HIKING DONEGAL
COASTAL HIKES
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of hiking in Donegal is experiencing the coastal scenery that is on offer. From Inishowen, right along the North West coast to Bundoran, spectacular beaches and rugged coastline offer opportunities for hikers to witness the wild North Atlantic in all its glory. Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, this coastline is becoming ever more popular with tourists and is receiving global recognition as a must see place to visit.
Hiking Donegal will talk you through some of the more popular coastal routes and places of interest, while also giving some local history and listing other activities for those a bit more adventurous.
For ease of reference, the maps below have split Donegal into sections from North to South, coastal hiking routes have been listed and can be accessed below.
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C612 383
Distance: 4.4km (8.8km return)
Est. Time to complete: 2hr - 2.5hr (return walk)
Difficulty level: Easy
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C682 436
Distance: 9.24km
Est. Time to complete: 2 - 2.5hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, some steep climbs that require a good level of fitness. Hiking boots recommended.
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C533 494
Distance: 3km
Est. Time to complete: 1hr
Difficulty Level: Easy - Short walk that takes in the local nature reserve and Culdaff beach
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C397 595
Distance: 3.26km
Est. Time to complete: 1 - 1.5hr
Difficulty: Easy to moderate - This walk takes you along steep cliffs so care should be taken.
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C307 437
Distance: 6.1km
Est. Time to complete: 2 - 3hrs
Difficulty: Difficult - Good fitness levels required as steep climbs in parts. Appropriate hiking footwear advised.
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C286 390
Distance: 2.23km
Est. Time to complete: 30min - 1hr
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - Some short climbs depending on which route you choose.
OSI Map 3, Grid ref: C343 324
Distance: 5.82km (Returning to starting point)
Est. Time to complete: 1.5 - 2hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Coastal walk along a defined pathway
OSI Map 2, Grid ref: C232 477
Distance: N/A
Est. Time to complete: 1 - 1.5hr (Tour of lighthouse)
Difficulty: A notable landmark that offers great photo opportunities. Steep cliffs surrounding lighthouse so care should be taken
OSI Map 2, Grid ref: C118 419
Distance: 6km
Est. Time to complete: 2 - 2.5hrs
Difficulty: Difficult - steep climbs and descents in sections. Good level of fitness needed. Dangerous cliffs in small section also. Appropriate hiking footwear necessary.
OSI Map 2, Grid ref: C104 335
Distance: 8.9km
Est. Time to complete: 2 - 2.5hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Walk initially takes you along a boardwalk amongst the sand dunes which then leads to the expansive Tra Mhor beach.
OSI Map 2, Grid ref: C014 409
Distance: 2.82km
Est. Time to complete: 1hr
Difficulty: Moderate - Undefined route on heather and bog land. A safe distance should be kept from the nearby cliffs. This is an exposed area and strong winds are to be expected
OSI Map 2, Grid ref: C009 375
Distance: 4.82km
Est. Time to complete: 1 - 1.5hrs
Difficulty: Moderate with some ascents necessary.
Nb. An updated version of the original Mc Swynne's Gun Loop hike
OSI Map 1, Grid ref: B856 464
Distance: 9km
Est. Time to complete: 3hrs +
Difficulty: Easy - Majority of walk is conducted on roadway/pathway. The east side of the Island is known for its cliffs so care should be taken.
OSI Map 1, Grid ref: B889 331
Distance: 6km
Est. Time to complete: 1.5 - 2hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Nature walk along sand dunes
OSI Map 1, Grid ref: B868 327
Distance: 14.25km
Est. Time to complete: 4 - 4.5hrs
Difficulty: Moderate - Limited climbing , however the route takes you over rough ground in sections. The route itself forms part of the larger Sli an Earagail, more details of which can be found in the hiking routes and walk ways section.
OSI Map 1, Grid ref: B810 250
Distance: 7.47km
Est. Time to complete: 2hrs
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate - Marked coastal walk with some sections on roadway, beaches and sand dunes.
OSI Map 1, Grid ref: B771 271
Distance: 3.54km
Est. Time to complete: 1 - 1.5hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Marked coastal walk on Ghabla Island
Access to Island via Bunbeg pier
OSI Map1, Grid ref: B681 159
Distance: 19.12km
Est. Time to complete: 5hrs +
Difficulty: Moderate - Hike that takes you around Arainn Mhor island. Majority of this hike is on road/pathway with some ascents and descents. Good level of fitness required.
OSI Map 10, Grid ref: G684 964
Distance: 7.72km
Est. Time to complete: 2 - 2.5hrs
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - The walk listed above takes you through the nature reserve and involves walking amongst undulating sand dunes. There is also a section of the walk that takes you along the beach. There is no defined path for this route, so individuals are encouraged to explore at their own pace.
OSI Map 10, Grid ref: G734 905
Distance: 31.25km
Est. Time to complete: 6 - 8hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult - This walk forms part of the larger Sli Cholmcille walk (see hiking routes and walkways). This is a signposted national walk with varying terrain, sections of the walk are on local roads and over farm land. There are significant climbs in places with exposed sections.
OSI Map 10, Grid ref: G530 847
Distance: 12.5km
Est. Time to complete: 3 - 4hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult - Marked looped walk with ascents and descents. Terrain is a mixture of minor roads, mountain tracks and pathways. Care should be taken when close to steep cliffs.
OSI Map 10, Grid ref: G558 756
Distance: 10km
Est. Time to complete: 3.5 - 4.5hrs
Difficulty: Difficult - Coastal cliff walk with steep ascents in sections. Extreme care should be taken as these cliffs are some of the highest in Europe and are exposed to the elements.
The above route takes you from the Slieve League viewing point and finishes in Teelin. If you are returning to the viewing point from the summit, the journey is around 8.5km and will take around 3.5hrs.
OSI Map 16, Grid ref: G818 590
Distance: 4.25km
Est. Time to complete: 1 - 1.5hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Marked coastal walk from Bundoran tourist information office
OSI Map 16, Grid ref: G818 590
Distance: 4.16km
Est. Time to complete: 1 - 1.5hrs
Difficulty: Easy - Marked coastal walk from Bundoran tourist information office