Daily rates hold near $216
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,115 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 21.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $200
Seasonality Insights for Donegal
- Airbnb seasonality in Donegal is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Donegal's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,581, occupancy reaching 56.6%, and ADRs peaking at $241.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $810, occupancy could drop to 10.8%, and ADRs may adjust to $189.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Donegal need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Donegal, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Donegal?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Donegal, County Donegal, Ireland point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Donegal to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Donegal?
With a compact short-term rental market, Donegal gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Letterkenny | The largest town in County Donegal, known for its vibrant community, shopping, and cultural events. It's a popular base for travelers exploring the surrounding areas. | Glebe Gallery, Letterkenny Town Park, Donegal County Museum, Secret Garden Cafe, Fintown Railway |
| Dunfanaghy | A picturesque coastal village known for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities. Perfect for tourists looking to relax or engage in water sports. | Horn Head, Dunfanaghy Beach, Marble Hill Strand, Ards Forest Park, Church of the Assumption |
| Bundoran | A well-known surfing destination with a lively atmosphere. Attracts adventurous tourists and families looking for beach activities and entertainment. | Bundoran Surf Company, Waterworld Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Bundoran Adventure Park, Pier Head |
| Killybegs | Ireland's premier fishing port, offering a unique insight into marine life and the fishing industry. Great for travelers interested in nature and rural tourism. | Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Museum, St. Catherine's Church, The Titanic Memorial, Killybegs Harbour, The O'Connell Monument |
| Malin Head | The northernmost point of Ireland, known for its rugged beauty and scenic views. A tranquil escape for tourists looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. | Malin Head Signal Tower, Banba's Crown, Walking Trails, St. Patrick's Head, Local seafood restaurants |
| Gweedore | A Gaeltacht area rich in Irish culture and language, with stunning landscapes and traditional music. Attracts visitors interested in culture and heritage. | Errigal Mountain, Glenveagh National Park, Leo's Tavern, Gweedore Golf Club, Local crafts and food markets |
| Inis Meain | One of the Aran Islands, known for its stunning scenery and traditional Irish culture. Ideal for visitors looking to experience local life and stunning landscapes. | Inis Meain Climate Action Community, Sancta Maria Church, Traditional Irish music, Historical sites, Quiet trails and walks |
| Donegal Town | A charming town with a rich history, scenic views, and a vibrant atmosphere. Popular for those exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoying local events. | Donegal Castle, The Old Bog Road, Lough Eske, The Donegal Bay Waterbus, Local shops and cafes |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Donegal offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Donegal?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Donegal
- The Donegal Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 65.5% of the 29 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 34.5% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Donegal, House properties are the most common (58.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 58.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 24.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Donegal Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Donegal
- The dominant room capacity in Donegal is 1 bedroom listings, making up 37.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 55.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Donegal, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 37.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Donegal.
Donegal Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Donegal
- The most common guest capacity trend in Donegal vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (41.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 6 guests dominate the Donegal STR market, accounting for 58.6% of listings.
- A significant 41.4% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Donegal.
- 31.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Donegal.
- On average, properties in Donegal are equipped to host 3.7 guests.
How Do Listings in Donegal Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Donegal can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Donegal
- At 22.2 photos per listing on average, Donegal hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 34.5% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Donegal averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Donegal?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Donegal
- Essential amenities in Donegal that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Heating, Free parking on premises are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Donegal: Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Heating to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Donegal to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Donegal?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Donegal, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 65.5% | $18,957 | $8,107 | 133.8% |
Dining table | 44.8% | $21,783 | $9,880 | 120.5% |
Wine glasses | 51.7% | $19,851 | $10,249 | 93.7% |
Cleaning products | 48.3% | $20,285 | $10,485 | 93.5% |
Toaster | 48.3% | $19,974 | $10,775 | 85.4% |
Cooking basics | 58.6% | $18,736 | $10,229 | 83.2% |
Dishes and silverware | 58.6% | $18,554 | $10,486 | 76.9% |
Kitchen | 72.4% | $17,221 | $9,953 | 73.0% |
Laundromat nearby | 27.6% | $21,497 | $12,823 | 67.6% |
Coffee | 41.4% | $19,511 | $12,184 | 60.1% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Donegal
- Refrigerator tops the revenue impact list with a 133.8% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $18,957 vs. $8,107 without it.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Donegal STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Donegal. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDonegal Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Donegal
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Donegal consists of predominantly international visitors (79%), with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
- Domestic travelers account for 20.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United Kingdom (26.6%) and United States (23.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (53%) followed by German (10.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United States.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Donegal?
Listings in Donegal average 4.93 out of 5 overall, with about 39.9 reviews per active listing and 55.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Donegal
- With an overall rating of 4.93, Donegal listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.96), while Value (4.81) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 55.2% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Donegal Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Donegal
- The most common availability pattern in Donegal falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 69% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 100.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Donegal (44.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Donegal?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Donegal
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Donegal is 49 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 86 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in December (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (57 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (33 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (49 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Donegal.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 86 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 57 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Donegal averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Donegal?
Guests in Donegal stay about 2.4 nights on average, generating roughly 536 reservations and 18.5 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Donegal
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Donegal
- Very short stays drive high turnover. Cleaning costs, consumable restocking, and check-in coordination become significant operational factors at this frequency.
- 18.5 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Aug (3.1 nights) and shorten in May (1.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Donegal Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
12 listings
41.4% of total
2 Nights
8 listings
27.6% of total
30+ Nights
9 listings
31% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Donegal is 1 Night, adopted by 41.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (69.0%) of the Donegal Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (31%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Donegal, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 41.4% of Donegal hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 31% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Donegal.
Donegal Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
3 listings
10.3% of total
Limited
2 listings
6.9% of total
Flexible
6 listings
20.7% of total
Moderate
14 listings
48.3% of total
Firm
2 listings
6.9% of total
Strict
2 listings
6.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Donegal
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Donegal is Moderate, used by 48.3% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (69.0%) and stricter (13.8%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (6.9%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 48.3% market standard in Donegal.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 6.9% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Donegal.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Donegal?
Cleaning fees in Donegal are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Donegal
- About 55.2% of Donegal listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
- The average cleaning fee of $69 is close to the median ($64), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 8.2% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Donegal median of $64. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Donegal Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Donegalbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Paul’s country cottage
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Cliffe at the Quay - Riverside Suite 2
Private Room • 1 bedroom
Sleek modern 2 bed apartment in Donegal Town.
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Cliffe at the Quay - Riverside Suite 1
Private Room • 1 bedroom
Mary Rose's Cottage
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
The Old Schoolhouse - River View
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Donegal?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Donegal based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrell Property Ltd | 3 | $87,571 | 109 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Melissa | 4 | $76,624 | 9 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Paul | 1 | $35,401 | 35 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Melissa | 1 | $34,298 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Edel | 1 | $30,831 | 24 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Paul | 1 | $23,018 | 3 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Amanda | 4 | $22,181 | 15 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Michael | 1 | $17,752 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Patricia | 2 | $17,652 | 719 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Alison | 1 | $14,666 | 95 | 4.99/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Donegal.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Donegal?
Donegal is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Donegal
- With 62.1% Superhosts, Donegal has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 17.2% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 13.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 72.4% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 20.7% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Donegal averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Donegal
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Donegal, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa | 4 | $76,624 | $257 | 23.1% | 4.83/5 |
| Melissa | 1 | $34,298 | $349 | 30.5% | 5.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Donegal
- The leading management company, Melissa, operates 4 listings with $76,624 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Donegal.
- Top managers average 3 properties each, suggesting professional management in Donegal still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.92/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 17.2% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Donegal's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Donegal Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Galway, Donegal has 20 percentage points lower occupancy and about $63 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irvinestown | 10 | $4,329 | $376.28 | 39% |
| Carrick-on-Shannon | 17 | $3,229 | $436.52 | 29% |
| Galway | 922 | $3,169 | $275.43 | 51% |
| The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick | 39 | $2,576 | $292.85 | 37% |
| Roundstone | 21 | $2,486 | $334.81 | 31% |
| Belleek | 14 | $2,336 | $223.24 | 40% |
| Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District | 85 | $2,276 | $316.74 | 29% |
| Ballymahon Municipal District | 25 | $2,163 | $254.91 | 36% |
| Kesh | 18 | $2,099 | $269.17 | 33% |
| Conamara Municipal District | 797 | $2,057 | $263.98 | 42% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Donegal
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Donegal.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Donegal?
Donegal hosts earn about $15,216 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $213 and RevPAR of $68. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Donegal, County Donegal, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Donegal market, July 2025 to June 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Donegal?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Donegal is 31.1%. August is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Donegal?
Listings in Donegal average $213 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Donegal?
Donegal currently has about 29 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Donegal?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Donegal as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Donegal?
RevPAR in Donegal is about $68. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Donegal?
Occupancy of 31.1% means Donegal is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $15,216, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Donegal?
The average booking lead time in Donegal is about 49 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Donegal?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Donegal include Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy, Bundoran. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Donegal?
entire_home listings make up 65.5% of the active supply in Donegal. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Donegal compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Irvinestown posts $51,951 in average annual revenue with 38.5% occupancy, compared to Donegal's $15,216 and 31.1%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Donegal?
The average Airbnb stay length in Donegal is about 2.4 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Donegal?
Airbnb listings in Donegal average 4.93 out of 5 overall. About 55.2% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Donegal?
Refrigerator and Dining table are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Donegal. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Donegal?
Yes. About 55.2% of active Airbnb listings in Donegal charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $69. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Donegal?
A 62.1% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-06-30. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.