Walking & Hiking in Donegal

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 …

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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Letterkenny Slí na Sláinte is 2.7km in length and starts at the Bus Depot at the Station Roundabout. To follow the route, continue towards Port Bridge passing Letterkenny Institute of Technology, then turning left just before the bridge onto Ballyraine Road. Passing the Mont Errigal Hotel and Ballyraine National School, turn left onto the Ramelton Road, noticing the pleasant view of Gortlee Wo…

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…

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…

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

For those seeking a challenging but rewarding hike through remote country, this walk offers it all ( A strenuous, physically demanding with rough ground, steep slopes and only suitable for experienced and very fit walkers). Starting at the wonderfully atmospheric Lenan Strand, the route follows a mix of bog road, ancient cart tracks and open country. Looped trail Lenght 6.5km Time: 2-3hr Near…

Lenan Trail Clonmany A-B. Leaving the trailhead at the beach at Lenankeel follow the green (and purple) arrows as the loop turns right crosses a concrete bridge and follows a surfaced roadway for 150m. The purple arrows are for a longer and more challenging Urris Lakes Loop. After 150m the road turns sharp left at a farmhouse – the loops turn right here and join a stony roadway. Pass through a ga…

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 full moon hike up Donegal's most iconic peak - Errigal! Come along and experience the magic of watching the sun set from the summit of Errigal, then descending as the full moon rises and the stars come out! Clothing - wear comfortable and warm clothing, no denim, bring an extra warm layer plus waterproofs. Footwear - hiking boots are ideal but any sensible and secure footwear with good …

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 na Finne is a 42 km long circular section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that loops through the mountains of central Donegal touching on Lough Finn, a lake steeped in legends of the superhero, Finn Mc Cumhaill, and the River Finn, one of the best salmon rivers in Europe. It is a route that takes in the villages of Fintown, Brockagh and Comeen and what County Donegal is best for, its wilderness…

This trail takes the walker on forest road through mixed age coniferous plantations past Rinnalack Hill and on to the shores of Lough Lilly. A small fen has developed here allowing white and yellow water lilies to flourish. 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 t…

A coastal walk against the backdrop of one of Donegals iconic landmarks - Bloody Foreland. The route is signposted as part of the Bealach na Gaeltachta - Slí an Earagail. The terrain mainly consists of a quiet road, bog road and rough track. It is a moderate walk, although there is no climbing involved, the route underfoot can be rough in places and sections of the walk can feel remote, particu…