Donegal Coast and Highlands – 8 Day/7 Night Two Centre Self-Guided Hiking Holiday
Experience the very best of Donegal on this spectacular two-centre hiking tour. Begin your adventure in the charming village of Carrick, gateway to the famous Sliabh Liag cliffs, before transferring to Letterkenny to explore the magnificent Glenveagh National Park and conquer Donegal’s highest peaks.
Tour Overview
This spectacular two-centre hiking tour takes you through the very best of County Donegal. Begin in charming Carrick village, exploring the dramatic Sliabh Liag Peninsula with its towering sea cliffs, hidden bays, and ancient sites. Then transfer to Letterkenny to conquer Donegal’s highest peaks – Mount Errigal and Muckish – while hiking through the magnificent Glenveagh National Park.
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Tour Price
From €1,325
Season
March – September
Terrain
Very hilly, mountain hiking
Peak Season Supplement
€70
Single Occupancy
€350
Tour Highlights
The breathtaking Sliabh Liag cliffs – Follow the cliff edge high above the Atlantic with awe-inspiring views, then descend via the ancient Pilgrims Path.
Magnificent Glenveagh National Park – Hike through one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks, from remote wilderness to the stunning castle and gardens.
Conquer Mount Errigal – Scale Donegal’s highest peak for sweeping views over the entire North West of Ireland.
The dramatic Glen Head coastal walk – An unforgettable hike to a Napoleonic signal tower perched above sheer cliffs.
Muckish Mountain and the Bridge of Tears – Climb “The Pig’s Back” and descend to the historic emigrant’s parting point.
Tour Photos
Tour Itinerary
Make your way to the small village of Carrick – the gateway to Sliabh Liag. Explore the village and the surrounding area. Traditional music has always been central to life in Carrick. If you are lucky you might catch one of the legendary music sessions.
Explore one of the most iconic attractions of the Wild Atlantic Way. Follow the cliff edge high above the Atlantic to the ruins of the early-Christian monastery dramatically located close to the summit of the mountain. The views from around the monastery are simply jaw dropping, with the great sweep of land to the east and the ocean far below to the west. Leave the mountain and descend to the village of Teelin, by way of the Pilgrims Path; the route taken by the faithful who followed in the footsteps of the early monks.
Distance: 10/12 km | Elevation gain: Approx 550 metres | Terrain: Mountain paths and open mountain. Proper hiking boots and clothing required.
An unforgettable day’s hiking, that few experience. From Glencolmcille village climb to the Napoleonic era signal tower on Glen Head. The cliff on which the tower stands drops straight into the ocean far below, while the views over the rugged Donegal coast stretch out in all directions. From the lookout follow the breathtaking coast to the deserted fishing hamlet of Port. Return to your starting point in Glencolmcille via “Slí Cholmcille” (St Colmcille’s Way).
Distance: 15 km | Elevation gain: Approx 490 metres | Terrain: Open hills and boglands, gravel trails, paved minor roads.
In the morning transfer to beautiful Muckross Head where at low tide it is possible to explore the shoreline with its abundant marine life. Follow the narrow road along the coast to the village of Kilcar. Kilcar is a centre for traditional weaving. At Studio Donegal located in the heart of the village you can witness this traditional craft, handed down through generations. From Kilcar, follow more spectacular coast, back to Carrick.
Distance: Approx 10 km | Elevation gain: Approx 220 metres | Terrain: Narrow paved roads. Unpaved tracks.
In the morning we will pick you up at your accommodation and transfer you to the start of a hike through beautiful Glenveagh National Park. Beginning at the remote less-visited end of the park follow the valley to the castle and gardens. From there climb over the hills via the Lough Inshagh trail to the Glebe Gallery located at the edge of Lough Gartan. Here we will collect you and take you to your new accommodation in the bustling town of Letterkenny.
Distance: Approx 15 km | Elevation gain: Approx 280 metres | Elevation Loss: Approx 450 metres | Terrain: Unpaved gravel tracks.
After a transfer from your hotel, it’s time to conquer Donegal’s highest peak – Mount Errigal. It’s a steep but extremely rewarding climb with sweeping views over the entire North West of Ireland. You can choose to hike Errigal only, or add an extra hike over the top of nearby Mackoght, and down to beautiful quiet Lough Altan with its hidden castle and beach.
Mount Errigal Only: Distance: Approx 5.5 km | Elevation gain: Approx 510 metres
Mount Errigal and Lough Altan: Distance: Approx 16 km | Elevation gain: Approx 1220 metres | Terrain: Steep mountain gravel and rock paths. Open rough mountain. Boggy tracks – sometimes wet underfoot.
A hike over the top of Muckish Mountain. The name translates as “The Pig’s Back”. As you approach the mountain it is easy to see why. Take the historic Miners path to the summit, passing the remnants of the rusty machinery used in the quarrying of silica. Once again it’s a tough climb but well worth it for the views in all directions. Hike over the flat rocky summit and descend via a rough route over heather, rocks and bogs to Droichead na nDeor (The Bridge of Tears) so named as it was the parting point, where many emigrants took leave of their loved ones, as they made their way on foot to the docks in Derry.
Distance: Approx 5.5 km | Elevation gain: Approx 510 metres | Elevation Loss: Approx 480 metres | Terrain: Steep mountain gravel and rock paths. Open rough mountain. Boggy tracks – sometimes wet underfoot.
After breakfast it is time to leave. Time to say Slán go fóill. We will happily help you plan your onward journey. Hopefully we will see you soon again.
Additional Information
2026 Dates
Tours available: March to September 2026
Peak Season: 29 May 2026 – 22 August 2026
Prices
Price Per Person Sharing: €1,325
Peak Season: €1,395
Single Occupancy: €350
Solo Traveller Supplement: €200
Included in the Tour Price
- 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation
- Orientation meeting on arrival
- Transfer to/from start/end of hike where applicable
- Transfer between centres including luggage transfer to hotel
- Mobile app with routes and information
- Comprehensive guide booklet
- Emergency support
Not Included
- Travel to and from start/finish of tour (Carrick/Letterkenny)
- Meals other than breakfast
- Entertainment
- Entry to sites and attractions
We use carefully selected Bed and Breakfasts and small guesthouses. All are family-run establishments where you’ll receive a warm Irish welcome. Rooms have private bathrooms, and hosts are experienced in catering for hikers’ needs, including early breakfasts where required.
Choose a single, double, twin (two single beds), or family (one double and one single bed) room. All rooms have their own private bathroom.
You’ll stay in two locations during this tour: the charming village of Carrick for the first four nights, then the bustling town of Letterkenny for the final three nights. We handle the luggage transfer between accommodations.
The village of Carrick is easily accessible from Dublin Airport. Regular direct buses connect Dublin Airport and City with Donegal Town. From there local bus services connect to Carrick.
From Dublin Airport and Dublin City
By Bus: Direct buses (route 30/X30) run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport and City. For timetables see expressway.ie – Look for route 30/X30
From Donegal Town to Carrick
Local services connect Donegal Town to Carrick. See Locallink Route 293 and Bus Eireann Route 490.
Departure from Letterkenny
At the end of the tour, you’ll depart from Letterkenny. Regular bus services connect Letterkenny to Dublin Airport and other destinations.
Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The distances you hike each day vary from moderate to longer (typically 10 – 15 km). However, it is important to note that the routes are very hilly and the underfoot conditions can vary greatly. You MUST be comfortable with hikes that involve a reasonable amount of steep ascents and sometimes difficult underfoot conditions.
What hiking experience do I need?
It is important that you are a competent hiker. You must be comfortable with hiking on various terrains including exposed mountains and cliffs, and sometimes wet underfoot conditions.
Are the routes hilly?
The routes on this hiking tour are VERY hilly (this is partly why it is so beautiful). The gradient varies constantly from gentle to very steep. The routes include climbs of Sliabh Liag, Glen Head, Mount Errigal and Muckish. For this reason you must be comfortable with hiking in steep terrain.
What will the underfoot conditions be like?
The routes on this tour follow a variety of small roads and gravel trails, as well as exposed hills and mountains. The underfoot conditions vary greatly. It is important that you bring suitable footwear. Depending on the time of year some of the trails may be quite wet, so waterproof boots are essential.
How do I get to the start?
This two centre hiking tour starts in Carrick, Co. Donegal. There are regular direct bus connections to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport (the arrival point for most people into Ireland). Local buses connect Donegal Town with Carrick.
Reserve Now
Ready to book your Donegal Coast and Highlands hiking adventure? Click below to request a booking.
For any questions, please contact us at hiking@irelandbybike.com or call +353 87 2118638.
Customer Reviews
“Back Roads and Beyond” was our first self-guided bike tour in another country. We were doing it to celebrate a 65th birthday! Nora and Seamus organized and supported us with every rotation of our pedal, choosing excellent routes to ride and comfortable warm B&B’s to end each day. Having the luggage transferred and our B&B chosen ahead of time was so great. We could not have done this on our own. Their knowledge of the country was invaluable in every way. They were open, honest, knowledgeable and approachable.
There can be no other way to see Ireland! The Irish people were open, friendly and very welcoming. They are not jaded toward tourists but rather helpful and encouraging. We often got the side-ways nod as we cycled, the nod that says, “Not my cup ‘o tea but good for you!” Thank you Nora & Seamus!
Nora and Seamus, you did an excellent job! De manier waarop jullie zorg droegen voor ons en alles wat we maar nodig hadden gedurende de fietsreis, was voortreffelijk! We vroegen ons wel eens af of het allemaal niet te veel was voor jullie, al die zorg. We hoopten met het boeken bij Ireland by Bike op een zorgeloze vakantie, zonder geode en geregel; en dat is precies wat we hebben gekregen. Of het nu de keuze van B&B’s ,de fietsroutes of de routeboekjes waren, aan alles was te merken dat jullie deze vakanties met veel liefde en overgave organiseren. We zullen jullie zeker aanbevelen aan onze vrienden!
(“Nora and Seamus, you did an excellent job! The way you took care of us and of all the things we needed, was remarkable. Sometimes we worried if it wasn’t too much for you to handle. We hoped to have a carefree holliday, without any hassle, and that is what we got. In every aspect it was noticeable that you organize these holidays with a lot of love and care. We would surely recommend you to our friends!”)
We wanted to go on a bike trip in late May 2015, but couldn’t decide where to go – France, Italy, or Spain – maybe Ireland. We knew that the weather would most likely be great in the first 3 countries and would most likely be bad in Ireland. So why choose Ireland?
In a nutshell:
Wow! The scenery is stunning, beautiful, incomparable – especially the sea cliffs.
Seamus is an amazing host. Words do not do justice.
The weather was challenging (rain, hail, wind, but also sun).
The people of Ireland are gracious, welcoming, and they take care of you – you have to experience it to believe it!
My wife and I were on the 11-day Cycling and Walking Tour in late May 2015. Compared to other bike trips in France and Italy it was both easier (terrain) and harder (weather). We were in Donegal during an unusually cold and wet May, or so we were told. And yes, you do hear “no one comes to Ireland for the weather” an awful lot.
But regardless of the weather (or maybe because of it), people were exceptionally friendly and welcoming — almost beyond reason. At two different B&Bs when we came in from the elements wet and cold, we were immediately taken care of by wonderful innkeepers (Rosaleen in Glenties and Geraldine in Glencolmcille). And I mean taken care of: we were placed near a peat fire, had our wet clothes dried, and provided with scones and hot tea. Afterwards, all was well in the world.
Donegal is a very special place. It is a generally quiet place, visually spectacular, a little browner in some parts than expected (from the peat), and the Glenveagh highlands were reminiscent of the Alaskan tundra (a surprise to us). In Donegal town, we heard traditional Irish music in a pub (not the touristy rendition that is heard in many places) and even had great Indian curry.
Biking along the coast from Killybegs to Glencolmcille or Glencolmcille to the Maghera Beach Caves near Ardara — were among the most memorable days of our lives. But it was the hiking at Slieve League and the sea cliffs near Glencolmcille that were our favorite parts of the whole trip.
But I’m saving the best for last – and this is Seamus. You’ve probably already read that he is amazing, is a wonderful man, takes care of you, and all that. And he is all this and more. But, the impression that I am left with is this: Seamus is a truly caring man who really wanted us to have the best possible vacation. And he made it happen. For example, during a break in an otherwise rainy forecast, Seamus offered to break with the schedule, drive back down to Donegal Town to pick us, drive us the opposite direction to Glencolmcille (a lot of driving on his part), and then dropped us off at the trail head for what became for us, one of all time great hiking experiences. The views were breathtaking and this was only made possible because of his generosity (and knowledge of the area).
So, if all this talk of rain scares you a little – don’t be turned off by it. We were in Ireland during a bad patch – even for the Irish. And, in spite of it (or because of it), we experienced one of the best adventures that we have ever had.
“I think Ireland by Bike gives us an excellent experience to explore Donegal. Otherwise we would not be able to see so many beautiful and quiet places. The idea behind Ireland by Bike is very good.”