Ireland Hiking Tour Through Donegal
May 16-26, 2026
Min/Max: 6/12
Moderate* to
Challenging
Overview
There’s something about Donegal that feels like stepping off the edge of the map and into another world — one where rugged mountains tumble into the sea, tiny villages cling to the land, and the air is so fresh it practically buzzes in your lungs. This isn’t the Ireland of crowded tourist stops and souvenir shops. This is remote, wild, untamed Ireland. And we’re going to hike straight through its heart.
On this Ottsworld Tour, you’ll spend 10 days exploring the backroads, bogs, cliffs, parks, and peaks of County Donegal with a group of curious, like-minded travelers who crave more than just ticking sights off a list. We’ll lace up our boots and wander where few visitors go: along quiet lakeshores, into take-your-breath-away landscapes, up iconic mountains, and out to windswept islands. Along the way, we’ll meet sheep farmers, tweed weavers, storytellers, and guides who connect us deeply to this land’s culture and traditions.
The spring time in Donegal will provide us with baby lambs, wildflowers and Puffins! And the best part – few visitors!
And here’s the fun part — this will be my first time hiking these Donegal trails too. I’ve traveled all over Ireland, but Donegal has always been that far-flung corner I never got to for hiking. So we’ll be discovering it together! Luckily, I’m not going in blind — we’ll be in the hands of my long-time partners at Ireland Walk Hike Bike, who know these routes inside and out. Their guides bring the landscape to life with history, humor, and heart — which means we get the joy of fresh discovery with the comfort of expert support.
This isn’t just a hiking trip — it’s an immersion. You’ll come home with mud on your boots, salt on your skin, a few muscles you didn’t know you had, and a heart full of Donegal’s raw beauty. If you’ve been looking for a chance to step away from the ordinary and lose (and find) yourself in Ireland’s wildest corner, this is it. Join me in May 2026 and Discover Donegal Ireland with me!
Highlights:
- Hike the towering Slieve League sea cliffs — nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, with jaw-dropping Atlantic views.
- Summit Errigal Mountain, Donegal’s highest peak, with panoramic 360° views over the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Step back in time at the abandoned famine village of Port, a hauntingly beautiful place few visitors ever see.
- Explore Tory Island, Ireland’s most remote inhabited island, with its puffins, Gaelic culture, and legendary stories.
- Walk the Bridle Path into Glenveagh National Park, finishing at a lakeside castle surrounded by enchanting gardens.
- Meet locals who keep Donegal’s traditions alive — from sheep farmers and tweed weavers to storytellers and musicians. You’ll probably even learn a little Gaelic language!
- Experience an Ottsworld Tour — a trip designed with my personal touch, a mix of adventure, local connections, and off-the-beaten-path discovery. Travel with like-minded adventurers who share your love of hiking, storytelling, and exploring the world beyond the ordinary.
Map
Itinerary
Your Donegal hiking adventure begins today in the charming heritage town of Donegal, where rugged landscapes meet warm Irish welcomes. After checking in to your accommodation, you’ll have time to settle in, explore the town’s cobbled streets, or enjoy a coffee with views over Donegal Bay.
In the afternoon, you’ll meet your experienced local guide and fellow walkers for a relaxed welcome briefing. This is a chance to get to know your group, review the days ahead, and hear fascinating stories that bring the region to life — from ancient kingdoms to hidden trails waiting to be discovered. Your guide will ensure you feel prepared, informed, and inspired for the journey ahead.
Whether you stroll by Donegal Castle or enjoy a peaceful walk along the River Eske, today is about easing into the rhythm of the land and beginning your connection with Donegal’s untamed beauty.
Overnight in Donegal town
Included: Hotel, Dinner
Your hike begins right at the door of your accommodation, setting out along the tranquil shores of Lough Eske, the trail weaves through a landscape shaped by glacial valleys and shimmering waters. You’ll walk beneath the gentle slopes of Banagher Hill, where quiet forestry tracks and open moorland offer moments of solitude and sweeping views.
The route then winds alongside the clear-running Eglish River, its banks rich with wildlife and peaceful charm. As the day unfolds, you continue toward the quiet village of Letterbarra, tucked into the rolling countryside — a perfect place to rest after a day immersed in nature. Your hike ends near Disert .
This complex archaeological landscape located in the townland of Teemean Co Donegal. The site consists of a holy well dedicated to St Colmcille surrounded by a ritual pilgrim landscape that includes an early ecclesiastical enclosure, penitential cairns and a cillin (children’s graveyard). Take time to experience this ancient site and gain a deeper understanding of Irish history and culture.
Return to Donegal town for your overnight.
Route stats:
- Total Distance: 14.5 miles / 23.3 km
- Total Ascent: 2,244 feet / 684 m
- Total Descent: 2,031 feeet / 619 m
- Max Elevation: 1,033 feet / 315 m
Highlights:
- Peaceful lakeside walking along Lough Eske
- Expansive views from the foothills of Banagher Hill
- Serene woodland and moorland stretches
- Riverside paths beside the Eglish River
- Tranquil finish in the rural village of Letterbarra
Inclusions: Breakfast
Today’s hike leads you deeper into the heart of Donegal’s wild and unspoiled countryside. Departing Letterbarra, you follow a route of quiet beauty, beginning with old bog roads and tracks through working farmland — a patchwork of stone walls, grazing sheep, and traditional turf plots.
As the trail gradually climbs, you traverse the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains, where sweeping vistas and wide skies offer a sense of true remoteness. The descent into Glenties is a gentle reward, bringing you into this charming heritage village nestled where two glens meet, known for its warm welcome and strong literary and musical traditions.
Following todays hike we will visit a local woollen mills where you will see the loom in operation and how they create the tweed fabric that this region is famous for.
In the late afternoon we transfer to the quaint village of Carrick which will be our base for the next 3 nights.
Overnight in Carrick
Route stats:
- Total Distance: 11.9 miles / 19.2 km
- Total Ascent: 2,031 feet / 619 m
- Total Descent: 2,411 feeet / 735 m
- Max Elevation: 1,417 feet / 432 m
Highlights:
- Traditional bog roads and rural farmland trails
- Gentle climb through the Bluestack foothills
- Panoramic views of the Donegal uplands
- Rich biodiversity and open, quiet moorland
- Arrival into the cultural village of Glenties
Inclusions: Breakfast, Entry into Woolin Mill
Your journey begins in the picturesque village of Kilcar, nestled near the rugged Donegal coast. Setting off westward, you’ll hike along quiet country roads and scenic coastal paths, with sweeping views of the Atlantic and the wild beauty of southwest Donegal unfolding around you.
The trail brings you through Carrick, a traditional settlement where the pace of life is wonderfully slow, before veering inland across undulating farmland and open moorland. As you ascend gently, take in the distant sea cliffs and headlands, with glimpses of Slieve League towering to the south.
The day concludes in the culturally rich village of Glencolmcille, where the Irish language and music traditions continue to thrive amidst stunning coastal scenery.
At the conclusion of todays hike we visit a local sheep farm to see how the Shepard and his dogs manage the herd. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what life is like for a sheep farmer on the unforgiving northwest Atlantic coastline.
Overnight in Carrick
Route stats:
- Total Distance: 9.9 miles / 16 km
- Total Ascent: 1,726 feet / 526 m
- Total Descent: 1,736 feeet / 529 m
- Max Elevation: 787 feet / 240 m
Highlights:
- Atlantic coastal views and peaceful rural landscapes
- Slieve League visible in the distance.
- Traditional villages of Carrick and Glencolmcille
- Immersion in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region
- Rolling hills and quiet walking trails through open countryside
- Sheep dog demonstration, & hopefully baby lambs!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Entry into Glencolmcille & sheep farm
Today you’ll enjoy an unforgettable guided hike on Slieve League (Sliabh Liag), one of Ireland’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Towering nearly 600 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, these sea cliffs are nearly three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher, offering breathtaking panoramas and a truly wild hiking experience.
This hike takes you along spectacular cliff-top trails, with views stretching across Donegal Bay and out to the distant mountains of Sligo and Mayo. Along the way, you’ll learn about the region’s rich mythology, ancient monastic history, and the deep cultural roots of this Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area.
The day concludes in the culturally rich village of Glencolmcille, where the Irish language and music traditions continue to thrive amidst stunning coastal scenery.
Whether you’re admiring the dizzying heights from Bunglass viewpoint or walking the famed Pilgrim’s Path, every step reveals another layer of this rugged and sacred landscape. Embrace this rewarding day immersed in nature, local stories, and Donegal’s raw coastal beauty.
Overnight in Carrick
Route Stats:
- Total Distance: 6.8 miles / 11 km
- Total Ascent: 2,605 feet / 794 m
- Total Descent: 1,736 feet / 529 m
- Max Elevation: 1,949 feet / 594 m
Highlights:
- Hike to one of Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs
- Spectacular views over the Atlantic, Donegal Bay, and beyond
- Local guide sharing history, folklore, and environmental insights
- Quiet trails through one of Ireland’s most unspoiled regions
- Visit the Bunglass viewpoint and traverse the Pilgrim’s Path
Inclusions: Breakfast
Step off the beaten path and into the heart of wild Donegal on a truly unforgettable guided hike from the deserted village of Port to the sweeping sands of Maghera Strand. This coastal trek offers seasoned hikers a thrilling challenge, combining dramatic cliffside walking, hidden valleys, and panoramic mountain views with the deep cultural and geological richness of Ireland’s remote northwest.
Your journey begins in the hauntingly atmospheric village of Port, once a thriving fishing community, now a deserted cluster of stone cottages whispering tales of hardship and famine. From here, you ascend the grassy slopes of Port Hill, where towering 200-metre sea cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic below. Along the way, sea stacks and isolated coves add to the awe-inspiring coastal views.
Crossing the Glenlough River, the trail levels out onto a vast headland offering striking vistas across Glenlough Valley, where ancient scree slopes shaped by centuries of Atlantic storms dominate the landscape. Adventurous walkers can opt for a detour to the summit of Slievetooey, standing 511 metres above sea level, where the effort is rewarded with sweeping views over Lough Croaghballaghdown and the rugged Donegal wilderness.
The final stretch leads you down to Maghera Strand — a majestic beach known for its golden sands, crashing surf, and mysterious sea caves. With the distant silhouettes of Donegal’s mountains on the horizon, it’s the perfect ending to a day of exploration, challenge, and raw natural beauty.
Overnight in Gweedore
Route stats:
- Total Distance: 9.9 miles / 16 km
- Total Ascent: 2,454 feet / 748 m
- Total Descent: 2,408 feeet / 734 m
- Max Elevation: 1,677 feet / 511 m
Highlights:
- Discover the abandoned famine village of Port
- Walk alongside some of Ireland’s highest sea cliffs
- Panoramic views from Slievetooey summit (optional ascent)
- Cross the Glenlough River and explore a glacial valley
- Finish at stunning Maghera Beach and its sea caves
Inclusions: Breakfast
Today you hike to the summit of Errigal, Donegal’s highest and most iconic mountain, standing proudly at 751 metres. This exhilarating adventure offers a rewarding challenge for hikers, with sweeping 360° views across the rugged landscapes of northwest Ireland. From the moment you begin your ascent, you’re immersed in the raw, untamed beauty that defines Donegal.
As you climb, the quartzite peak of Errigal glows in shifting light, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. Your guide will lead you along a well-travelled path, pointing out the vast sweep of the Derryveagh Mountains and the stunning chain of peaks known as the Seven Sisters — a dramatic mountain range stretching from Muckish to Errigal itself. With each step, the landscape opens up to reveal shimmering loughs, vast boglands, and the distant coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way.
From the summit, take in the breathtaking views over Dunlewey Lough, Glenveagh National Park, and even out to Tory Island on a clear day. The sense of space, peace, and elevation is unforgettable — and well worth the effort.
Following todays hike we will visit a local distillery for a tour and of course to sample the uisce beatha (water of life).
Overnight in Gweedore
Route Stats:
- Total Distance: 3.7 miles / 6 km
- Total Ascent: 1,677 feet / 511 m
- Total Descent: 1,677 feet / 511 m
- Max Elevation: 2,464 feet / 751 m
Highlights:
- Summit Donegal’s highest peak with an expert local guide
- Stunning views of the Seven Sisters mountain range
- Panoramas of Glenveagh National Park and the Atlantic coast
- Learn about local history, geology, and folklore
- Perfect for moderately experienced hikers seeking a scenic challenge
Inclusions: Breakfast, Distillery tour/taste
Step into the heart of Donegal’s wilderness on a guided hike along the Bridle Path into Glenveagh National Park — one of Ireland’s most captivating and unspoiled landscapes. This gentle yet rewarding trail winds through a remote valley flanked by dramatic mountain slopes, leading you along the tranquil shores of Lough Veagh toward the fairytale setting of Glenveagh Castle.
As you walk, your guide will share the stories and natural wonders of this breathtaking region, home to native red deer, golden eagles, and a vast array of flora. The lakeside path offers unforgettable views, framed by heather-covered hills and the mirror-like waters of the lough. Keep an eye out for wild deer grazing peacefully in the distance, a true symbol of Glenveagh’s untamed spirit.
The journey culminates at Glenveagh Castle, an enchanting 19th-century estate nestled in a forested glen. After your hike, take the opportunity to tour the castle’s elegant interiors and explore its world-renowned gardens — a hidden paradise of exotic plants and manicured beauty, set against the wild Donegal backdrop
A perfect blend of wild landscapes, peaceful walking, and historic charm — ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Overnight in Dunfanaghy
Route Info:
- Total Distance: 7.9 miles / 12.7 km
- Total Ascent: 804 feet /245 m
- Total Descent: 1,050 feet / 320 m
- Max Elevation: 771 feet / 235 m
Highlights:
- Scenic hike on the Bridle Path through Glenveagh National Park
- Walk along the shores of Lough Veagh with views of the Derryveagh Mountains
- Spot wild red deer and other native wildlife
- Discover the romantic Glenveagh Castle and its Victorian gardens
- Optional guided castle tour after your hike
Inclusions: Breakfast, Entrance to Glenveagh Castle
Discover the untamed beauty of Donegal on a full day of guided hiking that showcases two of its most scenic and lesser-travelled coastal trails. This invigorating adventure features two contrasting looped hikes — Horn Head and Lurgabrack — offering a perfect blend of wild Atlantic views, dramatic cliffs, and serene countryside.
Your day begins with a looped hike on Horn Head, a spectacular headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. As you follow the coastal path, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering cliffs, seabird colonies, and the vast, rolling sea — a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Your guide will share stories of the land, its ancient past, and the wildlife that calls this remote corner of Ireland home.
After a break and some local refreshments, your second hike takes you inland along the Lurgabrack Loop, a peaceful trail that winds through farmland, quiet boreens, and gently rising hills. This walk contrasts beautifully with the rugged drama of Horn Head, offering soft Donegal light and sweeping views back toward the coast.
Explore the soul of Donegal on foot — where every step leads to another unforgettable view.
Ideal for moderately experienced walkers, this day tour immerses you in Donegal’s raw beauty, local heritage, and hidden walking gems — all in the company of a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
Overnight in Dunfanaghy
Route stats:
- Horn Head:
- 2.5 miles / 4 km
- Elevation gain: 676 feeet / 206 m
- Lurgabrack:
- 3.2 miles / 5.2 km
- Elevation gain: 367 feet / 112 m
Highlights:
- Two scenic looped hikes in one day – Horn Head & Lurgabrack
- Towering Atlantic cliffs, sea views, and coastal wildlife
- Peaceful inland landscapes and traditional countryside trails
- Expert local guide with stories, history, and insight
- Ideal for active travellers seeking a real taste of wild Donegal
Inclusions: Breakfast
Step back in time and into nature on a magical day trip to Tory Island — Ireland’s most remote inhabited island, perched off the rugged Donegal coast. This captivating journey begins with a ferry ride across the Atlantic, where seabirds soar overhead and dramatic coastal views unfold around you.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the island’s timeless charm: low stone walls, windswept headlands, and the proud culture of a Gaelic-speaking community.
Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore Tory on foot, walking peaceful trails that reveal the island’s ancient past and spectacular natural beauty. Watch for puffins nesting along the sea cliffs in spring and summer, their colourful beaks and playful personalities a delight to witness. You’ll also encounter tales of saints, shipwrecks, and kings.
This is an off-the-beaten-path experience in the truest sense, offering both raw beauty and rare insight into Irish island life. It’s ideal for curious travellers, birdwatchers, and those looking to connect deeply with Ireland’s wild Atlantic soul.
Let the winds of the Atlantic guide you to a truly unforgettable Irish adventure — Tory Island awaits.
Overnight in Dunfanaghy
Route Info:
- Total Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.4 km
- Total Ascent: 269 feet / 82 m
- Total Descent: 266 feet / 81 m
- Max Elevation: 82 feet / 25 m
Highlights:
- Scenic ferry journey to Ireland’s most remote inhabited island
- Guided walks with local insight into Tory’s history, language, and legends
- Puffin spotting during nesting season (typically May–July)
- Dramatic sea cliffs, wild landscapes, and peaceful walking trails
- Unique glimpse into traditional island life and Gaelic culture
Inclusions: Breakfast, Ferry ticket, Dinner
After another delicious breakfast you say farewell to your guide and A private transfer will bring you to the town of Letterkenny which is well served with transport options to reach your next destination in Ireland or your airport for your homeward journey.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Transfer to Letterkenny
Details
This is an active trip with hiking options every day. *Please note that the first 3 days of hiking will have an option for half of the mileage if you prefer. This is why I have rated the trip “Moderate to Challenging” – you can sort of make it as challenging as you would like. We will always try to give people options for shorter/easier hikes whenever we can.
In addition, the hardest hikes are at the beginning, and the hikes will get progressively easier. There will be some days where you may choose to skip hiking all together and stay and explore the town we are staying in.
What’s included :
- Pretrip group orientation call with Sherry
- Expert Irish guide to accompany the group from 5pm in Day 1 to 10 am on Day 11
- 10 nights accommodation in private ensuite room in Hotels and guesthouses
- Breakfast each morning (Days 2 to 11)
- 2 Evening meals (day 1 & day 10)
- All transport as listed in the itinerary (transport to Donegal town on Day 1 or from Lettterkenny on day 11 not included)
- Vist to woolen mills (day 3)
- Visit to Sheep farm (day 4)
- Visit to Disitlery (day 7)
- Entrance to Glenveigh Castle (day 8)
- Ferry to Tory Island (Day 10)
What’s not included :
- Airfare to Ireland
- Transportation to/from the West Coast starting and ending point
- Lunches are not included. Each morning you can pick up a sandwich and snacks at a local cafe to carry along on the hike
- Dinners are not included except for night 1 and night 10.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance is required. I use and recommend Allianz Travel Insurance. More info here
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Medical expenses
Cancellation Policy
Final payments are due 90 days before departure –February 15, 2026. At this time, it will become non-refundable.
Cancellations after this date will incur 100% of the tour cost.
Cancellations before this date can be made, but the deposit is non-refundable.
It is required that you have travel insurance to book this trip.
Booking
I have partnered with Ireland Walk Hike Bike again to run this tour for me. They are a small local company that I adore and have run all of my Ireland tours through. This means that you will be paying them directly and the payment will be in Euros.
To Book This Tour
- Send me an email at [email protected] letting me know about your interest. We will set up a call to discuss any questions you have. This will be on a first-come, first-served basis – there are only 12 spots available on this tour.
- I will then provide you with a link to deposit your money and reserve your space with Ireland Walk Hike Bike, the local company I’m working with to deliver the tour.
- Note – this tour is run by Ireland Walk Hike Bike and all charges are made in Euro. Exchange rates may fluctuate between deposit and final payment.
- For the tour to run, a minimum of six people are required. Please wait to purchase airfare until we can confirm seven guests.
Is This Trip For You
- This tour is active; you must be able to comfortably hike 9 miles on rough terrain with ups and downs and a day pack with water, etc. You should be committed to training prior to the trip so that you can fully enjoy yourself!
- You should be comfortable with peeing outdoors. We will be in remote areas and there will not always be a proper toilet available. If you don’t think you can do this, then this isn’t the trip for you.
Extra Add-Ons
I’m happy to help you arrange further travel in Ireland or Northern Ireland for before or after the trip. We are very close to Northern Ireland where there are lots of great sights and interesting history. I’d be happy to recommend an itinerary there or in other parts of Ireland such as County Mayo, County Kerry or County Clare.
Reviews
May 16-26, 2026
Price 3800€ (aprox. $4434 USD)
Single Supplement 600 € (aprox. $700 USD)
Deposit 400€
(Aprox. $466 USD)
Can’t make this tour, but still want to go?
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Still Have Questions?
Contact Sherry about OttsWorld Tours