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 sea…

This walk takes you on minor roads and surfaced track along a scenic stretch of the old Burtonport railway returning on quiet country lanes, passing Alcorns Gatehouse, Sweeneys Gatehouse, Dungloe Road Station, through ash woodland and an abundance of flora and fauna giving a splendid diversity of colour and sound changing with the seasons. Looped Trail Length: 5km Time: 1hr Nearest Town: Burt…

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 …

The Abbey Hotel has been dealing with Walkers and Hikers for many years and have put together great value packages to suit every level. There are walks for families, fun, fitness, leisurely walkers or seasoned ramblers - whatever your interest, we’ll have the ideal walk for you. Take a challenging hike or a casual stroll for a breathtaking experience. After a long day walking or hiking guests ha…

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…

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…

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…

Discover the Wild Alpaca Way on Donegals Inishowen peninsula. Enjoy a memorable experience in a stunning picturesque part of Donegal. Alpaca are curious, friendly and inquisitive creatures with an excellent temperament with their own unique characteristics. Get up close to nature and take in the fresh Malin Head air! Enjoy our natural environment, trekking with our herd of Alpacas around Ire…

Slí Cholmcille is a section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that circles around the remote landscapes of south west Donegal. The name of the route is derived from that of St Colmcille, one of Ireland’s early Christian saints, who was born in County Donegal and lived for a while in this region. He is recalled in the name of Glencolmcille, Donegal’s westerlymost village, a place steeped in pre-Christ…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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

The Irish Sports Council launched a digital Video #FindYourTrail to encourage people of all ages and ability to enjoy the great Irish outdoors. Recreational trails help people to enjoy the outdoors and facilitate, promote and manage a range of outdoor activities including countryside walking and hiking, on and off-road cycling, trail running, canoeing, horse-riding and even motorised sports, all …

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.…

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…