21 Walking In Donegal Spots That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Did you know that walking in Donegal can be one of the easiest yet most rewarding things you can do when you visit Donegal?

If you’re looking for a stunning walking spot that will take your breath away, look no further than Donegal!

With its rugged coastline, lush green hills, and stunning mountain ranges, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit this northern county every year.

So, put on your best sports shoes and get your feet ready to experience the best walking trails in Donegal!

In this article, we’ll share 21 of the best walking spots in Donegal for you to explore. From walks in Donegal Town to one of the highest mountains in Donegal (there are plenty of walking paths to choose from!)

The Best Place For Walking In Donegal (Easy): Roguey Cliff Walk
The Best Place For Walking In Donegal (Moderate): Inishowen Head Loop
The Best Place For Walking In Donegal (Advanced): The Pilgrim Path

21 Best Places For Walking In Donegal

Best Places For Walking In Donegal (Beginner-friendly):

1. Lough Eske Castle

2. Drumboe Woods

3. Ards Forest Park

4. Carrickfinn Beach

5. Donegal Board Walk

6. Glenevin Waterfall

7. Roguey Cliff Walk

Best Places For Walking In Donegal (Moderate):

8. Inch Wildfowl Reserve

9. Crockrawer

10. Glencolumbkille Drum Loop

11. Tory Island

12. Fort Dunree

13. Glen Loop

14. Inishowen Head Loop

Best Places For Walking In Donegal (Advanced):

15. Crownarad

16. The Pilgrim Path

17. Arranmore Island

18. Seven Sisters

19. Glenveagh National Park

20. Murder Hole Beach

21. Muckish Mountain

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If you have some extra time after walking through a beautiful trail in Donegal, you can also try out these tours which can be very interesting during your trip!

When you visit Ireland you want to be prepared because it can get COLD! And it also rains a lot O_O If you want to enjoy this charming country in comfort, make sure you pack some essentials that we ALWAYS pack:

2 base layer thermals (I love these!)
1 thick fleece jacket or puffer jacker
Fleece lined leggings
1-2 sweater dresses.
2 pairs of fleece lined jeans or pants
Winter Touchscreen Gloves
2-4 wool sweaters
Super comfy scarf
Super chic coat here and here
Bonus– Excellent useful and authentic book on Ireland!

Best Places For Walking In Donegal (Beginner-friendly):

Look out for Donegal town walks and garden walks, where we share some of the best walks in Donegal that are family-friendly and wheel-chair friendly!

So, let’s warm up those feet with our beginner-friendly spots that are great for walking Donegal, Ireland.

1. Lough Eske Nature Loop

The Lough Eske Nature Loop is a fantastic dog walk in Donegal that takes you over rural roads and provides you with breathtaking views of the lake.

It’s a great chance to enjoy nature since this path is easy to follow and can accommodate people of all ages and levels of fitness. It is one of the best family walks in Donegal.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 1.38 hours.
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

2. Drumboe Woods

If you’re looking for relaxing and nice walks in Donegal, then be sure to visit this family-friendly Drumboe Wood Park, which is located near Ballybofey.

This place offers all year-round natural attractions, from stunning views of spring bluebells, autumn leaves changing color, summer morning strolls, and winter meadows.

The Drumboe Loop Trail is certainly one of the walking trail Donegal within Drumboe Wood Park that is well-marked and dog-friendly!

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 49 minutes.
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

3. Ards Forest Park

The Ards Forest Park is always worth a visit, no matter the season.

Sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock faces, and, of course, forests, which are all available within this 480 hectare (1200 acre) forest.

Since it contains so many different ecosystems, this park may keep visitors busy for hours, and those who love hiking will get the opportunity to do some of the best hikes in Donegal. (insert 27 hiking trail in Donegal)

There are several archaeological sites and historical landmarks for history buffs to enjoy, making this one of the best forest walks in Donegal!

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 3 km (1.8 mile) (loop)
Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes! / No
Car Park: Yes / No

4. Carrickfinn Beach

Perhaps you prefer to go for a calming, coastal walk by the beach?

Then, if you’re traveling to Donegal by flight, then this is certainly the best donegal walks by the beach as Carrickfinn Beach is only 2 minutes away from Donegal airport (less than a mile away!)

In fact, Carrickfinn beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Ireland ( and one of the 12 blue flag beaches in Donegal).

This 4.5 km (2.7 miles) long stretch of golden sand that runs along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean gives picturesque views of the jets landing at Donegal airport.

It is truly one of the best coastal walkways in Donegal.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 4.5 km (2.7 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 1 hour
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

5. Donegal Board Walk

The Donegal Boardwalk is a beautiful and simple stroll across the sand dunes on a purpose-built boardwalk that is 1.1 km (0.6 mile) and is accessible to those using wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes designed for children.

For those who are looking for a quick stroll, then this is easily one of the shortest walks near Donegal town.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 1.1 km (0.6 mile) (loop)
Estimated time: 25 minutes.
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

6. Glenevin Waterfall

If you’re looking for the most beautiful walkways in Donegal (that are beginner-friendly), then Glenevin waterfall is the answer for you!

This 1 km (0.6 miles) well-marked trail will lead you through Glenevin Valley before you reach Donegal’s iconic Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany.

Visitors can cross the nearby river creek at any of the footbridges along the walking trail and enjoy this natural waterfall with its newly built picnic benches.

This is easily one of the shortest family-friendly walks in Donegal with a stunning waterfall view!

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 1 km (0.6miles) (loop)
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: No
Car Park: Yes (20 – 30 car park bays)

Related Posts on Donegal:

7. Roguey Cliff Walk

The Roguey Cliff Walk is, without a doubt, one of our top Donegal walking trails that is beginner-friendly!

This 4.25 km (2.6 miles) cliff walk will lead you to the Fairy Bridges, which is a natural arch by the cliffs. Within this walk, you must definitely visit its famous Wishing Chair, an ancient throne-like rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean (make a wish if you have the chance).

What we do like about this walk is that it is also nearby Bundoran Beach (one of Donegal’s 12 blue flag beaches (insert 23 beaches), which is near one of the best beaches to surf in Donegal (insert best 15 surfing beaches).

Additionally, it is also nearby several family attractions such as Bundoran Waterworld and Adventure Park (which you should try and visit!)

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 4.25 km (2.6 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 50 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

Best Place For Walking In Donegal (Moderate):

If you have already tried some of the beginner-friendly walks in Donegal and you feel that you haven’t broken a sweat at all.

Then, perhaps your calf’s muscle is ready to take on more challenging places for walking Donegal.

8. Inch Wildfowl Reserve

If you’re looking for walks around Donegal Town, then be sure to try and walk here in Inch Wildfowl Reserve, which is situated behind Inch Island on the eastern banks of Lough Swilly, under the watchful eye of Scalp Mountain.

As a part of the larger Lough Swilly, this wetland system plays an essential role in the preservation and connectivity of this ecosystem.

So if you have the time, be sure to try this 8 km (4.9 miles) trail in Southern Buncrana, which has some of the best views of Irish wetland animals such as swans, geese, raptors, and many more.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 2 hours 30-minute
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

9. Crockrawer

Not so far from Gleann Cholm Cille, is a walking trail of Crockrawer that’s 8.2 km (5 miles) in length. It takes on average 3 hours and 3 minutes to complete, making it a fairly difficult route.

Don’t make the same mistake as many who came before you and park in the first lot; instead, spend the additional few bucks to park in the second lot and avoid a steep hike. (Only attempt this if you are an experienced hiker.)

Thankfully, it’s not really a difficult walk, but it can still be too dangerous for kids to walk as there is no proper fencing near the cliffs.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 8.2 km (5 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 3 hours 3 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: No
Car Park: Yes

10. Glencolumbkille – Drum Loop

Glencolmcille was once a Neolithic village, and its surrounding region is dotted with megalithic tombs that provide fascinating insights into Irish history.

You may begin and end your 13 km (8 miles) stroll at St. Columba’s Church in the hamlet. In fact, Glemcolumbkille has two walking trails you can try; the Drum Loop and the Tower Loop.

Both follow the same path. However, the Glencolumbkille Drum Loop takes a slightly bigger loop before rejoining the Tower Loop.

This shoreline between Slieve League and Slieve Tooey in southwest Donegal is a great place for hikers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life and into a more peaceful and natural setting.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 13 km (8 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 4 hours
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

11. Tory Island

Tory Island is a tiny island off the coast of Donegal that is home to a diverse population of birds and a wealth of historical and unique geological formations.

This 8.5 km (5.2 miles) trail starts at the pier and loops around the western end of the island to the lighthouse and back to the pier.

If you’re looking for the most scenic island to go for walking Donegal, trails like this should definitely be on your bucket list.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 8.5 km (5.2 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

12. Fort Dunree

If you’ve just visited Fort Dunree Military Museum, then be sure to try one of these 3 different walks that will take visitors through the grounds of the historic fort as well as a breathtaking coastal view.

With unparalleled views of Lough Swilly and its stunning sea cliffs, this short-distance yet mildly challenging walking trail will turn your casual stroll into a hiking session as you ascend to the peak of the hill via steep stairs.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 2 km (1.2 mile) (loop)
Estimated time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

13. Glen Loop

Glen loop walk Donegal is also one of the best walks for both new and seasoned hikers.

This hike begins at a parking lot on the north side of the Gap of Marmore as you get to walk through some of Inishowen’s most beautiful terrain. The 13.2 km (8.2 miles) trail provides breathtaking panoramic views in every direction, set against the backdrop of the wild coastal scenery of north Donegal.

This looped hike also includes a linear route from Marmore to Straid, starting and ending at the Glen House parking lot.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mile) (loop)
Estimated Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

14. Inishowen Head Loop

This is one of the most northerly places you can find in Ireland for walking trails in Donegal, which is the famous Inishowen Head Loop walking trail.

In fact, the Inishowen Peninsula is frequently called “Ireland in Miniature” due to its many attractions, with magnificent castles, towers, and historic churches surrounding its landscape.

This 8 km (4.9 miles) looped circle begins at a WWII lookout tower on Inishowen Head. As you pass through the Portkill checkpoint, you will come to an observation point from where you may see the west of Scotland, which is visible on beautiful, clear days.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

Best Place For Walking In Donegal (Advanced)

If you want to work up a good sweat and get your heart rate up, these last 7 remaining hill walking in Donegal will surely be one of the most challenging yet memorable things to do in Donegal.

15. Crownarad

The Crownarad 7.7 km (4.7 miles) is located close to Fintra Beach and has an elevation gain of 493 meters. So, pacing and good endurance are required when attempting this trail.

It takes an average of 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete and is generally thought of to be a good introductory walk for a difficult route.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 7.7 km (4.7 miles) (one way)
Estimated time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Pet/Family-friendly: No
Car Park: Yes

16. The Pilgrim Path

This 8 km (4.9 miles) walk along The Pilgrim Path will certainly be one of the best walking trails in Donegal as you get to enjoy the splendor of County Donegal’s famous seascapes on a mesmerizing linear climb to one of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League.

This 2 hours 30 minutes hike will take you to the plateau and cliff edges of Slieve League in South West Donegal, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims. This walk will reach as high up to 425 meters.

If you’re new to Slieve League, you can certainly try the Slieve League guided tour, which is one of the best Donegal walking tours available.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Pet/Family-friendly: No
Car Park: Yes

17. Arranmore Island

Take on another great day of hill walking on one of Donegal’s beautiful islands, Arranmore Island, with views of stunning coastline and island beauty.

This 14 km (8.6 miles) moderately graded walking route will take you to the island’s rugged via an asphalt road, bog road, and green track.

Arranmore is the biggest island off the coast of Donegal and provides trekkers with stunning vistas in all directions. If you’re looking to burn some extra calories, do take a 2 km (1.2 miles) hike to the island’s lonely lighthouse at Leabgarrow.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 14 km (8.6 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 5 hours
Pet/Family-friendly: No
Car Park: Yes

18. Seven Sisters

Put on your hiking boots and make your way up this 7-point-to-point trail (which is famously known as the Seven Sisters).

This 22.4-kilometer (13.9-mile) mountain path traverses Creenasmear in County Donegal. If you’re not in a rush, this trail will take you around 11 hours to complete. If you prefer a path with beautiful Irish terrain, you should try the Poison Glen Donegal walk.

Starting from Muckish’s miners route and ending in Mount Errigal, (the highest mountain in Donegal at 751m), where you will be rewarded with some breathtaking landscapes and views of the Derryveagh mountain.

Making this one of the most popular best hikes in Donegal (there’s even an annual hiking competition held specifically for this trail of Seven Sisters)

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 21 km (13 miles) (one way)
Estimated time: 15 hours
Pet/Family-friendly: No
Car Park: No

19. Glenveagh National Park

This is also one of the best yet most challenging forest walks Donegal, Glenveagh National Park.

This 7 km (4.3 miles) beautiful route is normally quiet and frequented by red deer, making it one of Glenveagh’s hidden gem hikes. The Lough Inshagh Walk follows an old road that previously connected Glenveagh Castle to the settlement of Church Hill.

Just bear in mind that it isn’t looped, so you’ll either need to organize a pick-up at the Lacknacoo parking lot or walk back.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) (one-way)
Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes

20. Murder Hole Beach

Murder Hole Beach is a small, remote beach on Ireland’s north coast and is generally regarded as one of Donegal’s and Ireland’s most beautiful and distinctive beaches.

Please be considerate when crossing the farmers’ property (as you need to cross private property before reaching Murder Hole Beach). After entering the field, be careful to lock the gate behind you, avoid disturbing the farm animals, and never ever leave behind any rubbish!

As you go through the field from the main road, you will pass a tiny lake called Lough Melmore on your left. Follow the lake to the end and it will lead you to the cliffs between the two stone walls, which provide a grand view of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 1 hour 50 minutes.
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes! / No
Car Park: Yes / No

21. Muckish Mountain

Last but certainly not least, if you plan to go hiking Donegal, then be sure to try the 2nd highest mountain in Donegal, Muckish Mountain. At its peak, 666 meters above sea level, this is not a mountain for the faint of heart.

What we do like about Muckish Mountain is that there are several trails that ascend the mountain, from beginner-friendly to heart-pumping trails. For your own safety, we suggest that you take the Miner’s Path to the summit and return.

What you need to know about this walking trail:

Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles) (loop)
Estimated time: 3 hours
Pet/Family-friendly: Yes!
Car Park: Yes (small parking lot)

Best Attractions In Donegal (Worth Checking Out)

With so many things to do in Donegal, it can be quite overwhelming when you have so many ideas or plans.

In fact, I have actually made a comprehensive list that will certainly make your trip to Donegal x1000 better.

So if you’re more of an outdoors person, you would certainly enjoy my 35 epic things to do in Donegal, as this list covers a lot of outdoor attractions and activities that you and your loved one would certainly enjoy.

But there are also days on which Ireland’s weather can be quite unpredictable, so I’ve also prepared a backup list of the 27 best things to do in Donegal when it rains, so that you have something fun and exciting you can do even on a gloomy day in Donegal.

So, what sort of attractions should you consider when you are walking in Donegal?

Well, the answer is plenty, but don’t worry, I’ll share a few!

Here are some of the best attractions you can find in Donegal.

Here are some of our top 3 suggestions based on certain attractions:

Castles in Donegal:

Best Beach in Donegal:

Best Kids-friendly Attraction in Donegal:

Best Natural Attraction in Donegal:

These lists alone are not enough to show the entire beauty of Donegal, Ireland, but it is certainly one of the best counties worth exploring when you visit Ireland. Be sure to take as many pictures as you can when you are there and make loads of memories!

FAQs On Walking In Donegal

Where Can I Go For A Walk In Donegal?

Donegal is home to a wide variety of beautiful places where you can take memorable, breathtaking walks. If you are looking for a challenging walk during your Irish trip, then be sure to check out the top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers:

How Many Days Does It Take To Walk To Donegal?

It depends where you are coming from, but if you are planning to do a self-guided walk all across Donegal, then you should expect to take about 5 Days to Walk To Donegal (especially if you do not take a day off). These 5 days will cover the journey from Bunbeg and will end at Dunfanaghy.

Throughout those 5 days, you will be blessed by Northern Ireland’s magnificent landscapes and stunning coastal views, and if you do have some extra time, do try McSwyne’s Gun Loop (which is only 3.5 kilometers long ), located near Horn Head.

What Is The Longest Walk In Ireland?

The Beara-Breifne Way is Ireland’s longest walking track, clocking in at a distance of 500 kilometers, and it enables hikers to go all the way from Cork to Leitrim.

This walk, spread across a total of 10 counties and four different provinces, can roughly take about 35 days to complete the journey.

This historical walk was first recorded back in 1603, when it was marched by Dónal Cam O’Sullivan Beare (one of the last Gaelic rulers) and his 1,000 supporters for 14 days (unfortunately, many did not survive throughout the grueling 14-day journey ).

There you go! These are the 21 best places that you can go for walking in Donegal!

In conclusion, Donegal offers plenty of beautiful walking paths across its natural landscape. It is indeed one of Ireland’s magical places to visit as there are plenty of activities and places to see!

If you’re done walking, check out one of my other articles on the best 15 afternoon tea spots in Donegal. Perhaps you can reward yourself by the end of the day with a nice cup of Irish tea and a scrumptious scone!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore! We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

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