8-Day County Donegal Hiking Tour

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!

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 2km stretch across bogland before getting back on the road to Letterbarra.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Time to depart from County Donegal. Check out of your accommodations and embark on your own arrangements from the region.