Walking & Hiking in Donegal

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…

Cosán an Oilithrigh or Pilgrims Path at Sliabh Liag is a stunning 4km access route on to the plateau of Sliabh Liag. It follows the ancient path up a U-shape valley nestled between Leargadachtan Mountain and the sea cliffs at Shanbally, overlooking the small fishing village of Teelin in South West Donegal. Following the old green road from the car park at Ballymore you round the corner where t…

Lúb an Chlochain Bhig - This is a very pleasant, historically interesting walk that loops from the village of Crolly mainly on tracks and minor road with an optional a spur which is a short but attractive path along the tree-lined banks of the Gweedore River Estuary to the west. There are spectacular views along the river to the coast and across the bay. Looped Trail Length: 6.3km Time: 1hr 50…

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.

Pleasant walk through bogland & heather offering great views of Muckish Mountain & the vast expanse of bogland in the shadow of this iconic mountain. Walking is largely on level rough surfaced tracks with some sections of rougher bog paths which could be wet at times,Much of the walk is along the old track path of the historic Burtonport rail line passing alongside Lough Achair and offering dist…

Lough Derg Pilgrim Path - The old pilgrimage road to Lough Derg follows in the footsteps of the medieval pilgrims — not to Station Island where pilgrims normally go today, but to the threshold of the larger Saints Island, which acted as its gateway several hundred years ago. The focus of the legendary St Patrick’s Purgatory, Station Island, was a deep pit in which those who spent a day and a night…

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-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…

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…

This walk takes you on minor roads and surfaced track along the old railway corridor returning on quiet country lanes and road, passing the wind turbine, Alcorn’s Gatehouse, Sweeney’s Gatehouse, Dungloe Road Station and Marjorie’s Gatehouse. Including a fabulous woodland of beautiful ash trees, the walk is filled with spectacular views and a vast array of flora and fauna. Looped trail Length: …

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…

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…

This site is in a forested area alongside the N56 which is the gateway to west Donegal. This area of Co Donegal has strong historical connections with the ODonnell chieftains. It was on Doon Rock which is in the Kilmacrenan area that the inauguration of the O’Donnell chieftains took place, the last such ceremony having occurred in 1603.This area of Donegal is also of religious significance as it w…

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…

Glencolmcille Tower 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, Glencolmcil…

Walking around Dunree Point is undoubtably one of the highlights of a visit to the Inishowen Peninsula. A series of signposted footpaths allow the visitor to explore at their own pace. Detailed information boards, shelters, picnic tables and benches help to create a memorable experience whether you are a first time or regular visitor. Walk 1 is the most effortless of the three walks but it is…

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…

Loch Chonaill Railway Walk - This walk on a wide gravelled track provides pleasant easy walking, for most of its length following the north western bank of Loch Chonaill with a lovely open vista of typical Donegal bogland, lakeshore and mountain landscapes. Linear Walk Length 2.2km Time 35min Nearest Town: Loughanure Local Walk

Length: 3.5km (Not a looped walk) Time: 40mins Terrain: A mostly flat gravel path This trail brings you through the glen from the visitor centre Location is at the Bus Stop near the Visitor Centre. ( Grid Ref: C 039231) to Glenveagh castle and gardens. The walk begins at the bus shelter from where there is a fine view of the valley of Glenveagh and continues along the shores of Lo…

The views in Donegal are stunning, so a country stroll becomes a mini-adventure for all the family. Ardnamona Woods is a marvellous quiet Nature Reserve with a nicely created walking path loops around large oak, hazel and holly trees in a Woodland that is left in its natural state. There are beautiful mosses, bluebells, wood sorrel, streams and the lakeside to enjoy on this delightful walk develo…