Walking & Hiking in Donegal

Woodquarter Forest Trail: - Walking Trail and picnic site. This trail is along the western shore of Mulroy Bay. It is over undulating ground which rises steeply at the furthest section of the trail and offers panoramic views of the bay along the way. This site is in a part of Donegal which includes some of the most scenic areas of the county. It is on the western shore of Mulroy bay which is pa…

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…

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…

Drumharrif wood offers the family a gentle looped walk near the village of Pettigo on the border with Northern Ireland. The forest road section of trail follows the old Great Northern Railway line. The old station house was located close to the village of Pettigo. The trains travelled to Dublin, Enniskillen, Ballyshannon and Bundoran. The station closed in 1957. Walk: This looped trail takes y…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Slí na Rossan - Slí Dhún na nGall - Part of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall, Slí na Rosann is a 65km circular route covering an area called the Rosses, which lies between the western outliers of the Derryveagh Mountains and the much indented Atlantic coast in west County Donegal. It is a wonderfully scenic, rock-strewn landscape scattered with more than a hundred lakes, which make it a mecca for angle…

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…

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…

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…

Donegal Boardwalk Resort is a luxury holiday retreat which features 27 modern holiday homes (detached and semi-detached) in beautiful Carrigart, Co.Donegal. Along with the holiday homes, the Resort also features a number of amenities including two outdoor childrens playgrounds, all weather tennis/ basketball courts, Hooked bar & restaurant, and the Boardwalk itself which gives the Resort its name!…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

Glenveagh Lough Inshagh Walk Length: 7km (Not a looped walk so walkers must return to the Visitor Centre or arrange a vehicle at the Lacknacoo car park at Gartan) Time: 1hr 30mins Terrain: Stony dirt track ending on a quiet tarred road This pathway once connected Glenveagh Castle to the village of Church Hill. The carriages of the Lough Swilly Railway brought visitors to the ra…