Donegal Way

Introduction
Donegal Ireland

Donegal is the forgotten north west corner of Ireland. It is separated from the rest of the republic by the Northern Ireland border and an extensive Atlantic coastline. The county carries this sense of abandonment in its physical geography, its people and the harshness of the land. Donegal  has survived the rigours of the Atlantic, poor land and farming, immigration, isolation and is moving into the 21^st century as an outpost of tradition and culture, as yet unsullied by mass tourism. This is walking country – small villages, green roads and a stunning variety of scenery.

The route starts from Donegal town on The Bluestack Way to Ardara and then uses Bealach na Gaeltachta – The Ways of the Gaeltacht, which were set up in 2000 as a set of long distance routes covering most of North-west Donegal. You will see the wonderful indented coastlines, blanket bogland, and innumerable streams, rivers and lakes, glens and moors.

Accomodation

You will be staying in comfortable guesthouses and farmhouses. Most rooms have en suite facilities. You can enjoy evening meals in the guesthouses in some locations, but the hostess needs to be notified beforehand. Evening meals are usually priced between €18-25.00 per person. Picnic lunches can be supplied also at a cost of €4.50-6,00 p.p. 

Please ask your hosts for any advice in relation to the best places to eat if you wish to eat out and where to find traditional entertainment.

Your hosts will transfer your luggage each day. PLEASE do try to notify your estimated time of arrival.

Riding

Itinerary

The route:

The Donegal Ways follows of country roads (30%), forest paths, mountain tracks, sheep trails, boggy tracks and sandy beaches. There are some short open hill-walking sections. It is well signposted with wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs.
You will enjoy this trip if you are physically fit and like to hike. The hikes each day will vary from 12-20 km (8-12 miles) and cross some rough, wet and rocky terrain, 

 8-day trip

Day 1: Arrival in Donegal town
On the north eastern shore of Donegal Bay, the town is a lovely traditional town, and the county capital. Your guesthouse is situated 2km from the town on the Bluestack Way with wonderful views of the mountains. Dinner is available in your guesthouse or in Donegal town.
Day 2: Walk the Bluestack Way following the Eske River to Lough Eske.
20km   Ascents 440m  approx. walking time 5 hours
The Way follows the western shore of the lake and woodlands before climbing the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains. You will be rewarded with beautiful views from the Banagher saddle of Lough Eske and the mountains ahead. Follow the Eglish river valley through the drumlins of south Donegal to the deserted townlands. Your hosts will transfer you from the end of the walk back to your guesthouse.
Day 3: Hike to Glenties over the pass at Cloghmeen Hill through blanket bogland.
13km   Ascents 370m  approx. walking time 4 hours   Optional extra route to Lough Anna 5km
Your hosts will transfer you to where the walk finished yesterday. Today’s walk is through more of the lowland settlements, past the pre Christian graveyard of Disert. Traverse the mountain of Luaghnabrogue to follow through the solitude of the Owenroe River to the sheep farming country south of Glenties. Overnight in Glenties village.
Day 4: Free day to walk in the Glenties area. 14km.   Ascents 130m  approx. walking time 4 hours
Walk through lanes and boglands to the beautiful Lough Naeroaghy on the little drumlin of Derkbeg 330m. Enjoy fabulous views of the Gweebarra Bay and west to the Atlantic.  Return to Glenties and overnight.
Day 5: Follow The Bluestack Way and the Owenea River to Ardara. 12km
Today’s walk follows the fishing access route to the Owrnea River on gorse lined paths with the Atlantic ahead and the mountains behind. It’s a relatively easy day’s walking and allows pleanty of time to enjoy the lovely town of Ardara. Overnight Ardara village.
Day 6: Follow the Slí Cholmcille along the foothills of the Slieve Tooey and Crockuna mountains to Glencolmkille. 20km   Ascents 630m    approx. walking time 6 hours
Transfer by taxi to Maghera Strand. This walk is demanding but very rewarding. Climb by road to the top of the Owenree River valley to look down on Loughros Beg Bay, Maghera Strand and east to Ardara. The Way crosses a mountain pass at 350m to descend by road through sheep farming foothills to the gloriously remote cove of Port. What a place for lunch! (Packed…there’s nothing here but boats and gulls!) Your final climb of the day takes you up Faugher Mountain to descend to the village of Glencolmkille. This remote and beautiful corner of Donegal is also a Gaelic speaking area and has many interesting megalithic and early Christian monuments.
Day 7: Follow the Slí Colmcille to Cashel via Cornadreeshark and Crockunna hills (200m). 14km.
Ascents 310m  approx. walking time 4 hours 
Optional route to Slieve League Cliffs 12km   Ascents 550m
The route to Carrick follows blanket bogland and the traditional cart tracks between the settlements. Teelin Bay is a lovely enclosed fishing harbour, a gentle introduction because over the top are the stunning, exhilarating Slieve League cliffs. Don’t miss them. Your hosts will collect you from Teelin and transfer you to your accommodation near Kilcar.
Day 8: Transfer from Kilcar by public bus to Donegal.

10 day itinerary

DAY 1-6 as per above itinerary
DAY 7: Rest day in Glencolmbcille to enjoy this fascinating corner of Ireland with its many cultural and historical aspects. Coastal cliffs walk from the village to Sturrall Head and return via Garveross Mountain.
DAY 8: Follow the Sli Colmcille from your guesthouse to Cashel via Cornadreeshark and Crockunna hills (200m). 14km.
DAY 9: Hike the Slieve League cliffs at Bunglass, hiking along some of the highest cliffs in Europe. 12km.
DAY 10: Departure.



Maps and Information
We will provide you with copies of the relevant Ordnance Survey maps of the area, the new 1:50000 "Discovery" series, sheet numbers 1, 10, 11. You will also have detailed text descriptions of each day’s walk and information on where you are staying and where you can eat.
The information pack (1 per 2 participants) will be mailed to you at home on receipt of full payment.  If there is not time to send it to you, it will be at your first guesthouse and you will receive instructions to get there.

Rates and Dates for Donegal Way

Dates Note: Any time during the season.

Other Info
Meeting: Donegal
Airport: Sligo, Donegal, Dublin
Transfer: Donegal

Climate:

The Irish climate is generally damp and mild. In order to enhance your holiday these items should be in your suitcase:

FULLY WATERPROOF QUALITY RAINWEAR (Jacket + trousers)

WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS (with strong ankle support)

GAITERS/GAMASCHEN

DAYPACK (Bring a plastic bag for inside to keep things dry)

LUNCH BOX

FLASK AND/OR WATERBOTTLE

HAT

INSECT REPELLANT

SEASICKNESS TABLETS

SUNSCREEN

SMALL TOWEL (for inside rucksack)

PLASTIC MAP HOLDER

FIRST AID BOX

BLISTER PLASTERS

HIKING POLE/WALKING STICK

TORCH

COMPASS

Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com

 If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or  www.bilemo.com/unlock