Walking & Hiking in Donegal

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…

Woodquarter Forest Trail: - Walking Trail and picnic site. This trail is along the western shore of Mulroy Bay. It is over undulating ground which rises steeply at the furthest section of the trail and offers panoramic views of the bay along the way. This site is in a part of Donegal which includes some of the most scenic areas of the county. It is on the western shore of Mulroy bay which is pa…

Donegal Trails Office works closely with other relevant agencies and community groups in the maintenance and development of walking, cycling and hiking routes in Co. Donegal. Based in Letterkenny PSC we work through Donegal County Council to provide assistance and support to community groups and the general public in the provision of a sustainable paths & trails infrastructure. Donegal County Cou…

South West Donegal offers one of the most breathtaking stretches of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. From the vibrant fishing port of Killybegs to the cultural heartland of Glencolmcille, this region is rich in natural beauty, heritage, and traditional charm. Explore the lively village of Kilcar, known for its handwoven tweed and coastal walks, and nearby historic Carrick, the gateway to the majest…

Slí Ghabla (Gola Island) - Slí Dhún na nGall - Although relatively small, Gola Island is the ideal destination for a walker seeking an ‘off the beaten track’ experience. The island covers about 500 acres and is only one mile from the mainland. It is gently undulating, offers superb coastal scenery and supports an extensive range of birdlife. Looped Trail Length 4km Time 1hr 30mins Nearest To…

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…

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

A-B. Exiting Ionaid Naoimh Padraic, turn right and follow the purple (and green) arrows along the road. The green arrows are for the shorter Lúb an Clochain Bhig. After 50m turn right and join a stoney road - this was the old railway line. This ends near a bridge where the loop turns right, travels another 150m to reach the N56. Cross with care and join a bog road by the side of houses. Continue t…

This section of the Burtonport Railway Walk is a 6 km route through spectacularly remote areas of County Donegal with magnificent views as it follows the route of the railway line to Burtonport. This section runs along Muckish Mountain from Creeslough to Falcarragh. Along the way the trail passes by lough Agher, cuts through rocky outcrops showing some of the engineering fetes involved in the cons…

The Cliff Walk as you would suspect from its very name is a walk along the cliff top and seashore of Bundoran’s West End. Starting out from the Tourist Information Office (See map) the route takes you westwards over the River Bradog and into the West End. At Bayview Avenue you can enjoy fine views of the Peak, Bundoran’s favourite haunt for surfers and across Donegal Bay. Continue on into the …

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…

Dungloe River Walk - Slí Dhún na nGall - This walk is a pleasant stroll in the environs of Dungloe Town taking in the Dungloe River and Glenties Road. On pavement and path you are likely to see amazing birdlife. Looped Trail Length: 2km Time 40min Nearest Town: Dungloe Linked to National Waymarked Way

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 …

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…

Hiking Donegal is your gateway to discovering what Donegal has to offer with regards to hiking and climbing. The website highlights the great coastal hikes, inland trails and peaks within the county. From gentle hikes, to more challenging routes that take in all Donegal has to offer. No matter what level of fitness or experience, everyone should be encouraged to experience the great outdoors a…

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…

Muckish Lúb Loch na mBoll - 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: 4km Tim…

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…

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…

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…