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…

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…

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…

The Culdaff Slí na Sláinte is a 3.4km route, which starts at the Wee Hall in the village centre. The route continues for 1.7km along a well-maintained path towards Culdaff beach, car park and children’s playground. To complete the route, walk back to the starting point at the Wee Hall. Linear Trail Length 3.4km Time 30min Nearest Town: Culdaff Coillte Recreational Trails. The Long Strand …

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…

Céad mile fáilte go ‘Hillwalking Donegal’. Go dté mar atá sibh! My name is Seamus Doohan. I was born and raised in the Gaeltacht area of Falcarragh in Co. Donegal, under the shadow of the majestic Derryveagh mountains, and within a whisper of the rugged coastline of the wild North Atlantic. As someone who has a passion for the outdoors, it was inevitable that I would take to hill walking. …

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…

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 …

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…

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 section of the Burtonport Railway Walk is a 6 km route through spectacularly remote areas of County Donegal with magnificent views as it follows the route of the railway line to Burtonport. This section runs along Muckish Mountain from Creeslough to Falcarragh. Along the way the trail passes by lough Agher, cuts through rocky outcrops showing some of the engineering fetes involved in the cons…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

Donegal really is a special place, it still retains a real sense of wildness and remoteness. If you’re looking to get away from it all, recharge and re-energise yourself there is no better place than the mountain ranges in Donegal! At Awaken Adventures we can take you on a guided hike around the many ranges, the hikes can be specifically tailored to suit your needs. Whether it’s iconic Erriga…

Walking tour of slieve league and its environs. The walk focuses on the folklore of the famous Sean O Eochaidh. Included in the walking tour is the history, culture and way of life of this spectacular place. The place comes to life with the folklore stories.

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…

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!…