County Donegal Self-Guided Hiking Tour
Hike the remote terrain of County Donegal for a true Irish adventure
Self-Guided
County Donegal Self-Guided Hiking Tour Overview
A walking tour in County Donegal is perfect for an adventure lover keen to explore the true wilderness of Ireland! This self-guided County Donegal hiking tour shows off the best of Ireland’s northernmost region. This Irish walking tour will introduce you to the rugged yet charming beauty that Ireland is so famous for.
The County Donegal hiking tour begins in the town of Donegal and follows the spectacular Bluestack Way for your first few days. Amble around pristine lakes, marvel at ancient castles, and stroll along numerous rivers until you reach the coastal town of Ardara. The stunning Glengesh Pass is a real highlight, a broad golden valley stretching for miles. A trip down to Kilcar brings you to the shores of Donegal Bay with traditional villages along the way. Then it’s back to Ardara via gorgeous remote tracks that illuminate the splendour of County Donegal at every turn.
If you prefer to be away from the crowds in search of an authentic experience, the County Donegal hike has everything you need. The wild Irish scenery is the star of the show out here! It may be a little trickier to reach than some of Ireland’s other regions, but the reward is more than worth it.
Trip highlights
Visit the serene shores of Lough Eske with its spectacular castle.
Hike in awe through the marvellous Glengesh Pass.
Drink in the endless views of Donegal Bay on the beautiful northern coastline.
Step back in time at the monuments surrounding Ardara.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in the town of Donegal, from which the county takes its name. Check into your accommodations, where you’ll spend the first two nights of the journey. Meet your host who will provide you with your detailed information pack, including route guides and contact information.
The first night is yours to explore the town of Donegal. Chow down on a hearty Irish meal and catch some live music, which your host will be happy to recommend. Adventure awaits!
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Donegal
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
The journey commences on “the Bluestack Way.” This celebrated long-distance trail starts in Donegal and winds its way along the shores of Lough Eske, a gorgeous lake with a 15th-century castle on its banks. Pass over the slopes of Banagher Hill, then head along the Eglish River until you finish in the tiny village of Letterbarra. From here, call your taxi to return to Donegal for the evening.
Most of today’s walk takes place over backroads, with a 2 km stretch across bogland before getting back on the road to Letterbarra.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Donegal
- Distance:
- 4-5 hours, 22.9km, 518m of ascent, 457m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
You’ll be driven back to Letterbarra to pick up where you left off the day before. Today has a little bit of everything: bog land, farm country, and the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains, which divide the north and south of the county. Your final descent brings you into the town of Glenties, where two rivers meet.
In rough weather, a lower-elevation route is available. Explore the picturesque town, then ring for your taxi to bring you to Ardara, your home for the next two nights.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Glenties
- Distance:
- 4-5 hours, 18.8km, 549m of ascent, 649m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Drive back to Glenties to start the day. A secluded back road brings you to the Owentocker River, which you’ll follow all the way through to Ardara. Roadways, tracks, and riverbanks will guide your journey. Today’s hike is shorter and gentler than the previous days – take your time and enjoy the beautiful views.
In 2012, The Irish Times named Ardara as the best village to live in all of Ireland. Its charms should be apparent by this point in your stay!
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Ardara
- Distance:
- 2-3 hours, 11.2km, 74m of ascent, 103m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Set out straight from your accommodation towards the majestic Glengesh Pass, winding through a valley that looks straight out of a postcard. You may find it difficult to leave! Descend through bogland and forest to the village of Kilcar. With vistas of Donegal Bay and a reputation for Ireland’s finest tweed, it’s well worth some of your time.
From here, ring your taxi to bring you to your accommodations in nearby Carrick. While three-quarters of today’s hike is on road, the off-road sections can be very wet underfoot – plan accordingly.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Carrick
- Distance:
- 4-5 hours, 19.3km, 481m of ascent, 491m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Hop in your transfer back to Kilcar to start the day. The route starts along the coast of Donegal Bay, up to Crockunna Hill. From here, cut inland and continue northward parallel to the road. Hiking up these hills provides stunning vistas in all directions!
Descend into the village of Glencolmcille, a stone’s throw from the North Atlantic Ocean. This traditional little town is the perfect place to explore before calling your taxi to bring you back to Carrick.
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Carrick
- Distance:
- 3-4 hours, 15.6km, 484m of ascent, 485m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
As before, you’ll be driven back to Glencolmcille to finish your route from the previous day’s endpoint. Today is your biggest day on the whole tour, and what a day it is!
Set off on a remote path eastward, quickly elevating to discover incredible views of Glen Head and all the way across Donegal Bay. Descend and meander through a lovely valley before working back upwards at Crockuna Hill. Your final stretch brings you along the banks of the Owenee River before arriving in the familiar village of Ardara. Enjoy a well-deserved night of rest – you’ve earned it!
- Overnight Location:
- B&B in Ardara
- Distance:
- 6-7 hours, 32km, 939m of ascent, 923m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Time to depart from County Donegal. Check out of your accommodations and embark on your own arrangements from the region.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
- Transport to the start of each day’s hike and collection from its endpoint back to your accommodations is included. The only days where collection is not included are Days 4 and 7, where you will be ending the day’s hike in your designated overnight destination. Luggage transfers are also included between accommodations during the tour. Getting to and from starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
- Detailed route book with full area maps
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights to and from Donegal
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into Donegal or out of Ardara
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional accommodation nights before/after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
Reviews
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: paved and unpaved roads, bogland, rocky paths, and open hillside and one day is very long – 32 km of walking! Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included depending on the length of tour you book.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Donegal Airport (CFN). As a regional airport, you’ll likely need to connect through one of Ireland’s larger hubs – Dublin is the closest. From Donegal Airport, the town of Donegal about an hour by car. You can also drive straight from the Dublin Airport, just over 3 hours away. If you’re taking the bus, it’s best to ride the 3 ½ hours from Dublin, as the options from Donegal will take nearly as long.
The tour ends in Ardara. The closest airport is Donegal Airport (CFN), a 50-minute drive away. The Dublin Airport is a 3 ½ hour drive.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Why book County Donegal Self-Guided Hiking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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