Hillwalking in the Northwest of Ireland provides some of the most magical experiences that walking in Ireland can give you. You get to experience the Flora & Fauna, Bog lands, Geology, History & Folklore of some Irelands most unspoilt counties. Their unique mix of breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged hills and stone-age archaeology, make one of the most interesting walking areas in all of Europe.
Back by popular demand Donegal Bay Holiday Homes is offering three day and one week Self Catering and Hillwalking programmes for the active tourist who is wishing to explore the Northwest of Ireland on foot. Suited to groups of 3 +
Please call us to discuss your requirements.
Guided Hill Walks
Below are some walks ranging from easy to difficult which give you an insight into the landscape and places of interest you will visit thorugh out counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. There are a wide range of walks available within a 30km radius.
1/ SLIEVE LEAGUE (Mountain of the Flagstones 601 Meters 1972ft)
The sea cliffs of Slieve League brood over the South Donegal Coast and are dramatic sight.
The walk starts at Bunglass proceeds over “Eagles Nest” and on over “One Man’s Pass”(so named because of the narrow path to the summit).We return via the remains of St Hugh MacBricks Church along the pilgrims path pass the holy well and back to base. Distance 10Km time 4 – 6hours.
2/BENBULBEN PLATEAU (counties Sligo)
Ben Bulben, the fearsome and famous landmark of Sligo immortalised by Ireland’s foremost poet William Butler Yates, with the lines “Under bare Ben Bulben’s head”.
The mountain presents a formidable prospect from the nearby lowlands with its stern vertically furrowed cliffs above steeply sloping grass. Surprisingly it is quite a moderate walk once the crest is reached and it offers fantastic views of the coastline and Innis Murray Island.
Length of Walk 6/km. Time 3- 4 hours. Degree of difficulty moderate.
3/ THE SUMMIT OF TRUSKMORE AND TIEVEBAUN (Counties Sligo and Leitrim
These 2 peaks are the highest points in Counties Sligo and Leitrim and are quite close to each other.
The summit of Truskmore (647meters) is reached by a road that services a radio mast, the mast was erected by a Norwegian company in 1962 and is over 100 meters high. Tievebaun is reached by following the boundary wall that divides Sligo and Leitrim. A slight diversion to the west reveals the wreck of a B17 World War 2 Bomber that crashed here in December 1943. Descent from the summit of Tievebaun is by way of an old mule track that was once used for bringing turf from the mountains to the valley below.
Length of walk 9Km, Time 4 – 5 hours, Degree of difficulty moderate.
4/ The Breesy Mountain Circuit (County Donegal)
A fairly easy walk encompassing lakes, woodlands, and hills, also visiting a Megolithic Tomb and a Mass Rock.
The walk begins at the Traveler’s Friend a well known Public House. About 2 Kms on we pass a megalithic tomb dating back to over 4000 years. Several lakes are passed until Bressy Mountain is reached, though only 258 Meters in height some fantastic views are offered from the summit. The Blue Stack mountains in the North, cliffs of Magho and Lough Erne in the east, Ben Bulben and Knocknarea in the south and the vast expanse of Donegal Bay in West. Further on there is a Mass Rock where the locals said Mass in Penal Times, the walk then meanders through the Knader woodlands pass the Hydro Electric dam at Cloghore to terminate at the historical town of Ballyshannon.
Length of walk 10 Km, Time 4 – 5 hours Degree of difficulty Easy
QUEEN MEABHS GRAVE(220 Metres)
Famous for its massive passage grave, the largest in Europe and reputed to be the grave of Queen Meabh (Meave) of Connaught. This climb is steeped in history and Irish folklore.
Distance 5km. time 2hours.
Three Day Package
Included in the Hill walking and accommodation package is three nights accommodation in our three and four bedroom houses, 1 half day and 1 full day guided walk through counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim and transfers to all walks.
One Week Package
Included in the Hill walking and accommodation package is one weeks accommodation in our three and four bedroom houses, 5 guided walks through counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim and transfers to all walks.
We can also offer hillwalking only to clients please contact usfor direct for further details
Meals can be included please contact usfor further details.
Fees are
2 Guided Walks – €55per person. This includes half and full day guided walks and local transfers
3 nights Accommodation – €350 per house -This includes a 4 bedroom house, heating and electricity and some homemade bread on reception
1 Weeks Guided Walks – €100 per person. This includes 5 guided walks and local transfers
1 Weeks Accommodation – €450 per house -This includes a 4 bedroom house, heating and electricity and some homemade bread on reception.
July 29th – August 05th
Accommodation - €700 per house -This includes a 4 bedroom house, heating and electricity and some homemade bread on reception.
Guided Walks – €125 per person. This includes 5 guided walks and local transfers
Full package must be take to avail of these offers.
For more information please email us or phone 0861739445
