Walking & Hiking in Donegal

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…

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…

Dungloe River Walk - Slí Dhún na nGall - This walk is a pleasant stroll in the environs of Dungloe Town taking in the Dungloe River and Glenties Road. On pavement and path you are likely to see amazing birdlife. Looped Trail Length: 2km Time 40min Nearest Town: Dungloe Linked to National Waymarked Way

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.…

Inch Wildfowl Reserve - Situated in the shadow of Scalp Mountain on the eastern shores of Lough Swilly, tucked neatly behind Inch Island, you will find Inch Wildfowl Reserve. The combination within this site of extensive feeding areas and safe resting and roosting sites makes this site one of the most important wetlands in the country for wintering waterfowl. This site is situated to the east of L…

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 Shorefront Slí na Sláinte is a 1km linear walk starting at the carpark opposite Buncrana Leisure Centre on Buncrana’s shorefront and following the coastline along Lough Swilly. Swan Park Slí na Sláinte is a 2km looped walk starting from the carpark at the Old Pier by the Wolfe Tone Memorial across the historic six-arched Crana Bridge, turn right at the gates of Buncrana Castle and past O’Do…

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…

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 …

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…

Glenveagh - The Garden Trail - Length: 1km (This is a looped walk) Time: 1hr Terrain: Gravel pathway Following a well-marked route the trail offers visitors a full tour of the features of the gardens. Started around 1890 by Cornelia Adair and embellished in the 1960’s and 1970’s by Henry Mc Ilhenny the garden offers great contrast with the surrounding landscape. Features inclu…

A-B. Exiting Ionaid Naoimh Padraic, turn right and follow the purple (and green) arrows along the road. The green arrows are for the shorter Lúb an Clochain Bhig. After 50m turn right and join a stoney road - this was the old railway line. This ends near a bridge where the loop turns right, travels another 150m to reach the N56. Cross with care and join a bog road by the side of houses. Continue 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…

The Milford Slí na Sláinte is 3.7km in length and starts at the Diamond, at the top of the town. To follow the route, continue downhill along the main street, crossing the bridge over Maggie’s Burn. Continue onto the Ramelton road and then turn left onto the Fanad bypass road. Continue for well over 1.5 kilometers to the ‘Lough Road’ junction (recognised by the white stone edging). Turn left again…

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…

Tory is a small remote island of rugged beauty, Habitation stretches back into pre-history and it is rich in archeological and monastic sites. It also supports a spectacular range of birdlife including the increasingly rare corncrake. From the pier the walk circles to the west as far as the lighthouse, returning to the pier before heading to the eastern end of the island and looping back. The clif…

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 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 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 …