Sliabh Liag Pilgrim Path 

3.2km, linear, strenuous

See Ireland’s famous sea cliffs from a different angle on the Sliabh Liag Pilgrim Path. This route takes you up and along a U-shaped valley between Leargadachtan Mountain and the sea cliffs themselves, on a trail that’s fairly steep but well worth the effort. You’ll walk on a combination of green road, track and rough paths, and get cracking views out over the cliffs along the way, as well as a bird’s eye view of the waterfalls that cascade down the edge of the rock into the Atlantic.  

Fancy something a little shorter? Pop into the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre, then park at the Ranger Station, where you can walk the 2km path up to the viewing platforms. Or see the cliffs from a different perspective entirely on a trip with Sliabh Liag Boat Tours, where you’ll look up at them from the water.   

Gleann Cholm Cille (Glencolmcille) – Tower Loop

7.6km, loop, moderate 

Gleann Cholm Cille (Glencolmcille) is just up the road from Sliabh Liag, and there are a few walking trails around the area, from shorter loops like Drum Loop to the epic, 65km Slí Cholmcille route. If you’re looking for another hike in the Sliabh Liag region then the Glencolmcille Tower Loop is a great shout, taking in the green, craggy coastline and the wild Atlantic waves. The looped trail takes you up the coastal mountains for views over the water, with one linear section that takes you out to the old signal tower, right on top of the cliffs, before you rejoin the circuit. It’s well worth the (brief) detour.   

Where to eat and stay around Sliabh Liag

When you’ve finished your hike, you don’t need to venture far for refreshments – the Brew In Thru van is down by the River Glen, less than a 5-minute drive from the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre. You can get barista coffee and treats like homemade scones or energy balls, then sit out on the tables overlooking the water. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the nearby Rusty Mackerel is a great spot for seafood, like mussels cooked in Guinness or giant portions of fish and chips. They also have accommodation out the back of the pub, with a residents’ garden that has views of the nearby mountains. And for a spot of culture, head to Glencolmcille Folk Village, with traditional clachán cottages and a tea room for homemade apple tart and a well-deserved cuppa. 

Rougey Cliff Walk 

3.5km, loop, moderate

For a relatively short loop, the Rougey Cliff Walk packs in a good variety of scenery, from Bundoran’s Victorian seafront to the sand dunes overlooking the Donegal coastline. Follow the trail from the Promenade and you’ll soon be up on the headland, where you can watch the surfers at Tullan Strand or the cliff jumpers leaping into the water at Rougey Rock. Be sure to stop at the Wishing Chair, a natural stone seat set in the rock, which overlooks the cliff arch known as the Fairy Bridges – catch it at the right time and you might see the waves crashing up through the blow holes.   

Where to eat and stay in Bundoran

This walk takes you back along Main Street, where there are plenty of places to grab a bite. McGarrigles Restaurant does great comfort food like chowder or a Sunday roast, and you can get fresh local oysters or Scraggy Bay battered cod in Maddens Bridge Bar. For something lighter, Buoys and Gulls do great coffee and a buttery cheese toastie, and Foam is a favourite among surfers looking for a flat white and jackfruit burrito.   

The cliff walk also passes right by the golf course at the Great Northern Hotel, which has great views out over the water and rooms overlooking the sea. In the Allingham Arms Hotel on Main Street, you can eat in the more formal Oceans Restaurant or get casual food in the bar, and there’s often live country music, too.  

Lúb Chroicheach Mhór (Burtonport Loops)

4.6km, loop, easy

Following the route of the old train line from Ailt an Chorráin (Burtonport) to Letterkenny, the Lúb Chroicheach Mhór (Burtonport Loops) walk passes through thick woodland and under old stone tunnels, as well as some other historic remnants of the old railway. You’ll also go past Loch Waskal, where you’ll get lovely views of the water and the nearby islands. And if that gives you the urge to explore the coast, you can take a ferry out to Árainn Mhór (Arranmore) from the harbour in Burtonport, where the trail begins.  

Where to eat and stay in Burtonport 

Finish up your walk at the Lobster Pot, just a few minutes from the start of the trail. Unsurprisingly, it’s a great spot for local lobster, as well as the local catch of the day, like brill or plaice. The Wheelhouse Café is a 15-minute walk inland, where you can sit overlooking Lough Leigh with soup and a sandwich. An Clochán Liath (Dungloe) is a 10-minute drive down the coast, and you can stay in the Waterfront Hotel to make a break out of it.  

Ards Forest Park Binngorm Trail

3.9km, loop, strenuous

There are several trails within the 480-hectare Ards Forest Park, from short, easy walks through the sand dunes to more strenuous routes that take you around the entire forest. A good middle ground option is the Binngorm Trail, a loop that takes you through the woodland, past fairy forts and finally out towards the sea. It can be a little strenuous at times, but you’ll get some cracking views of Sheephaven Bay along the way.  

Where to eat and stay in Dunfanaghy

If you’re in dire need of a latte and a slice of cake after your hike, Ards Coffee Tree is right in the forest park, serving up coffee, sweet treats and ice cream. Otherwise, the seaside town of Dunfanaghy is a 7-minute drive away and has loads of places to eat. The café at Muck 'n' Muffins is above the pottery shop, where you can get slabs of homemade quiche and paninis, with some gluten free bakes as well. Just up the road, The Rusty Oven is a pizzeria in the courtyard of Patsy Dan’s Bar, with sourdough pizzas topped with things like caramelised pear and walnut, or truffle oil and mascarpone.  

Photo credit: @girl.about.food

Arnold’s Hotel has been on the go for four generations and is right in the middle of the village, with a lively casual restaurant, Café Arnou, downstairs. There’s outdoor dining in the summer, too. Breac House is a slick, Scandi-style guesthouse on the outskirts of town, with views over the water from the full-length windows or private terraces.  

Siúlóid Loch na Caillí

10.1km, loop, moderate

There are two looped walks around Croithlí (Crolly), which share the same route for the most part – the Siúlóid Loch na Caillí extends a little beyond the Clocháin Bhig Loop Walk (6.3km), which is a good option if you have less time. Both walks kick off in the village itself, before heading out onto the bog road towards Loch na Cailligh, where you get unspoilt views of the surrounding countryside. If you find yourself with time to spare towards the end, you can walk 20 minutes along the river at Lala Harden’s Walk, before looping back to rejoin the trail.  

Where to eat and stay in Crolly 

In the nearby village of Meenaleck, Leo’s Tavern is known for its nightly live music, but also its musical heritage – it’s the family home of Enya and Moya Brennan. You can get classic pub grub like scampi and burgers with chunky chips, and they also have glamping pods next door if you want to spend the night.  

Inishowen Head Loop

8.3km, loop, moderate 

For those quintessentially wild, rugged Donegal landscapes, you can’t beat Inishowen. And the Inishowen Head Loop leads you through some of the most scenic stretches of the peninsula, along laneways and bog roads to the top of the cliffs, where you can see all the way out to Scotland on a clear day. The trail starts by the picturesque Stroove Lighthouse (you can take a dip at the beach there, too) and takes you past an old WWII watchtower, before you get to the higher points with those killer ocean views.  

Where to eat and stay in Inishowen 

Drive down the coast for about 10 minutes and you’ll reach Kealys Seafood Bar, where you can tuck into locally-caught, buttery crab claws right by the water. Redcastle is a further 10 minutes down the road, with places like The Boathouse for plates of Asian-style crispy squid, monkfish and mussel coconut curry and catch of the day. Stay at the Redcastle Hotel and Spa, with a location so close to the water you could almost skim stones from the balcony. 

Bluestack Way

64.1km, linear, moderate 

Sometimes, you want a long, challenging trek that feels like a proper adventure. And while the terrain of the Bluestack Way isn’t technically difficult, it is long – 64.1km one way, in fact. Of course, you don’t have to walk the whole thing – you can just loop back on yourself to explore smaller sections. But if you’re up to the challenge, take in some spectacular scenery on the way from Donegal town up to Ardara. The trail takes you along the foothills of the bulbous Bluestack Mountains, past the shores of Lough Eske just outside Donegal town, which is a great spot for a shorter walk if that’s more your speed. Otherwise, continue up along the edge of the Owenroe River and out towards Glenties before reaching Ardara – the full route takes about three days to complete.  

Where to eat and stay on the Bluestack Way 

Whether you’re tackling the whole thing or just shorter sections, there are plenty of places to eat and stay in Donegal town, Glenties and Ardara. Lough Eske Castle is a swish resort just outside of Donegal town, with a spa and dog-friendly rooms, if you’re bringing your pooch. The Highlands Hotel has comfortable rooms in the heart of Glenties, and a restaurant that serves the kind of fare you want after hiking all day, like fried potato skins, surf and turf and seafood platters. In Ardara, the Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel is right in the Diamond in Ardara, where the Bluestack Way finishes, so you can step off the trail and into a hot shower.