Hike the remote terrain of County Donegal for a true Irish adventure
For an adventure lover keen to explore the true wilderness of Ireland, this is the perfect tour! This self-guided County Donegal hiking adventure shows off the best of Ireland’s northernmost region. This wonderful tour will introduce you to the rugged yet charming beauty that Ireland is so famous for.
The route begins in the town of Donegal and follows the spectacular Bluestack Way for your first few days. Amble around pristine lakes, marvel at ancient castles, and stroll along numerous rivers until you reach the coastal town of Ardara. The stunning Glengesh Pass is a real highlight, a broad golden valley stretching for miles. A trip down to Kilcar brings you to the shores of Donegal Bay with traditional villages along the way. Then it’s back to Ardara via gorgeous remote tracks that illuminate the splendour of County Donegal at every turn.
If you prefer to be away from the crowds in search of an authentic experience, the County Donegal hike has everything you need. The wild Irish scenery is the star of the show out here! It may be a little trickier to reach than some of Ireland’s other regions, but the reward is more than worth it.
Highlights of the 8-Day County Donegal Hiking Tour
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County Donegal Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Donegal
Arrive in the town of Donegal, from which the county takes its name. Check into your accommodations, where you’ll spend the first two nights of the journey. Meet your host who will provide you with your detailed information pack, including route guides and contact information.
The first night is yours to explore the town of Donegal. Chow down on a hearty Irish meal and catch some live music, which your host will be happy to recommend. Adventure awaits!
Overnight Location: B&B in Donegal
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Beginning the Bluestack Way
The journey commences on “the Bluestack Way.” This celebrated long-distance trail starts in Donegal and winds its way along the shores of Lough Eske, a gorgeous lake with a 15th-century castle on its banks. Pass over the slopes of Banagher Hill, then head along the Eglish River until you finish in the tiny village of Letterbarra. From here, call your taxi to return to Donegal for the evening.
Most of today’s walk takes place over backroads, with a 2km stretch across bogland before getting back on the road to Letterbarra.
Overnight Location: B&B in Donegal
Distance: 4-5 hours, 22.9km, 518m of ascent, 457m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Foothills & Farmlands
You’ll be driven back to Letterbarra to pick up where you left off the day before. Today has a little bit of everything: bog land, farm country, and the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains, which divide the north and south of the county. Your final descent brings you into the town of Glenties, where two rivers meet.
In rough weather, a lower-elevation route is available. Explore the picturesque town, then ring for your taxi to bring you to Ardara, your home for the next two nights.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glenties
Distance: 4-5 hours, 18.8km, 549m of ascent, 649m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 A Stroll to Ardara
Drive back to Glenties to start the day. A secluded back road brings you to the Owentocker River, which you’ll follow all the way through to Ardara. Roadways, tracks, and riverbanks will guide your journey. Today’s hike is shorter and gentler than the previous days – take your time and enjoy the beautiful views.
In 2012, The Irish Times named Ardara as the best village to live in all of Ireland. Its charms should be apparent by this point in your stay!
Overnight Location: B&B in Ardara
Distance: 2-3 hours, 11.2km, 74m of ascent, 103m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Conquer the Glengesh Pass
Set out straight from your accommodation towards the majestic Glengesh Pass, winding through a valley that looks straight out of a postcard. You may find it difficult to leave! Descend through bogland and forest to the village of Kilcar. With vistas of Donegal Bay and a reputation for Ireland’s finest tweed, it’s well worth some of your time.
From here, ring your taxi to bring you to your accommodations in nearby Carrick. While three-quarters of today’s hike is on road, the off-road sections can be very wet underfoot – plan accordingly.
Overnight Location: B&B in Carrick
Distance: 4-5 hours, 19.3km, 481m of ascent, 491m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Coasts & Ancient Villages
Hop in your transfer back to Kilcar to start the day. The route starts along the coast of Donegal Bay, up to Crockunna Hill. From here, cut inland and continue northward parallel to the road. Hiking up these hills provides stunning vistas in all directions!
Descend into the village of Glencolmcille, a stone’s throw from the North Atlantic Ocean. This traditional little town is the perfect place to explore before calling your taxi to bring you back to Carrick.
Overnight Location: B&B in Carrick
Distance: 3-4 hours, 15.6km, 484m of ascent, 485m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 End on a High Note
As before, you’ll be driven back to Glencolmcille to finish your route from the previous day’s endpoint. Today is your biggest day on the whole tour, and what a day it is!
Set off on a remote path eastward, quickly elevating to discover incredible views of Glen Head and all the way across Donegal Bay. Descend and meander through a lovely valley before working back upwards at Crockuna Hill. Your final stretch brings you along the banks of the Owenee River before arriving in the familiar village of Ardara. Enjoy a well-deserved night of rest – you’ve earned it!
Overnight Location: B&B in Ardara
Distance: 6-7 hours, 32km, 939m of ascent, 923m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure Day
Time to depart from County Donegal. Check out of your accommodations and embark on your own arrangements from the region.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
County Donegal Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group only and the price per person is fixed. Note that there are some optional upgrades available that add extra support on your tour (including follow-up calls and welcome briefings). Please contact us if you are interested in these.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+: $925 USD per person
Accommodation on County Donegal Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Each property offers warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible when travelling with your group.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Donegal
Welcome to Donegal – both town and county! Enjoy your first two nights in a premium hand-picked property to kickstart your adventure.
Hotel in Glenties
Stay in a simple hotel or BnB in Glenties, Ireland, for a perfect blend of comfort and local culture, ideal for travelers seeking a serene getaway.
Hotel in Ardara
Relax and explore the charming coastal village of Ardara from your cozy ensuite accommodations.
Hotel in Carrick
Your daily hot Irish breakfast served in Carrick is the perfect way to begin each day!
Hotel in Ardara
Relax and explore the charming coastal village of Ardara from your cozy ensuite accommodations.
What’s Included in the County Donegal Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of each day’s hike and collection from its endpoint back to your accommodations is included. The only days where collection is not included are Days 4 and 7, where you will be ending the day’s hike in your designated overnight destination. Luggage transfers are also included between accommodations during the tour. Getting to and from starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Also Included
- Detailed route book with full area maps
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house Holiday Specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights to and from Donegal
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into Donegal or out of Ardara
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional accommodation nights before/after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-Day County Donegal Hiking Tour
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
Learn More8-Day County Donegal Hiking Tour Route Map
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