Hiking the Donegal Way for 10 days

The trail follows the western shore of the lake and winds through woodland before climbing the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains. Banagher Pass offers magnificent views of Lough Eske and the surrounding mountains. Follow the Eglish River valley through the drumlins of South Donegal to the deserted hamlets. Your hosts will take you back to your accommodation at the end of the hike.

Your hosts will drive you back to the endpoint of yesterday's hike. Walk to Glenties, crossing the Cloghmeen Hill pass through a peat bog. Today's route takes you through more lowland villages, passing the pre-Christian cemetery of Disert. Cross Mount Luaghnabrogue to follow the River Owenroe and reach the pastures south of Glenties.

Option: additional route to Lough Anna (5 km extra).

A free day for hiking in the Glenties region. Hike along paths and across peat bogs to the beautiful Lough Naeroaghy, on the small drumlin of Derkbeg (330 m). Admire the stunning views across Gweebarra Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Follow the Bluestack Way and the Owenea River to Ardara. Today's hike takes you along the access road to the Owenea River fishing grounds, on gorse-lined paths, with the Atlantic Ocean in front of you and the mountains behind. It's a relatively easy stage that will leave you plenty of time to enjoy the charming town of Ardara.

Taxi transfer to Maghera Strand. Follow the Slí Cholmcille trail along the foothills of Slieve Tooey and Crockuna mountains to Glencolumbkille. Ascend the road to the head of the Owenree Valley for views of Loughros Beg Bay, Maghera Strand, and, to the east, Ardara. The trail crosses a pass at 350m altitude, then descends by road through pastureland to the beautiful, secluded cove of Port. The final climb of the day takes you to the summit of Mount Faugher and then to the village of Glencolumbkille. This remote and stunning corner of Donegal is also a Gaelic-speaking region and home to many interesting megalithic and early Christian monuments.

A rest day in Glencolumbkille to discover this fascinating corner of Ireland, rich in culture and history. Inhabitants have lived here since 3000 BC. The optional hike offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic cliffs at Glen Head and Mullaghtan, before reaching the sharp ridge of Sturrall Headland.

Follow the Slí Colmcille to Cashel via the hills of Cornadreeshark and Crockunna. The route crosses peat bogs and follows old cart tracks, crossing a mountain to reach Carrick and Teelin, where the famous Slieve League cliffs are located.

Your host will help you arrange your transfer to Teelin to explore the Slieve League cliffs. These cliffs are breathtaking, vertigo-inducing, and not for the faint of heart! Rising 600 meters above the Atlantic, they offer an incredible diversity of colors and shapes, as they are composed of many different geological types (conglomerates, schists, quartzite, and slate).

Several options are available, ranging from short, easy walks with shuttle service to more challenging trails.

Take the regular buses from Carrick to Donegal to continue your journey.