DONEGAL WAY WALKING ROUTE

The Donegal Way is a set of long distance walking routes comprising the Bluestack Way from Donegal Town to Ardara and Bealach na Gaeltachta - The Ways of the Gaeltacht - a set of long distance walking routes covering most of northwest Donegal. This is walking country – small villages, green roads and a stunning variety of scenery.

Donegal is the north west outpost of Ireland. It is separated from the rest of the republic by the slimmest Northern Ireland Border and an extensive Atlantic coastline. The county carries this sense of abandonment in its physical geography, its people and the stark beauty of the land. Donegal has survived the rigours of the Atlantic, poor quality farmland, immigration, isolation and is moving into the 21st century in its own right, as a place of tradition and culture, unsullied by mass tourism.

The route starts from Donegal town on The Bluestack Way to Ardara and then uses Bealach na Gaeltachta. You will see the wonderful indented coastlines, blanket bogland, and innumerable streams, rivers and lakes, glens and moors.

The Bluestack Way as formed in 1999 is 47km long from Donegal town to Ardara. The route crosses the Bluestack Mountains, with peaks of 600m but the Way rarely climbs above 250m. It is an unspoilt area and a glimpse into a Donegal of the past. The Bluestacks are wild, rough and very beautiful with wonderful views of south Donegal.

Bealach na Gaeltachta (The Ways of the Gaeltacht), were set up in 2000 as a set of long distance routes covering most of North-west Donegal. You will follow Slí Cholmcille in the south west corner of the county.

Donegal County is an exceptionally wet place, lashed by Atlantic laden winds. It can be very tough walking, especially after rain, so please take care and allow plenty of time to complete your route each day. On a positive note, heavy rainfall makes for exceptional waterfalls and rivers and adds to the dramatic scenery. The granite rocks provide good footing. The Ways are very well marked with clear signposting along the route. Approximately 30% of this route is on tarred roads.

The 8 day tour consists of 6 full days walking. The tour starts in in Donegal Town and follows the Bluestack Way via Glenties to Ardara. You then follow Sli Columkille in the southwest corner of Donegal to Kilcar where the walking tour finishes. The 10 day tour has a free day in Glencolumkille and a days hike along Slieve League cliffs at Bunglass, the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

* Donegal Way 8 Day Tour
* Donegal Way 10 Day Tour

Suggested Extra Options

* Spend an extra night in Ardara to walk the sand dunes of Portnoo and Nairn and beautiful Dawros Head.
* Include an extra night at the end of your tour to visit the ancient settlement on Boa Island in the Lakes of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. Overnight in Enniskillen.

AIRPORT FOR TRANSFERS

Sligo Airport is the most convenient for this tour. Donegal Town is 3.5 hours from Shannon or Dublin Airports. Unfortunately, Donegal airport is further northwest and is not connected to Donegal town by regular public transport.