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Take in some outstanding views on a loop walk in Donegal.
With craggy cliffs and mountains, stunning coastal views and a sprawling national park, Donegal is great for a walk. Get off the beaten track to enjoy the the natural landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way on one of the county's many loop walks. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the region's golden eagles.

Whether you prefer short strolls or energetic hikes, there's a looped walking trail in Donegal to suit you.

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1The Inishowen Head Loop

This route takes you to the most northerly tip of Ireland, where you can see Scotland on a clear day. The 8.3km Inishowen Head Loop starts at the old World War II lookout tower on Banba's Crown and takes in rough tracks through quiet bogland, winding back roads and a newly-developed coastal cliff path.

You'll pass the place from which St Columba set sail for Scotland in 563 to set up his abbey in Iona. Other notable landmarks include Stroove Lighthouse but the real attraction here is the amazing views you'll see along the way, making this one of the best walks in Donegal.

Aerial view of Stroove Lighthouse in Co Donegal
Catch a glimpse of Stroove Lighthouse as you ramble along the Inishowen Head Loop.
2Tory Island Loop

Just a 45-minute ferry trip off the Donegal coast, Toraigh (Tory Island) is well-worth braving the Atlantic waves. One of the most intriguing things about the island is the islanders themselves, who know how to extend the warmest of welcomes.

The 6.6km Tory Island Loop starts in West Town and brings you around the edges of the island, taking in some amazing cliff scenery and ancient relics. It's also an important international bio-diversity area and a breeding site to the rare corncrake so keep an ear out for its distinctive call.

Aerial view of Tory Island in County Donegal
Take the ferry to Tory Island from the Magheraroarty Pier.
3Errigal and Mackoght Loop Walk

If you're looking for something a little bit more challenging, the 6km Errigal and Mackoght Loop Walk takes in a trek to the peak of Errigal. The top of the mountain includes a narrow ridge between its two peaks that's not for the faint-hearted but you'll get incredible views of Loch Dhún Lúiche (Dunlewey Lough), the Poisoned Glen and nearby majestic mountains.

People on Errigal mountain in Co Donegal
Hike Donegal's iconic Errigal Mountain.
4Lúb Cheann Bhaile Cruaiche - Burtonport Loops

The enjoyable 6.8km long Lúb Cheann Bhaile Cruaiche - Burtonport Loop in West Donegal starts out in Cé Ailt an Chorráin (Burtonport Harbour) and takes in a reclaimed railway corridor that was once the main Burtonport to Derry line. Many of the original railway line's features remain intact so you'll see stone pillars, gateposts and gatehouses dotted along the way. It's a peaceful walk down country lanes that walkers of any level can enjoy.

Aerial view of the Burtonport Railway Walk in Co Donegal
Spot features of the old railway line on Burtonport Loop.
5Glencolmcille Loop

This area's pilgrimage past is evident as you leave St Columba's Church and cover the coastline between Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) to Slieve Tuaidh. From cross-inscribed pillars to megalithic tombs, the Glencolmcille Loop is dotted with historical and religious landmarks. But the biggest attraction is the view out to sea, with imposing sea cliffs jutting out below you.

Hikers on Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) in Co Donegal
Explore the coastline of Slieve League.
6Rougey Walk

Bundoran might be best known for surfing but the seaside town also has some great walking routes that show off its coastal scenery. The Rougey Walk takes in gorgeous views of the dunes at Tullan Strand, Mullaghmore and even Slieve League on the other side of the bay. Get a photo at the distinctive rock bridges known locally as the Fairy Bridges and make a wish on the famous stone Wishing Chair.

A man sitting on the Wishing Chair on the Rougey Walk in Bundoran, Donegal
Make a wish on the Wishing Chair in Bundoran on the Rougey Walk.
7The Garden Trail, Glenveagh National Park

It may only be 1km long, but the Garden Trail in Glenveagh National Park makes for a lovely stroll, with  the crushed gravel pathway making this route accessible for everyone. Slow down to appreciate the horticultural oasis of Glenveagh Castle Gardens - a riot of colour and vibrancy in the heart of wild Donegal - before stopping by the café onsite for a cup of tea on the patio, all while looking out at the incredible landscape. 

If this short looped walk leaves you wanting more, there is a great selection of longer, linear walks in the park. Choose from the 8km long Glen Walk, 3.5km Lakeside Walk and many more.

People walking in Glenveagh National Park, Donegal
Enjoy the wonderful walks in Glenveagh National Park.
8Inch Lake Wildfowl Loop Walk

Head to Lough Swilly and spend two hours walking the 8km long Inch Lake Wildfowl Loop Walk. Pick any of the three car parks as your starting point and make your way across the narrow walkway along the old railway line to Letterkenny, taking in the amazing landscape around you. 

The Inch Wildfowl Reserve comes alive when thousands of beautiful swans, geese and ducks migrate through this region, filling the skies and waters with colour and bird calls.

Swans and cygnets swimming in the water
See swans, geese, ducks and other water birds on the Inch Lake Wildfowl Loop Walk.
9Slí Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Way)

Enjoy an incredible day out on Árainn Mhór (Arranmore) along the Slí Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Way) and walk the 17.8km loop around this rugged island. Hop on a ferry from Burtonport on the mainland and sail past Rutland Island to get to Arranmore. 

The route sticks to paved roads throughout and takes in impressive seascapes, hidden beaches and a stroll out to Arranmore Lighthouse in the northwest corner. Return back on the ferry and stop by Harbour Front Café for a filling sandwich and thirst quenching refreshments.

Arranmore Lighthouse in Co Donegal
Walk to the outer edges of Arranmore in Donegal.
10Muckish Mountain Loop

The Muckish Mountain Loop is a gentle stroll through the beautiful Donegal countryside. The almost completely flat route takes two and a half hours to complete and rewards you with wide open views of colourful bogland, powerful mountains and even sea views. 

Experienced walkers can add in a leg to the summit of Muckish Mountain on Miner’s Path or via Muckish Gap. Afterwards, grab a table at Ards Coffee Tree in nearby Creeslough.

Muckish Mountain in Dunfanaghy in Donegal
Venture around Muckish Mountain on a gentle stroll.
Plan a hiking holiday

Want to turn your hike into a holiday? Plan your next walking and hiking holiday in Donegal

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The great outdoorsPlan a walking and hiking holiday in Donegal

When it comes to hiking, Donegal always comes up trumps. There’s a huge variety of landscapes to explore, from rugged mountains and giant sea cliffs to lush woodlands and white sand beaches. And all around the county, there are walking trails to suit all levels, whether you’re after a long, adventurous hike or an easy afternoon amble. Best of all, these hikes have great places to eat and stay nearby, so it’s easy to make a break out of it.

Free things to doPlan a walking and hiking holiday in Ballyhoura

Ballyhoura is well known as a mountain biking hub, but there’s much more to this region, particularly if you’re a fan of hiking. Spanning three counties – Cork, Limerick and Tipperary – Ballyhoura has a vast network of walking trails, where you can hike over the mountains, through green pastures and right alongside historical sites like holy wells and castle ruins. And if you want to make a break out of it, there are plenty of places where you can stay, along with great cafés and restaurants to refuel after your trek.

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