Walking & Hiking in Donegal

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…

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 …

This linear trail on forest road and path takes in Bonnyglen Lough and Lough Namanlagh with some smaller lakes and streams to be seen along the route. There is a number of tree species to be enjoyed in this beautiful and peaceful woodland with a wide variety of wildlife including a heron colony. Linear Trail Length: 3km | Time: 1 hour - moderate Nearest Town: Glenties

Cosán Colmcille - Although close to the town of Milford, and easily accessed from there, Loch Colmcille is a remote and tranquil location in an area which is rich in history and wildlife. The route to and from Milford is along footpath and quiet roads, whilst the 2.5 km section to the east of the Loch is along a disused road which is not accessible to cars. Distance: Approximately 7 kms Time…

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…

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 …

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…

Drumboe Nature Trail - This trail follows forest road and track through both coniferous and broadleaf trees. It is a pleasant gentle trail along the river bank, returning through the forest and crossing a public road on the way. There are good views of the river. In winter parts of this trail along the river may be flooded. Length 2km Time: 1hr Nearest Town: Stranorlar Coillte Recreational Tr…

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 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…

HIKING AND KAYAKING NEAR GWEEDORE Trek and Paddle Donegal is based in Gaoth Dobhair (Gweeedore) in North West Donegal. We offer sports and recreation for all the family to enjoy - hiking trail walks, canoe and kayak hire. Enjoy outdoor activities along the Wild Atlantic Way with us! Call us or email us for details Tel: 087 090 3163 Email: trekandpaddledonegal@gmail.com

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…

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…

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. …

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…

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…

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 …

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 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…

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…