An adventure for the experienced hiker. Discover the amazing hiking around the Sliabh Liag Peninsula.
If you are an experienced hiker, and have a love of spectacular landscapes, ancient history and hospitable people, then don’t miss this amazing 4 night hiking tour.
Walk along a coast that has been shaped over countless millennia by the relentless power of the Atlantic. Allow the breezes from the sea to clear your head as you stand on a cliff top. Experience the solitude of a hidden valley, where beauty alone could not sustain the residents in decades past. Fill your head with the local traditional music – shaped by the landscape and the people who lived here for centuries.
Join us in an area still largely undiscovered, for a truly unforgettable hiking adventure.
Day 1:Arrival in Killybegs
Your hiking tour begins in the fishing village of Killybegs. To assist you with your travel, we will pick you up in Donegal Town if you arrive there by bus, or at Donegal Airport. We will transfer you to your first accommodation, overlooking the colourful harbour. Here we will give you your maps and notes, along with all the advice you need for the week ahead. You are then free to wander around this pleasant town, with its bustling harbour full of fishing boats.
Day 2: Killybegs to Carrick
Your first hike takes you through the hills above Killybegs, with fantastic views back over Donegal Bay. Forest trails through a quiet valley lead you back to the coast. Narrow back roads take you past headlands, hidden beaches and inlets. Pass through Kilcar Village, where a visit to Studio Donegal (handwoven Irish tweed weavers) is well worthwhile. Continue along the coast, passing Celtic ring forts – believed to be the “dwelling places of Fairies” to your overnight stop in Carrick. After eating dinner in one of the village restaurants, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon one of the legendary local traditional Irish music sessions in one of the village pubs. Distance: 26 km.Altitude gain:Approx 500 metres.Terrain:Narrow paved roads, unpaved roads.
Day 3: Carrick to Glencolmcille via Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)
Few hikes you will ever do will rival the walk over majestic Sliabh Liag. You follow the edge of the cliffs from the viewing point at Bunglass to the ruins of the early-Christian monastery on top of the mountain. Descend from here to the beautiful Silver Strand beach at Malinbeg, before continuing to the historic valley of Glencolmcille where you spend the night. Glencolmcille is full of historic sites from all eras and well worth exploring. Finish your evening off with a well deserved meal in a local restaurant and if you’re not too tired, you might catch a tune or two if you decide to stop off at one of the local pubs. Distance: 24 km Altitude gain:Approx 750 metres.Terrain:Mountain, without marked trails. Sometimes rough and wet. Proper hiking boots required.
Day 4: Glencolmcille to Ardara
If you thought that yesterday’s hike was spectacular, then today’s will be equally so. Your walk takes you along one of the most remote stretches of coast in Ireland. Pass huge sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, hidden valleys and inaccessible beaches. Prepare to be increasingly awe-struck by the evermore dramatic panoramas. Emerge at the pristine white beach at Maghera where we will collect you and bring you to your overnight destination in the heritage town of Ardara. Ardara has a great selection of traditional lively pubs, perfect for the last night of your tour. Distance: 22 km Altitude gain: Approx 1,100 metres.Terrain:Mountain paths and open mountain. Proper hiking boots and clothing required.
Day 5: Departure Following breakfast, it is time to depart. We will bring you either to Donegal Town for bus connections to all parts of Ireland, or to Donegal Airport.
Accommodation
Getting Here
From Dublin Airport
Bus
Direct buses run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport and City every 2 hours. Timetable
Donegal Airport
There are two flights per day from Dublin to Donegal Airport. Timetables
From Ireland West (Knock) Airport
Bus
Frequent buses run to Donegal Town direct from the Airport. Timetable
Transfers
To make your travel plans as simple as possible we will meet you on arrival at Donegal Town or Donegal Airport. From there we will bring you to the start point of the tour in Killybegs. When you have finished your tour we will drop you back to Donegal Town or to Donegal Airport.
If you are arriving through another point of entry contact us if you need help making your travel arrangements.
Prices
Price per person sharing:Off Peak – €550. Peak – €590
Single Occupancy: €120
Tours Available: 05 April 2021 – 27 Sept 2021
Peak Season: Tours starting between 31 May 2021 and 30 August 2021
Price Includes:
4 nights Bed and Breakfast in family run B&B’s
Transfer Donegal Town or Donegal airport to Killybegs (start of tour)
Welcome meeting on arrival
Detailed maps and guide notes
Waterproof map cover
Emergency support
Transfer Ardara to Donegal Town or Donegal Airport (end of tour)
Not Included:
Travel to and from Donegal Town or Donegal Airport
Meals other than Breakfast
Drinks/ extra events or entertainment
Short Tours
There are no shorter options available for this tour.
Gallery
The Sliabh Liag Peninsula Challenging Hiking Tour. Photo Gallery
Note: This is the same gallery as for the moderate tour. The tours follow similar routes.
Coast near Kilcar
On the way to Port
Near Granny, Donegal
Between Glencolmcille and Ardara.
Hiking near Glencolmcille
Lookout Tower on Glen Head
Between Glencolmcille and Port.
On the road to Sliabh Liag
Port
Hiking from Carrick to Glencolmcille
Sliabh Liag
Booking
The Sliabh Liag Peninsula Hiking Tour. Booking
To book a self-guided hiking tour with Ireland by Bike:
1: Enquire
Please fill out the Enquiry Form giving details of group size, dates, etc.
Once we have received your enquiry we will get back to you letting you know if the dates you requested are available. We will then ask you to enter full tour and group details on a Booking Request Form. Once we have received this we will send you confirmation of pricing etc.
2: Pay Deposit
If you are happy with our proposal you can proceed to pay the deposit using the secure link we will send you. The deposit required is €100 per person for all tours.
Once we have received your deposit we will send you confirmation of your booking along with an invoice for the balance.
3: Pay Balance
Full payment is required at least 4 weeks before your arrival date.
Once we have received full payment we will email you your cycling holiday accommodation list, along with the full guide notes for your cycling tour.
General Enquiries
If you are just making a general enquiry, and would like to ask some questions, then simply contact us.
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