Leisure Strolls
Whether it is an invigorating stroll along a deserted golden beach, a relaxing ramble through native woodland and forest parks or a dander along a stretch of breathtaking coastline, Donegal has it all to offer.
The Bank Walk – Donegal Town
The 2.5 km Bank Walk follows the west bank of the River Eske in Donegal Town into Donegal Bay with views of the Old Abbey and Donegal Bay. The walk is sheltered by mature deciduous trees and makes for a very pleasant leisure stroll, especially in the summer and autumn months.
Start/Finish Point: Donegal Tourist Office or Bank Walk Car Park
Distance: 5 km
Walking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Footpaths and riverside paths (walking shoes advised)
The Rougey Walk – Bundoran
This is a very pleasant circular walk on a fine day, taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean and Ben Bulben. Start from Bundoran Tourist Office and follow the path along the promenade passing Waterworld. The walk continues on around the headland with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Bundoran’s Championship Golf Course on the other side. On reaching the far end of the walk follow the road back into town until you reach the junction with the main road. At this point take a right and follow the path back along Bundoran’s Main Street towards the Tourist Office.
Distance: 4.5km
Walking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Terrain: Easy route along paved streets and paths.
Creevy Shore Linear Coastal Walk
This purpose built shore trail extends from Rossnowlagh, through Creevy and on to the mouth of the Erne Estuary at Ballyshannon. Walkers should note that fence crossings along the route are by stile rather than gates. We advise you turn back at the broad shingle beach known locally as ‘The Bar’. This walk has fine views of Donegal Bay and the ruins of an ancient O’Cleirigh Castle.
Start/Finish Point: Rossnowlagh
Distance: 10km (there and back)
Walking Time: 2 hours
Terrain: Easy route along farm fields and sandy shoreline
Rossnowlagh Beach and Friary Walk
This is a pleasant unmarked short walk combining a beach stroll and the beautiful public gardens around Rossnowlagh Friary. Parking is available next to the Sandhouse Hotel. Follow the beach over to the cliffs and then follow the road left until you come to the entrance to Rossnowlagh Friary. Amble through the gardens and visitor centre and then take the road to the right. Take a right turn after ‘The Thatch Tea Rooms’ and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains.
Start/Finish Point: Sandhouse Hotel Car Park
Distance: 2.5km
Walking Time: 1 hour
Terrain: Easy route along beach, paths and country roads
Lough Derg Pilgrim’s Path Walk – Pettigo
This walk is based on the route of a pilgrimage path which has been in use since the 12th century. The route offers fine views of Lough Derg and St. Patrick’s Purgatory International Pilgrimage Centre. A number of side tracks allow access to scenic viewing areas or points of historic interest.
Walk Start: The Quay carpark facing St. Patrick’s Purgatory Pilgrimage Centre.
Distance: 12km
Walking Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Roads and forest paths which are marshy in places (hiking boots or trekking shoes are advised)
For further info contact Letterkenny Tourist Office: +353 74 9121160
Maghera Beach Walk – Ardara
Follow the N56 from Ardara and watch for the signs to Maghera Beach, 9km west of Ardara. Maghera Beach is situated on the end of a rugged peninsula, and the drive out is very picturesque. A high wall of mountains forms a majestic backdrop to the traditional ‘wee’ hamlet of Maghera, where you will find a carpark and toilets. Follow a path through the sand dunes and you will soon be dazzled by an expansive, pristine white sandy beach. Keep to your left along the beach and explore the rocky sea caves but be cautious of incoming tides.
Start/Finish Point: Maghera Car Park
Distance: 3km (there and back)
Walking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Sandy tracks and beach
Drumboe Woods – Ballybofey
Drumboe Woods offers a relaxing walk along the banks of the River Finn and through an old forested estate that once belonged to the owners of Drumboe Castle. Ideal walk for all the family. Access to the walk on the Ballybofey side of the river is available from Jackson’s Hotel Car Park.
Start/Finish Point: Jackson’s Hotel Car Park
Distance: 3km (there and back)
Walking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paths and forest tracks
The Main Glen Walk – Glenveagh National Park
This is a delightful walk which follows an old drovers’ road along the southern shores of Lough Veagh. The route passes by old dwelling houses through an ancient oak wood until a waterfall can be seen cascading down the mountain side.
Start/Finish Point: Glenveagh Castle Grounds
Distance: 6km return
Walking Time: 2 hours
Terrain: Easy route along dry, wide track
For further info contact: +353 74 9137090 or email: sandra_smith@environ.ie
McSwyne’s Gun Loop Walk – Dunfanaghy
A very popular loop walk along Horn Head near Dunfanaghy. This invigorating coastal walk takes its name from the dramatic blow hole which makes a sound like a canon exploding when the sea swells into it. Follow the blue arrow markers from the car park at Horn Head Bridge along well worn paths and sheep trail with stunning coastal scenery and views across to Tory Island. Watch out for a golden beach on your left near the start of your walk.
Start/Finish Point: Car park at Horn Head Bridge
Distance: 9km
Walking Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate, to suit all fitness levels
Terrain: Sandy tracks and coastal paths
Arranmore Island Loop
The walk around Arranmore Island is signposted as Slí Arainn Mhór and is a National Way Marked Way. The ferry to Arranmore leaves from Burtonport. There are regular sailings from morning to late evening, all year round.
The Arranmore loop walk starts and finishes at the Ferry Port. The views throughout the walk are stunning with particularly breathtaking vistas on the western side of the island.
Walk Start: Arranmore Island Ferry Port
Distance: 14.km
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate, should suit all levels of fitness with mainly gentle gradients.
Tory Island Loop Walk
Words fail to describe the rugged, windswept beauty of Tory Island, on Donegal’s northwest coast. The Tory Island loop walk is a perfect way to explore the island and get to meet the friendly local community at their leisurely pace of life. Tory is also home to seabird colonies and the rare corncrake.
Distance: 4km
Walking Time: 1 hour – 1hour 30 mns
Terrain: Sandy tracks and minor roadways.
Corravaddy Wood – Letterkenny
This is a pleasant and easy going walk through Coillte forestry land and offers impressive views of Lough Swilly and the surrounding countryside. Corravaddy is just a 15 minute drive from Letterkenny.
Distance: 4km
Walking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Forest track
Tramore Beach Loop Walk – Dunfanaghy
Walking the short distance from the village square to Horn Head Bridge you will note that this bridge has twelve arches but only two in use. Listen for Corncrakes here in summer. A public footpath across the dunes leads to Tramore beach (Trá Mór means big strand) This magnificent golden sandy beach, 2km (1.5miles) long, rarely has people on it but is unsafe for swimming due to strong undertows.
Start/Finish Point: Market Square, Dunfanaghy
Distance: 7km (there and back)
Walking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Road, grassy path, beach
Maghery Linear Walk – Dungloe
This is an excellent short walk just outside Dungloe Town and is ideal for stretching the legs and breathing in some fresh sea air into your lungs, on a day’s driving round Donegal. The walk forms part of a much longer Slí na Rossan (National Waymarked Way). Excellent views over the Rosses and out towards Arranmore Island.
Start/Finish Point: Maghery Car Park
Distance: 4km (there and back)
Walking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Rough track and quiet roads