Hiking the Donegal Way for 10 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Ireland
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AgeFrom 12 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions91.41 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore the Donegal Way , an iconic journey through northwest Ireland combining the Bluestack Way and the Gaeltacht Trails . From Donegal Town to Ardara , and then on to Kilcar , this route reveals a land with a strong identity, facing the Atlantic and proud of its traditions.
The route begins on the Bluestack Way (47 km), created in 1999, and winds through the Bluestack Mountains , whose peaks reach 600 m. Wild and rugged, the massif is nevertheless traversed at a moderate altitude, the path rarely exceeding 250 m. The route alternates between small villages , green roads and vast expanses of moorland and peat bogs , punctuated by rivers, lakes and valleys.
Joining the Slí Cholmcille , you travel along a spectacular, rugged, and luminous Atlantic coastline , where nature reigns supreme. Between its geographical isolation, vibrant Gaelic culture, and diverse landscapes, Donegal cultivates a unique character, untouched by mass tourism.
An immersive hike in the heart of an authentic and wild Ireland , ideal for lovers of wide open spaces and off-the-beaten-track travel.
The highlights
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The magnificent cliffs of Slieve League and the Bluestack mountains
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The pre-Christian cemetery of Disert with a sacred fountain dedicated to Saint Colmcille
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Maghera Strand, a secluded beach renowned for its golden sand and rocky outcrops
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 326 m
Management
Program
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Trip to Donegal Town
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take the bus to Donegal Town. Located on the northeast shore of Donegal Bay, Donegal is a charming, traditional town offering excellent shopping, restaurants, live music, and peaceful riverside walks. Your accommodation for the night is ideally situated for exploring the town and starting your hike tomorrow on the Bluestack Way.
Day 1 -
Donegal to Lough Eske
- Transportation Car - 16h - 7km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 440 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 2 -
Bluestack Mountains in Glenties
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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).
Day 3 -
Free day in Glenties
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 130 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 4 -
Glenties in Ardara
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 80 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 5 -
Ardara in Glencolumbkille
- Transportation Car - 09h - 9km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 6 -
Free day in Glencolumbkille
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 7 -
Glencolumbkille in Carrick
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 310 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 8 -
Slieve League Cliffs
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 9 -
Carrick's departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take the regular buses from Carrick to Donegal to continue your journey.
Day 10
Note
Daily walking distances may vary depending on the type of accommodation, which is determined by availability.
Accommodation
Tonight you will sleep in a comfortable B&B, with welcoming hosts and an ideal location for a hiking route.
Access
Travel by bus from Dublin to Donegal Town.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 9 nights in a bed and breakfast (double room)
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Detailed itineraries
- Maps and GPX files
- 24/7 assistance, transport instructions
- Recommended restaurants
- List of items to pack and local travel tips
The price does not include
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Not all services are indicated in the itinerary.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
