5-Day Self-Guided Donegal Hike

This North Donegal hiking tour offers an immersive experience of Ireland’s wild and remote northwest, where rugged mountains, windswept beaches, and Gaelic culture create a truly unforgettable adventure. With Dunfanaghy as your base for four nights, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Donegal’s northern coastline and inland mountains.

Your first hike takes you from Gweedore to Dunlewy, a stunning route that leads you through the shadow of Errigal Mountain, Donegal’s highest peak. The views here are awe-inspiring, with sweeping vistas over the Poisoned Glen and the shimmering waters of Lough Dunlewy.

The next day, you’ll continue from Dunlewy to Falcarragh, traversing a mix of moorland, lakeside paths, and quiet country trails. Along the way, you’ll experience the tranquillity of the Donegal landscape, where the only sounds are the wind in the heather and the distant call of seabirds.

Another highlight of your journey is the Bloody Foreland Loop, a dramatic coastal hike known for its rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and the ever-changing colours of the rocky headlands, particularly at sunset. This area, steeped in folklore and Gaelic traditions, offers a true taste of Donegal’s untamed beauty.

With Dunfanaghy as your home base, you’ll have time to relax and soak up the friendly local atmosphere, enjoy fresh seafood, and perhaps listen to traditional music in a cosy pub after a day on the trails. This North Donegal hiking tour is perfect for those seeking a balance of adventure and comfort, with unforgettable scenery and a deep connection to Ireland’s most unspoiled landscapes.

To see a short video of some of the highlights on this tour check out our YouTube channel here.

Whats Included?

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1 - Dunfanaghy
Day 2 - Gweedore to Dunlewy
Day 3 - Dunlewy to Falcarragh
Day 4 - Bloody Foreland Loop
Day 5 - Dunfanaghy to Letterkenny

Tour Map

Single Room Supplement: €230
Solo Traveller Supplement: €380

Grading

Moderate
This grading is given to our Classic Walks & Self-Guiding Hikes which take you across open-mountain and bogland (wet conditions). The terrain is varied and each day will have uphill and downhill hiking, some of which may be steep. The maximum height we reach is 950 metres (3,100 feet) approx. This grade is suitable for people with a good level of fitness and capable of walking up to 20kms (12.5 miles) a day.

Highlights

Bloody Foreland: A dramatic headland, known for its red-hued cliffs that glow at sunset. It offers stunning coastal views and is a popular spot for photography.

Arranmore: A picturesque island off the coast of County Donegal, known for its rugged landscapes, quiet villages, and traditional Irish culture.

Poisoned Glen: A picturesque glen known for its dramatic landscape surrounded by mountains. The name comes from a historical event, adding an intriguing element to its natural beauty.

Lough Dunlewy: A tranquil, scenic lake located near Poisoned Glen, offering peaceful waters and stunning views of the surrounding hills and landscape.

Why book with us?

Hiking Day Transfers

We include transfers to and from the hikes to improve your hiking experience. We remove unnecessary road sections on multiple days to maximise your enjoyment of each trail.

Overnight Locations

We have carefully selected the start and finish locations for your overnights to allow for easy access and departure by public transfers. If not, we include a transfer to/ from the nearest transfer hub.

Our Tailormade App

Our app is not just a GPS navigation tool. You will have your entire holiday in your hand. You will have easy access to your route notes, points of interest, destination details and emergency contact information.

We write our own Route Notes

Our new route notes are even easier to follow with marked maps and distances between each point. We hike and re-check the routes each year to ensure all details are up to date.

Book Now

To book your tour choose your preferred Tour Start Date and click on Next Step below the calendar.

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