Walking & Hiking in Donegal

Drumboe Nature Trail - This trail follows forest road and track through both coniferous and broadleaf trees. It is a pleasant gentle trail along the river bank, returning through the forest and crossing a public road on the way. There are good views of the river. In winter parts of this trail along the river may be flooded. Length 2km Time: 1hr Nearest Town: Stranorlar Coillte Recreational Tr…

Come along and experience the magic of watching the sun rise from the summit of Errigal, seeing the amazing Donegal landscape slowly being revealed as the sun rises over the land! Clothing - wear comfortable and warm clothing, no denim, bring an extra warm layer plus waterproofs. Footwear - hiking boots are ideal but any sensible and secure footwear with good grips will suffice (no open toes…

Donegal really is a special place, it still retains a real sense of wildness and remoteness. If you’re looking to get away from it all, recharge and re-energise yourself there is no better place than the mountain ranges in Donegal! At Awaken Adventures we can take you on a guided hike around the many ranges, the hikes can be specifically tailored to suit your needs. Whether it’s iconic Erriga…

Walking tour of slieve league and its environs. The walk focuses on the folklore of the famous Sean O Eochaidh. Included in the walking tour is the history, culture and way of life of this spectacular place. The place comes to life with the folklore stories.

The Milford Slí na Sláinte is 3.7km in length and starts at the Diamond, at the top of the town. To follow the route, continue downhill along the main street, crossing the bridge over Maggie’s Burn. Continue onto the Ramelton road and then turn left onto the Fanad bypass road. Continue for well over 1.5 kilometers to the ‘Lough Road’ junction (recognised by the white stone edging). Turn left again…

Slí Cholmcille is a section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that circles around the remote landscapes of south west Donegal. The name of the route is derived from that of St Colmcille, one of Ireland’s early Christian saints, who was born in County Donegal and lived for a while in this region. He is recalled in the name of Glencolmcille, Donegal’s westerlymost village, a place steeped in pre-Christ…

Carndonagh Sli Na Slainte Walk Starting Point: Walk begins at Public Services Centre on Station Rd. Leaving starting point and crossing Malin St. at Crossing Point (CP) (close to roundabout), continue past shopping centre (on right), along open stretch of road, passing Inishowen Co-Op. Turn right at bridge which spans the Glenagannon River and right at Tul Na Ri restaurant/pub. Extra care must be…

Drumharrif wood offers the family a gentle looped walk near the village of Pettigo on the border with Northern Ireland. The forest road section of trail follows the old Great Northern Railway line. The old station house was located close to the village of Pettigo. The trains travelled to Dublin, Enniskillen, Ballyshannon and Bundoran. The station closed in 1957. Walk: This looped trail takes y…

Cosán Colmcille - Although close to the town of Milford, and easily accessed from there, Loch Colmcille is a remote and tranquil location in an area which is rich in history and wildlife. The route to and from Milford is along footpath and quiet roads, whilst the 2.5 km section to the east of the Loch is along a disused road which is not accessible to cars. Distance: Approximately 7 kms Time…

Siulóid Cois an Ghaoth - This walk is a short but attractive path along the tree-lined banks of the Gweedore River estuary. Linear Trail Length: 0.75km Time 15mins Nearest Town: Crolly Link to National Waymarked Way

Inch Wildfowl Reserve - Situated in the shadow of Scalp Mountain on the eastern shores of Lough Swilly, tucked neatly behind Inch Island, you will find Inch Wildfowl Reserve. The combination within this site of extensive feeding areas and safe resting and roosting sites makes this site one of the most important wetlands in the country for wintering waterfowl. This site is situated to the east of L…

A visit to Ards Forest Park will reward everyone at any time of the year. The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among them sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. With such a variety of landscapes, it is possible to spend many hours exploring this wonderful park. The sea…

Slí na Finne is a 42 km long circular section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that loops through the mountains of central Donegal touching on Lough Finn, a lake steeped in legends of the superhero, Finn Mc Cumhaill, and the River Finn, one of the best salmon rivers in Europe. It is a route that takes in the villages of Fintown, Brockagh and Comeen and what County Donegal is best for, its wilderness…

Drumboe Multi Access - This trail follows forest tracks looping through the southern part of the forest to the western end, with the return along the river bank. It passes through some of the quieter parts of the forest with many species of trees and shrubs and there are bluebells and wild garlic in spring. There are good views of the river. In winter parts of this trail along the river may be flo…

The Culdaff Slí na Sláinte is a 3.4km route, which starts at the Wee Hall in the village centre. The route continues for 1.7km along a well-maintained path towards Culdaff beach, car park and children’s playground. To complete the route, walk back to the starting point at the Wee Hall. Linear Trail Length 3.4km Time 30min Nearest Town: Culdaff Coillte Recreational Trails. The Long Strand …

The ancient territory (The Land of the O Doherty’s), of County Donegal is the most northerly part of Ireland. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean with Lough Swilly forming its western boundary and Lough Foyle to the east. Monuments of an earlier age grow from the landscape as castles, towers and ancient churches. The Celtic crosses and the pagan monuments come together in a co…

This walk takes you on minor roads and surfaced track along a scenic stretch of the old Burtonport railway returning on quiet country lanes, passing Alcorns Gatehouse, Sweeneys Gatehouse, Dungloe Road Station, through ash woodland and an abundance of flora and fauna giving a splendid diversity of colour and sound changing with the seasons. Looped Trail Length: 5km Time: 1hr Nearest Town: Burt…

Glenveagh View Point Trail Length: 1km (This is a looped walk) Time: 35 mins Terrain: Steep stony path The View Point Trail is perhaps the best short walk option in the Park. It leads to an ideal vantage point for enjoying views of the rugged scenery, with magnificent perspectives of the castle below, Lough Veagh and the surrounding landscapes. This circular 1.5Km trail starts …

A visit to Ards Forest Park will reward everyone at any time of the year. The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among them sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. With such a variety of landscapes, it is possible to spend many hours exploring this wonderful park. The…

Glencolmcille Drum Loop - The stretch of coastline between Slieve League and Slieve Tooey in southwest Donegal is a fine spot for walkers eager to breakaway from the trappings of modern living. The entire 35km coastline bristles with jagged rock pinnacles and soaring cliffs and, nestled in the midst of all this glorious scenery, is the village of Glencolmcille. Wonderfully remote, Glencolmcill…