A coastal airport in the picturesque realms of County Donegal has been named one of the most scenic in the world. Read on to find out why.
County Donegal is one of the largest in all of Ireland. It sits in the country’s northwest corner, boasting a vast landmass, Ireland’s most northern point, rugged mountains, charming towns, beautiful beaches, and much more.
Adding to its armoury of undoubted excellence is the fact that Donegal Airport, in Carrickfinn near Gweedore, was named the most scenic airport in the world for 2020. Thus, making it an incredible third year on the bounce that it claimed the prestigious award.
The poll – official proof of Donegal’s prestige
According to the Independent, The Scenic Airports poll gave Donegal Airport the coveted award. Over February and March of last year, private jet booking service, PrivateFly, gathered the results.
It found it was Donegal Airport that stood tallest amongst its near 6,000 votes.
PrivateFly operates private flights between all international airports, with safety accredited aircraft and their own JetCard, giving you guaranteed availability to its private flights.
The unlucky runners-up – not quite on Donegal’s level
The poll itself ranked the top ten across the globe, with nine others slotting in behind the Tir Chonaill airport.
The Nadi International Airport in Fiji came in tenth, while Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest based on international passenger traffic, claimed ninth.
In eighth is the Praslin Island Airport in Seychelles, while seventh spot was home to the St Maarten International Airport. In sixth, French Polynesia’s own Bora Bora Aiport.
Barra Airport in Scotland, not too far from Ireland itself, kicked off the top five. The USA comes into the fold at fourth with the Orlando Melbourne International Airport, a stunning landing space encircled by blue waters.
In third was the Skiathos Airport in Greece. With long spells of good weather, this place is a treat. Finally, in second place and just behind Donegal Airport was Msembe Airstrip in Tanzania.
Donegal Airport – the story behind the world’s best airport
The 6,000 voters in PrivateFly’s poll chose the Donegal Airport as the number one airport in the world. And it’s not hard to see why. The landing space here is sandwiched between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean that swarm to its left and right.
As you come into Donegal and over the airport, you will see the small green islands that populate Gweedore’s coastline. You will also see the town of Gweedore itself and the natural beauty of the Donegal outdoors.
Finally, Mount Errigal greets you earnestly as it towers above any and all below it.
Commenting on the Donegal Airport, voters said, “It’s just the most wonderful scenery in the world…”, while another said how there was “stunning, varied scenery, including mountains and beautiful beaches.”
As one voter summed up, it is “Truly [the] Wild Atlantic Way!”.
We don’t disagree at all with these comments, and we know first-hand how exceptional this part of Donegal is. If you are lucky to fly over the Gweedore coast and the Derryveagh Mountains, tip your hat back at us for recommending the trip.
