On Saturday Afternoon 19 June 2010, a co-driver died after the car he was in crashed on the Knockalla stage, south of Portsalon, of the event shortly after 3 pm.

Thomas Maguire, Aged 26, from Longwood, County Meath was killed and his driver, Shane Buckley, critically injured.

[12] The event attracted a lot of international attention, including Ken Block who showcased his Ford Escort Cosworth.

[14] On the third day of the rally, 23 June 2019 at approximately 12:30 IST, three-time and defending champion Manus Kelly crashed during a stage on the Fanad Head loop.

A 41-year-old father of five and a prominent local businessman, Kelly had been elected to Donegal County Council less than a month before his death.

Numerous politicians and representatives of the Irish motorsport community expressed sympathy to his family and paid tribute to the late champion, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar calling him a "phenomenal motorsportsman.

[18] Following the funeral mass, Kelly's brothers and friends carried his coffin across the Donegal International Rally ramp.

Shortly after Motorsport Ireland announcement messages on Facebook started circulating that the Donegal Rally is cancelled.

[24] Donegal Motor Club stepped in to correct the rumours that the event is not cancelled, and if permitted, will go ahead as planned on 19–21 June.

As the country remained subject to restrictions aimed at controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the TROA made an announcement on 3 February 2021 to cancel the 2021 Championship.

[32] An incident occurred where a 62-year-old man was arrested after damaging one of the competitor cars by cutting wires and the fuel lines.

The current sponsors of the Donegal International Rally are Wilton Recycling and The Mount Errigal Hotel.