Ireland: Donegal Walking Tour

Six nights, five days of moderate hiking on Donegal’s coastal paths along the Wild Atlantic Way, including Glenveagh National Park and the majestic cliffs of Slieve League.

“One of the best hikes I have ever done... and I have done some pretty good ones in the Alberta Rockies! The views on all our hikes were exceptional... what a hidden gem Donegal is!” – Donalda M.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• Explore a remarkably varied landscape—lonely Atlantic headlands, sweeping beaches, green glens, open moorlands, and some of Ireland’s most dramatic cliffs.
• Walk through Glenveagh National Park, a wild upland reserve home to red deer, heathland trails, protected birdlife, and one of Ireland’s most iconic castle gardens.
• Enjoy evenings in welcoming pubs where traditional Irish music is often played by local musicians.
• Experience the heights of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag), among the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, with options suited to different comfort levels.
• Visit Glencolmcille Folk Village, one of Ireland’s finest living-history museums, offering insight into Gaelic heritage and traditional rural life.
• Stay in small, family-run inns and explore authentic communities that reflect the character and culture of Donegal’s west coast.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

Moderate 4–6 hour hikes each day on coastal paths, upland tracks, beaches, and rugged mountain terrain. Expect hilly walking, uneven footing, boggy sections, and occasional steep climbs or descents. Good hiking boots are essential to handle sometimes damp and often uneven surfaces on the Ireland: Donegal Walking Tour.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions.
• 2: Horn Head ~17km (+400m / -400m) (4-5 hrs), and/or McSwynes Gun Loop ~11km (+200m / -200m) (3-4 hrs).
• 3: Glenveagh National Park ~14km (+300m / -200m) (4-5 hrs).
• 4: Ardara to Carrick ~15km (+300m / -200m) (4-5 hrs).
• 5: Slieve League: Full Loop ~14km (+650m / -650m) (5-6 hrs), or Pilgrim Path ~8km (+500m / -500m) (3-4 hrs), or Sliabh Liag View Walk ~6km (+250m / -250m) (2 hrs).
• 6: Malin Beg to Port ~14km (+500m / -500m) (4-5 h).
• 7: Farewells.

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

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