Things to See and Do in South West Donegal

Hiring a bicycle is the perfect way to explore the many sites of interest in South-West Donegal.  Here are 12 suggestions to get you started:

Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs

The tallest sea cliffs in Europe, towering 595 metres above the Atlantic Ocean.  You can cycle all the way to the viewing point.  Experienced walkers can continue to the top of the mountain to reach the hair-raising One Man’s Pass.

Bunglas Sea Cliffs

Cloghanmore Court Tomb

This Megalithic Monument – located in Malinmore, Glencolmcille, is estimated to date to around 3,600 BC.  A must-visit site for archeology enthusiasts.

Cyclist looking into court tomb Co Donegal

Sliabh Liag Boat Tours

2-hour trips from Teelin pier to the bottom of Bunglas sea cliffs.  Get a unique view of the spectacular Donegal coastline and keep your eyes open for marine life like dolphins, basking sharks, and seals. sliabhleagueboattrips.com

Boat at Teelin Harbour ready to leave en route to see the Bunglas cliffs

Glencolmcille Folk Village

Restored traditional Irish villlage.  Experience life as it was in 1700s 1800s and 1900s Donegal.  Guided tours available.  glenfolkvillage.com

Traditional Cottages in the Glencolmcille Folk Museum. Restored as a museum and tourist attraction

Turas Cholm Cille

Megalithic standing stones in the valley of Glencolmcille were originally pagan, but they have formed the basis of a “Turas” –  a yearly pilgrimage done by locals since early Christian times.  Many of the stones bear intricate carved designs.

Two cyclists at one of the Megalithic standing stones on Turas Cholmcille

Lookout Towers

Built during the Napoleonic wars, the entire coast of Ireland was once guarded from these heavily-fortified stone towers.  The towers at Glen Head, Malin Beg, Carrageen Head and St. John’s Point are all within range of our electric bikes.Martello tower on the Donegal coast

Pristine Beaches

Whether you want to swim, build a sandcastle, or just take a stroll along the coast, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches.  We especially recommend the Silver Strand, Muckross, and Glencolmcille beaches.  We just ask that if you hire a bike from us, please don’t cycle on the sand.

The Silver Strand Beach

Traditional Woolen Mills

Traditional methods of hand-knitting and weaving have been handed down from generation to generation in South-West Donegal.  Visit Studio Donegal and the Glencolmcille Woolen Mill.

Woman sitting at a traditional hand loom

Traditional Irish Music

Live music sessions can be heard in the pubs of Carrick, Teelin, Kilcar, Meenaneary and Glencolmcille.  Several traditional music festivals run during the summer months and at the October Bank Holiday Weekend.  At the end of a long day’s cycling, reward yourself with a drink of Dulamán Maritime Gin – locally-distilled in Carrick by Sliabh Liag Distillery.

Musicians playing traditional Irish Music in a pub

Port

Located beside a unique beach of large, smooth, rounded stones, Port, which is no longer inhabited, is an idyllic fishing village and harbour.  This is a spot with a unique “other world” feel.

Bike Hire Customer on his way to Port

Away To Me Sheepdog Trial Demonstrations

FJ and Meghan, a young local couple, offer authentic sheepdog demonstrations with their very friendly clan of border collies.  As well as being informative, FJ and Meghan make this an experience full of craic!   awaytome.ie

Sheepdog trials in Donegal

Hill Walking

The Sliabh Liag Peninsula is a superb area for hill walking.  Experienced walkers should consider the strenuous but spectacular hike from Port to Ardara.  For a shorter walk, try the climb to Glen Head.  If you would like to book a week of combined cycling and hiking, check out our Backroads and Beyond Cycling and Hiking Tour

Hill walking along the Donegal Coastline
Book Your Bicycles or Ebike