Walking & Hiking in Donegal

The Shorefront Slí na Sláinte is a 1km linear walk starting at the carpark opposite Buncrana Leisure Centre on Buncrana’s shorefront and following the coastline along Lough Swilly. Swan Park Slí na Sláinte is a 2km looped walk starting from the carpark at the Old Pier by the Wolfe Tone Memorial across the historic six-arched Crana Bridge, turn right at the gates of Buncrana Castle and past O’Do…

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…

Slí na Rossan - Slí Dhún na nGall - Part of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall, Slí na Rosann is a 65km circular route covering an area called the Rosses, which lies between the western outliers of the Derryveagh Mountains and the much indented Atlantic coast in west County Donegal. It is a wonderfully scenic, rock-strewn landscape scattered with more than a hundred lakes, which make it a mecca for angle…

Doochary - Fintown - This spectacular walk, which is a section of Bealach na Gaeltachta Waymarked Way, can begin/end in either Doochary or Fintown. It takes you through some of Donegals finest woodland walking and a modest climb just north of Fintown gives spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Distance: Approximately 9 kms Time: 3 hours Terrain: Quiet roads, bog road/rough trac…

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…

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 …

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…

The Moville Slí na Sláinte is a 4.4km route which follows a picturesque 2.2km path along the River Foyle before returning back to Moville. The route starts at the Market Square, just off the Main Street and turns onto Jamess Street and down towards The Green (a 10 acre site donated by the Montgomery Family, ancestors of Field Marshal Montgomery the 2nd World War hero), where it follows the bottom …

The walk takes you on tarred road as it circles the island bringing you to the wild and uninhabited interior and western side of the island as well as through the houses concentrated along the southern and eastern sides. There is a spur walk to the remote Lighthouse. Views are of superb coastal and island scenery. Arranmore is the largest island off the Donegal coast. The settlements are limit…

The Bluestack Way is a 65km route through a true wilderness area of County Donegal in the north west of Ireland with great views as it traverses the Bluestack Mountains, a range of low rounded hills. It connects Donegal town with the town of Ardara on the west coast. Along the way the route passes by scenic Lough Eske, and then wends its way across the foothills of the Bluestacks to reach an area …

Glenveagh - The Garden Trail - Length: 1km (This is a looped walk) Time: 1hr Terrain: Gravel pathway Following a well-marked route the trail offers visitors a full tour of the features of the gardens. Started around 1890 by Cornelia Adair and embellished in the 1960’s and 1970’s by Henry Mc Ilhenny the garden offers great contrast with the surrounding landscape. Features inclu…

Pleasant walk through bogland & heather offering great views of Muckish Mountain & the vast expanse of bogland in the shadow of this iconic mountain. Walk is short but provides a good atmospheric flavour of the vast walking potential of this area. Walk is adequately signposted - best in dry conditions and suitable for whole family. Looped Trail Length: 2km Time: 35min Nearest Town: Crees…

Céad mile fáilte go ‘Hillwalking Donegal’. Go dté mar atá sibh! My name is Seamus Doohan. I was born and raised in the Gaeltacht area of Falcarragh in Co. Donegal, under the shadow of the majestic Derryveagh mountains, and within a whisper of the rugged coastline of the wild North Atlantic. As someone who has a passion for the outdoors, it was inevitable that I would take to hill walking. …

this is a walk for fit and experienced walkers only. Starting at the spectacularly located car park on the north side of the Gap of Marmore, this route takes the walker into the heart of Inishowens finest hills. The walk offers an unfolding backdrop of the rugged coastal scenery of north Donegal with Panoramic views in all directions. There is also a linear walk Marmore to Straid incorporating i…

This trail takes you on forest road and path around little Lough Bonnyglen and passes through a plantation of Sitka spruce. The peaceful lakes and woods attract a wide variety of wildlife. Looped Trail Length: 1km | Time: 40min - easy Nearest town: Glenties

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…

HIKING AND KAYAKING NEAR GWEEDORE Trek and Paddle Donegal is based in Gaoth Dobhair (Gweeedore) in North West Donegal. We offer sports and recreation for all the family to enjoy - hiking trail walks, canoe and kayak hire. Enjoy outdoor activities along the Wild Atlantic Way with us! Call us or email us for details Tel: 087 090 3163 Email: trekandpaddledonegal@gmail.com

The Abbey Hotel has been dealing with Walkers and Hikers for many years and have put together great value packages to suit every level. There are walks for families, fun, fitness, leisurely walkers or seasoned ramblers - whatever your interest, we’ll have the ideal walk for you. Take a challenging hike or a casual stroll for a breathtaking experience. After a long day walking or hiking guests ha…

Glenveagh Lough Inshagh Walk Length: 7km (Not a looped walk so walkers must return to the Visitor Centre or arrange a vehicle at the Lacknacoo car park at Gartan) Time: 1hr 30mins Terrain: Stony dirt track ending on a quiet tarred road This pathway once connected Glenveagh Castle to the village of Church Hill. The carriages of the Lough Swilly Railway brought visitors to the ra…