Walking & Hiking in Donegal

Lough Derg Pilgrim Path - The old pilgrimage road to Lough Derg follows in the footsteps of the medieval pilgrims — not to Station Island where pilgrims normally go today, but to the threshold of the larger Saints Island, which acted as its gateway several hundred years ago. The focus of the legendary St Patrick’s Purgatory, Station Island, was a deep pit in which those who spent a day and a night…

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…

The Moville Slí na Sláinte is a 4.4km route which follows a picturesque 2.2km path along the River Foyle before returning back to Moville. The route starts at the Market Square, just off the Main Street and turns onto Jamess Street and down towards The Green (a 10 acre site donated by the Montgomery Family, ancestors of Field Marshal Montgomery the 2nd World War hero), where it follows the bottom …

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…

Hiking Donegal is your gateway to discovering what Donegal has to offer with regards to hiking and climbing. The website highlights the great coastal hikes, inland trails and peaks within the county. From gentle hikes, to more challenging routes that take in all Donegal has to offer. No matter what level of fitness or experience, everyone should be encouraged to experience the great outdoors a…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

Muckish Lúb Loch na mBoll - Pleasant walk through bogland & heather offering great views of Muckish Mountain & the vast expanse of bogland in the shadow of this iconic mountain. Walk is short but provides a good atmospheric flavour of the vast walking potential of this area. Walk is adequately signposted - best in dry conditions and suitable for whole family. Looped Trail Length: 4km Tim…

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…

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…

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…

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…