Jim Gavin's side have made it to their seventh All-Ireland semi-final and aside from a Ryan McHugh goal in the second half, Donegal's resistance wasn't enough to halt Dublin's stride.
Dublin finished the game with 12 men through a red card (Eoghan O'Gara), a black card (Brian Fenton) and withdrew some marquee players including Bernard Brogan and Michael Darragh MacAuley.
And yet, they looked rather comfortable at the final whistle. Donegal pressed at Dublin with all they could summon and when Ryan McHugh palmed the ball into the net, the scent of an ambush was wafting in the air.
Diarmuid Connolly was dismissed on a second yellow shortly after, which deprived the reigning champions of a potent scoring outlet having claimed a few clinical scores off his left and right boot.
Much of Dublin's win was forged in the first half however. Connolly put them five in front at the break as the Ulster finalists' wide count was heading towards the double digit mark.
Kevin McManamon was first to open Dublin's account in the second half with a well fisted point after an incisive run followed by a Dean Rock free after John Small was fouled while racing through the Donegal cover.
Donegal hit back with 1-01 through a Paddy McBrearty point coupled with the McHugh goal but it merely amounted to an intermission to Dublin's momentum. Scores from Michael Murphy and McBrearty kept up the chase but a Paul Mannion goal on the back of points from Jonny Cooper and Kevin McManamon secured their spot in the semi-final where they will face Kerry.
Ciaran Kilkenny had some game today - a huge challenge up next against Kerry. Mon Dublin! #COYBIB
— GP (@garethpenrose) August 6, 2016
#UpTheDubs @AIGIreland #DUBvDON
Reaction to Dublin's performance in the first half: pic.twitter.com/qBIXCaWT4W— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) August 6, 2016
A Mayo Dublin Final for 2016 ?? #allireland
— KC (@kcshowcork) August 6, 2016
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