Walker with trekking poles looking out over the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way, County Donegal, Ireland.

County Donegal – Mountains, Sea Cliffs, and Atlantic Peninsulas

Granite uplands, exposed coastline, and scattered settlements along Ireland’s north-west edge.

County Donegal is a coastal county of mountains, bogland, and Atlantic shoreline in north-west Ireland. Walking routes cross Glenveagh National Park and follow sections of the Ulster Way and regional coastal paths, linking places such as Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy, Glencolmcille, Ardara, and Buncrana across upland tracks, peatland, and headland ground between Lough Swilly, Donegal Bay, and the open Atlantic.

Much of the terrain is mixed and often soft underfoot. Hill paths, bog tracks, gravel estate roads, minor roads, beaches, and clifftop trails allow steady progress, with frequent short climbs and descents across passes and low ridges rather than sustained ascent. Peat and wet ground are common away from surfaced tracks.

The landscape shifts between areas. The interior includes the Derryveagh and Bluestack Mountains with higher, more rugged ground and glacial valleys, while the Inishowen, Fanad, and Rosses peninsulas extend into the sea with long beaches and exposed headlands. South-west Donegal around Glencolmcille and Slieve League becomes steeper and more coastal, with cliffs and narrow valleys.

Towns and villages are spaced along coasts and main roads, creating practical access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes, with longer open stretches across upland and boggy interiors.

Trails and Routes Through County Donegal

Ulster Way (Donegal sections)

Long-distance route using minor roads, hill tracks, and coastal paths around Glenveagh, Ardara, Glenties, and the Bluestack Mountains.

Glenveagh National Park Paths

Waymarked woodland and hillside trails around Lough Veagh, Glenveagh Castle, and the surrounding mountains.

Slieve League Cliff Paths

Clifftop and hillside routes above the Atlantic near Carrick and Teelin with steep gradients and exposed ground.

Inishowen Coastal Routes

Linear coastal walking along beaches, dunes, and low headlands around Malin Head and Lough Swilly.

Walking Character

Granite mountains and rounded summits
Blanket bog and peatland
High sea cliffs and exposed headlands
Long beaches and dune systems
Gravel estate roads and minor roads
Repeated short climbs and uneven ground
Remote stretches between settlements

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Donegal located?

County Donegal is in north-west Ireland, bordered by Northern Ireland to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west.

What defines walking here?

Mountain and coastal terrain dominate, with boggy uplands inland and exposed clifftop and beach walking along the coast.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Ulster Way crosses parts of the county, with additional waymarked routes in Glenveagh National Park and along the coast.

Is the terrain steep?

Some coastal and mountain sections include steep or uneven ground. Many inland and valley routes are rolling but can be soft or wet underfoot.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn offers longer daylight and firmer ground. Weather can change quickly, and coastal and upland areas are exposed to wind and rain year-round.