Pilot reviews of Carrickfin / Donegal Airfield

“Visited Denegal on 11 July returning from Oban to Blackpool. Manged to arrange Special Branch clearance at Oban by calling them the night before - very easy and helpful. Scottish and Shannon FIS were great, but had to fly low due to wx and lost Scottish - asked a passing jet to relay our ETA and position which they did. The scenery along the Scottish Western isles and then the north coast of Ireland was stunning. The only difference we noticed between Ireland and Scotland was that Ireland had more houses! The whole flight was spent admiring some of the best scenery in the world. The airfield itself was easy to find and set in a wonderful location next to the Atlantic. Quite a lot of commercial traffic but we were slotted in easily and only charged about 15 Euros - likewise, fuel was much cheaper than the UK, so we filled up! Airport cafe was friendly and good value. Must go back some day and spend more time travelling around the area as it just looked so stunning.”

“Dropped in to the airport last week after superb flight over from East Scotland, always wanted to see this part of the green isle, amazed at the number of caravan sites along the north coast and how the landscape changes dramatically as you cross the border into the republic. Gone are the green fields and in come the peat bogs, and wee white cottages just like the scottish crofts on the west side of skye. Scottish put us over to Shannon but no joy so called Londonderry- great service - provided flight info until 20mls out of Carrickfin when we contacted them. No probs very helpful landed in 14kt crosswind, apparently it is a regular problem there so beware. Quite a lot of commercial flights get cancelled through this. Absolutely stunning reception girl for the airline arranged for the fueller to run us to the pub- great lunch at 'Bonners' Fuel was 1.10 per litre but thats euros so fill up!

Great destination but you need a hire car if staying over

safe flying!

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“Just less than an hour away from my base at Belfast International, Donegal is a peacful haven of tranquility. After the noisy environment of the cockpit, you just have to land, close down the engine and climb out to hear the lapping waves of the Atlantic break on the nearby beach.

The approach from the east takes you past the spectacular Mount Errigle before talking to the controllers who are always helpful. Final approach to either end of runway 03/21 will have you coasting in over quaint Irish cottages into the relative calm created by the sand dunes.

If you stroll out the terminal entrance, turn right and walk for a couples of minutes, you'll find a wonderful beach to relax and plan the rest of your trip, then return to the terminal again to eat in the cafe.

Do yourself a favour, and call at Donegal if you're in the area. And no - I don't work for the Irish Tourist Board!

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