Walking & Hiking in Donegal

Drumboe Loop Trail - This trail loops around the northern part of the forest, following old forest roads and tracks and a new section of trail. This is a very pleasant walk through many species of trees, including some very large ones with bluebells in spring. Looped Trail Length: 2km Time: 1hr Nearest Town: Stranorlar Coilte Recreational Trails In the 17th century, a castle stood at the …

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…

This purpose built walking and cycling trail follows the old railway line which served a Bord na Mona turf extraction facility. It crosses the Ownea River (and the Bluestack Waymarked Way at this point), passes through an area of forestry and ends at the remote, but hauntingly beautiful, Lough McHugh. Linear Trail Distance: Approximately 2.8 kms Time: 1 hours Terrain: Purpose built path …

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…

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 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 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

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…

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…

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…

Loch Eachnais - This walk forms part of Sli na Rossan (National Waymarked Way) but is an excellent short walk on its own. Shortly after leaving the beach/car park you are in quiet countryside with excellent views over the Rosses and out towards Arranmore Island. Linear Trail Distance: Approximately 4 kms (there and back) Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour Terrain: Rough track, quiet roads. Gra…

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…

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: …

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 …

Length: 8km (Not a looped walk so walkers must return or arrange a drop off or collection) Time: 2hrs Terrain: A mostly flat dirt/gravel road rising gently over last 3km This walk is a natural extension of the lakeside walk. It follows the shortest and most easily negotiated natural route through the Derryveagh Mountains. However, before the glen road was built, the route was so r…

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…

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 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 …

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…

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 …