Walking & Hiking in Donegal

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…

Slí an Earagail is a section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that covers a Gaeltacht area of west Donegal: in Gaeltacht areas Gaelic is the primary language. The circular, relatively flat route is named after Errigal mountain (751m), which rises to the east and whose pyramidic, grey-streaked quartzite cone is a presence frequently visible along the route, even from the coastal stretches. It is …

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…

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

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…

Glenevin Waterfall Walk - The walk up Glenevein Valley to the Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany, County Donegal, takes the rambler on a safe, well sign -posted route. Newly installed picnic areas blend easily into the natural landscape. Footbridges are dotted along the track as visitors criss cross the stream using the stepping stones. The basin at the foot of the waterfall is called Pohl-an-eas - t…

Drummonaghan Trail - This site is adjacent to the heritage town of Rathmelton. The town dates back to the early 17th century. The area was noted for flax growing which supported a thriving linen industry. In the 18th and early 19th centuries there was extensive trade between Rathmelton and the New World. The site provides a pleasant walk through both coniferous and broadleaf plantations. Along the…

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…

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…

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

Glenveagh Derrylahan Nature Trail - Length: 2km (This is a looped walk) Time: 45mins Terrain: Gravel track, both flat and steep in places This attractive way marked walk near the Visitor Centre is an ideal introduction to Glenveagh’s natural environment. It offers visitors of all ages and fitness levels a chance to see some of the plants and animals of Glenveagh National Park. T…

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: …

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…

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

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…

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…

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 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 Lifford Slí is 3km in length and joins the Highway to Health route in Strabane as the first cross-border Slí na Sláinte route. The route begins at the church and continues in the direction of Lifford Bridge, by-passing the Town. At this point there is a Loop walk of 1.4km which takes in the Town if you wish. Crossing Lifford Bridge you will reach the Barnhill Road By-pass joining you to the 4.…

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 …