Exploring the area on foot

Walking, Trails, Wildlife, and Scenery

Maghera Caves

Caves in sea cliffs behind Maghera Beach.

  • To reach Maghera Caves from Seoidin, head towards Ardara. Look for signposts to Maghera Caves and Port, often referred to as Alladdin's Cave. It is not so much that the caves are particularly spectacular in themselves, it is that the chemistry of dark sea caves, the wide, dazzling silver beach which leads to them, and the wild, craggy hills above them, gives you an astonishing sense of being transported to a magical wilderness. Man seems to have made very little impression on this strong, vibrant landscape.

    The road to the caves run on the southern shore of Loughros Beg, cutting through steep-sided rock faces where streams tumble from their beds and free fall to the base of the cliffs. The most spectacular of these is Assaranca Falls. To your right, the huge beach occupies the inlet, with the sea beyond seemingly held at bay by an invisible hand.

    You can park at a cottage, right, and walk the signposted track which leads to the dunes, the beach and the Maghera Caves, frowning under the quartzite rocks which roof them.

Glenevin Waterfall

A wedge-shaped mountain cascading water over black rock from a height of 30ft.

  • Address: Straid, Clonmany, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    Glenevin Waterfall is wedge-shaped and cascades fresh mountain water over black rock from a height of 30ft. It is located in Clonmany, County Donegal.

    The walk up the Glenevin Valley to the Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany, County Donegal, takes the rambler on a safe, well signposted route. Newly installed picnic areas blend easily into the natural landscape. Footbridges are dotted along the track as visitors crisscross the stream using the stepping stones.

Sliabh Liag Pilgrim Path

A captivating linear hike to one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe

  • Teelin,Co Donegal

    A captivating linear hike to one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Sliabh Liag, this 4km trail showcases County Donegal’s renowned seascapes in all their glory.

    Taking 90 minutes to complete, follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to McBric's Church and Well and onward to the plateau and cliff edges of Sliabh Liag in South West Donegal.

    Cosán an Oilithrigh or Pilgrims’ Path at Sliabh Liag is a stunning linear 4km (each way) access route on to the plateau of these famed sea cliffs. The trail follows the ancient path up a U-shaped valley nestled between Leargadachtan Mountain and the sea cliffs at Shanbally, overlooking the small fishing village of Teelin.

    Moderate in grade, the terrain is a mix of green road, track and rougher paths. There are a few short climbs to the plateaus, the aggregate ascent over the whole scenic route is 425m.

    Expect views over multiple counties, an idyllic waterfall and some Atlantic Ocean vistas too. In the nearby villages of Teelin and Carrick, you’ll find friendly welcomes and steaming pots of tea.

Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair

Take advantage of the magical powers of the natural stone chair.

  • Tullan Strand Rd, Drumacrin, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    T: +353719841350

    Two features well worth a visit near Bundoran, County Donegal are The Fairy Bridges and The Wishing Chair. It is believed that locals thought The Fairy Bridges to be haunted by the fairies, which resulted in them being named The Fairy Bridges. Due to the peculiar rock formations, there are a series of natural blow or puffing holes that cause the seawater, under suitable tidal conditions, to crash through and blow water upwards, creating an impressive spectacle. Early travellers to the area were thought to be more interested in coming to see The Fairy Bridges than to experience the natural health benefits of the area’s golden beaches and proximity to the wild Atlantic Ocean. Indeed, this natural rock formation was one of the main attractions to visit in Bundoran at the time.

    The Wishing Chair gives visitors the opportunity to take advantage of the magical powers of the natural stone chair located adjacent to the Fairy Bridges. Having gone through the official ritual of sitting slowly, contemplating the stunning surroundings, and then tapping the chair twice, those who make a wish are advised to keep their dreams a secret in the hope that they will become true.

Benbulben

Make your way to the flat stretch of the summit and enjoy magical views of the Wild Atlantic Way.

  • Benbulbin, Cloyragh, Co. Sligo, Ireland

    Standing tall above Drumcliffe Village in Sligo is majestic Benbulben. Make your way to the flat stretch of the summit and enjoy magical views of the Wild Atlantic Way.

    Park up at Luke’s Bridge, 5km north of Drumcliffe, to begin your Benbulben adventure. Walk past glacial tracks, wild gullies and babbling streams as you make your way to the flat-topped summit. Look out for unique flora and fauna, including Fringed Sandwort which dates back to the Ice Age.

    The Benbulben Loop Trail, on the forest road, brings you to a striking waterfall where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sligo Bay and on a clear day, Donegal in the distance.

    Visit the grave of renowned poet W.B. Yeats at Drumcliffe Cemetery near the base of Benbulben and later, have lunch in Drumcliffe Tea House.

Glencolmcille - Tower Loop

Tower Loop walk from the trailhead at Ionad Siúil.

  • Glencolmcille Fire Station, Kilaned, Glencolumbkille, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    Tower Loop walk from the trailhead at Ionad Siúil follow the blue (and red) arrows onto a minor road with signposts for Tobar Cholmcille

    A-B. From the trailhead at Ionad Siúil follow the blue (and red) arrows onto a minor road with signposts for Tobar Cholmcille. The red arrows are for the longer Lúb na Droma. After 100m turn left at a T-junction and after another 400m turn left at a 3-way junction. Continue to follow the blue and red arrows as the loop takes you away from the village in the direction of Beefan Mountain. After approx 2km the loops leave surfaced roadways and join a stony mountain road at a metal gate. It is a short detour here for Tobar Cholmcille (St Columba’s Well) - the loop continues straight and uphill.

    B-C. Continue to follow the blue and red arrows as the mountain road ascends. After approx 2km you reach a point where you have a chance to take a spur (left) to the Túr (a Signal Tower). The trip will add about 40mins to your walk - but is well worth it for the spectacular views. The loops continue to follow (sometimes faint) mountain roads across a summit and then descend to reach a surfaced roadway. Here the Lúb na Droma (red arrows) turns left and uphill - you turn right and downhill.

    C-A. Now follow the blue arrows downhill for 1km to reach a metal gate. Continue straight ahead and downhill here - and note that the red loop has rejoined from your left. Continue to follow the blue and red arrows as the loops descend via minor roads to return to the trailhead.

Teresa's Tours of Slieve League

A walking tour with Teresa's Tours of Slieve League.

  • Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience & Visitor Centre, Bunglas Road, Lergadaghtan, Teelin, Donegal

    T: +353863615333

    Experience the beauty of Slieve League, in south west Donegal, by booking a walking tour with Teresa's Tours of Slieve League. Teresa is a native of the area and has years of experience in tourism.

    Teresa's Tours of Slieve League are walking tours that give you an insight into the history and folklore of this beautiful place.

    Teresa meets you at the Slieve League Visitor Centre, at Teelin, for a 2 hour walking tour. There is much to see and learn about on the walk. Teelin is rich in folklore stories and fishing lore and is a great place for traditional music and singing.

    Guided hikes can also be arranged.

Wild Ireland

Transport yourself to ancient Ireland at Wild Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way.

  • Transport yourself to ancient Ireland at Wild Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way. Encounter extinct creatures like Bears, Wolves, Lynx, and Wild Boar in this woodland haven. Reconnect with Ireland's lost wildlife in its natural habitat. Alongside these majestic animals, enjoy the company of wild birds and a beautiful lake teeming with life. Kids can explore fairy trails, hear ancient folklore, and play in the state-of-the-art park. Round off the adventure with treats from the Wild Ireland Shop and café.

    Address: Dundrain,Burnfoot, Inishowen,Burnfoot

Donegal Garden Trail: Carrablagh House

A well established country garden dating back to the mid 19th century.

  • Carrablagh is an outstanding example of a well established country garden dating back to the mid 19th century. Set on the eastern cliffs of the Fanad peninsula where Lough Swilly meets the North Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding woodlands protect the specimen plantings within. This most intimate, classic Irish Robinsonian garden has a magical atmosphere, sheltering its botanical treasures in a series of pockets through the woods. The delightful tiny walled garden is filled with unusual trees, shrubs and flowers. There is a venerable Maiden Hair Tree (Ginkgo) and an ancient Magnolia. Rhododendrons flowering in May are a feature.

    Carrablagh,Portsalon

Ards Forest Park

A huge forest park with a large number of trails.

  • 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 is one of the real treasures of this forest park and there are several trails, the Binngorm trail, the Salt Marsh Trail and the Sand Dune Trail, which offer the hiker an opportunity to experience it in all its facets. There are a large number of trails in this park giving the walker the opportunity to explore a variety of habitats from foreshore and sand dunes to semi natural oak woodlands on rock outcrops. By “stitching together” a number of trails, it is possible to hike for 5/6 hours on forest tracks and trails, taking in the full circuit of the park.

    This relatively short but difficult trail takes the walker through some of the higher parts of Ards Forest Park. Following forest track, you will pass through semi-natural oak woodland and by the shores of Loughs Lily and Manus with panoramic views of Donegal’s rugged Atlantic coastline.

    Address: Ards Forest Park,Co. Donegal,Creeslough

Donegal Bay Waterbus

Cruise around Donegal Bay in a state of the art 160 seater Waterbus.

  • The Donegal Bay Waterbus has been bringing passengers on sight-seeing tours from Donegal Town since 2006. Cruise around Donegal Bay in a state of the art 160 seater Waterbus. View the seal colony on Seal Island, The Bluestack Mountains and Donegal Bays many islands with full commentary. Relax in a fully stocked bar and enjoy a cabaret show on the return leg of the trip.

    Crew members give an informative and entertaining commentary on the local history and the sights of special interest in the bay on the outward journey with a sing-a-long music on the return voyage. Sailing times are usually morning, afternoon or evening and are dependant upon weather and the tides.

    Advanced booking is strongly advised

    Address: The Pier, Donegal Town

Horn Head

Dramatic cliff views out to sea.

  • Unnamed Road, Largatreany, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    Visit Horn Head in northern Donegal for dramatic cliff views out to sea.

    Take in the views from the winding road that leads up and around the head, or stop and grab a photo of Sheephaven Bay or the cliffs jutting out into the Atlantic. The cliffside is open and unprotected, so take caution on windy and rainy days.

St. Columb's Gardens

Garden overlooking the shores of Lough Gartan, near Churchill, County Donegal, at the Glebe House property.

  • R251, Tully More, Church Hill, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    T: +353749137071

    Under the care of the OPW, St Columb's Garden overlooks the shores of Lough Gartan, near Churchill, County Donegal. The gardens, which include many rare and unusual plants, surround Glebe House and Gallery.

    St Columb’s Gardens are found near Churchill, County Donegal. The gardens surround Regency House, which was originally built in the early-19th century as a Church of Ireland rectory. It is now home to Glebe House and Gallery.

    The extensive gardens feature notable specimens of beech and chestnut, and lead down to beautiful Lough Gartan. The house, meanwhile, is decorated with William Morris textiles as well as Islamic, Irish, Italian and Japanese art. There are more than 300 works by leading 20th century artists, including Picasso and Kokoshka. Exhibitions are shown in the adjoining gallery.

    The house and grounds were transformed into a haven of artistic beauty by the late Derek Hill, who planted many rare and unusual trees and shrubs. The property is now under the care of the OPW.

Unique Ascent

Rock Climbing, Sea Stack Climbing, Mountain Training.

  • Tullaghobegley Irish, Falcarragh Co. Donegal.

    Contact Ian Miller on : +(353) 87 758 4710

    At Unique Ascent they provide fundamentally two services, the first is a unique and extensive guiding service. They guide people on experiences of true adventure to remote unclimbed sea stacks, previously unclimbed cliffs, uninhabited islands, difficult to access sea caves and of course to the summits of Ireland's and the UK's mountains in both summer and winter conditions. These outdoor experience days are open to everyone and there are no requirements to have any previous climbing, kayaking or hillwalking experience. They tailor every guided day to your aspirations, experience, fitness, weather and sea conditions.

    Their guiding ethos for every day is quite simple, “we will make the best possible use of our time together. We will have as much fun as is humanly possible, whilst visiting Ireland's most beautiful, wild and remote places.”