Step into the forgotten North West corner of Ireland with our self-guided walking holiday through the Donegal Ways.
The route starts from Donegal town on The Bluestack Way to Ardara and then uses Bealach na Gaeltachta – The Ways of the Gaeltacht.
Donegal is separated from the rest of the republic by the Northern Ireland border and an extensive Atlantic coastline. The county carries this sense of abandonment in its physical geography, its people, and the harshness of the land.
This region has survived the rigors of the Atlantic, poor land and farming, immigration, and isolation and is moving into the 21st century as an outpost of tradition and culture, as yet unsullied by mass tourism.
‘Wild’ is the first word that comes to mind when describing Donegal. There are 10 Nature Reserves in County Donegal, of high importance to wildlife. A variety of species use this destination and staging ground for migrating from three continents. Walking in Donegal means long walks through vast wilderness with wide open spaces, bogs, rolling heather-clad mountains, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.
Slieve League or Sliabh Liag (meaning ‘mountain of stone pillars’) is one of County Donegal’s iconic visitor attractions, and one that definitely takes the breath away. These cliffs are said to be the highest and finest marine cliffs in Europe, and home for a myriad of bird and plant life. Our Donegal walks usually end with these cliffs, the perfect conclusion to such an epic landscape. We think you’ll also love the beautiful coastal walks along An Port and Glencolumbkille.
Donegal is well-known and much loved by those “in the know” and one of the reasons people return here again and again is because if offers an escape. Uncrowded blue flag beaches that beckon surfers from all over the world. Villages that look like historic movie sets but in reality are just beautiful places with friendly people going about their daily lives. Farming communities tucked amidst mountains and lakes, where sheep outnumber humans.
The travel community is quickly discovering this hidden gem, so now is the time to visit, before the secret spreads!
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The full Donegal Way is rated MODERATE. Navigating is easy, with excellent waymarking and our detailed Route Notes and maps. Our Donegal tours are appropriate for walkers with good fitness, comfortable walking 12-24km (8-15mi) per day with ascents up to 630m (2,067ft). Our tours include optional routes, so please look at daily itineraries for details regarding daily distance and ascents.
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