Mountains, Sea Cliffs, and Ireland’s Wild North West
County Donegal, at the top of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is one of the country’s wildest and most unspoiled destinations for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. With Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League, the rugged Derryveagh Mountains, and endless beaches along its indented coastline, Donegal offers raw, dramatic landscapes shaped by the Atlantic.
Walking here takes you from glacial valleys and mountain passes to island shores and Gaelic-speaking villages. The county is less travelled than others, giving it a remote, authentic feel — perfect for self-guided walking, long-distance treks, and adventurous escapes.
Trails & Routes
- Slieve League Cliffs – Coastal hikes with some of the most dramatic cliff views in Europe.
- Bluestack Way – A 65 km long-distance trail through moorland, forests, and the Bluestack Mountains.
- Errigal & Glenveagh National Park – Climb Donegal’s highest peak or follow trails through heathered hills and glacial valleys.
- Fanad Head & Malin Head Loops – Northern headland walks to lighthouses and sea stacks.
- Inishowen Peninsula – Scenic coastal routes around Ireland’s northernmost point.
Adventure Highlights
- Slieve League – soaring cliffs higher than the Cliffs of Moher.
- Glenveagh National Park – lakes, mountains, and castle trails.
- Mount Errigal – iconic peak with sweeping views.
- Wild headlands – Malin Head, Fanad Head, and dramatic lighthouses.
- Blue Flag beaches and wild Atlantic surf.
- Gaeltacht villages – rich in Irish language and culture.
Explore the Area
- Donegal Town – gateway to the Bluestack Way.
- Glencolmcille – cultural and heritage hub near Slieve League.
- Letterkenny – Donegal’s largest town and a base for exploring Glenveagh.
- Dunfanaghy – seaside village near Horn Head and beaches.
- Inishowen – peninsula full of heritage, cliffs, and Ireland’s northernmost point.
