Donegal; Dún na nGall, Gaelic for, fort of the foreigners, most likely got its name from the invasion of the Danes in the 850s.
The county boasts one of the largest counties in Ireland to retain its native Irish language, with over 30-thousand still speaking Gaelic in their everyday life.
The countryside is mould for the walking enthusiast and the pace of life is somewhat slower then you will find anywhere in the country.
Almost anywhere in Donegal, you will still find small traditional family-run pubs, where the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, where traditional music is in abundance, all to be enjoyed over a pint of your favourite tipple.

Day 1, Drive Dublin to Donegal Town

Our route sees us leaving the east coast at 12.00noon for Donegal. We will stop many times on route to explore some of the towns that we pass through, have food etc.
Driving time from Dublin to Donegal Town is approximately 3hr 45 min, depending on traffic and road conditions.
After arriving at our accommodation and booking into our rooms we will go on a walk to explore the town.

Day 2, The Wild Wilderness of Slieve League

Our first walk takes us on a drive further west to the spectacular sea cliffs of Slieve League; the highest and one of the finest marine sea cliffs in Europe.
The name Slieve League is derived from the Gaelic Sliabh Liag, which literally means Stone Mountain. Despite its name the mountain is covered in a blanket of peat and heather.
Our walk takes us North West along the eastern side of the mountain; offering views to our right of a wonderful wilderness over a picturesque landscape, made up of rolling mountains, a patchwork of green fields, gentle streams and rivers. To our left we will have impressive views across the sea cliffs onto the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Distance: 14Km/8.75 miles, Ascent: 425Mtrs/1275Ft

Day 3, Castle, lakes & mountains

We go North West today to climb Donegal’s highest peak Errigal (749Mtrs/2457Ft). A most impressive mountain and if the day is clear we will have some fantastic views from what is known as Irelands smallest summit! The trail takes a well-defined tourist track from the car park to the top and backs the same route. So you are under no obligation to take on the whole walk, you can go half way and return or sit down, relax and enjoy the views.
In the afternoon we will visit Glenveigh National Park and Glenveigh Castle and Gardens, which is sheltering at the foot of the Derryveagh Mountains.
One of the most noticeable features of Glenveigh is its wilderness, with a sense of remoteness and solitude that it conveys.
After visiting the castle and gardens we will walk deep into the glen, along by the banks of Loch Gleann, passing old ruined settlements, through native oak woodlands and streams to reach the summit of Kinnaveagh Mountain.

Distance: 16Km/10 miles; Ascent: 650Mtrs/1950Ft

Day 4, Depart for home

After a hearty breakfast we will depart for Dublin, leaving Donegal Town at 10am.

 

If you are interested, please send an email to info@walkinghikingireland.com or ring us at +353 (0)404 45152.