Donegal has some of the most dreamy landscapes across Ireland! From endless beaches, to stunning cliffs. This county is the perfect place to discover the unspoiled beauty of Ireland.
Use Sligo as your starting base and drive all the way up to Fanad Ahead lighthouse! This Section of the Wild Atlantic Way is roughly 228km (142miles) in length and takes around 4 hours 40mins to drive, without stopping. However, it’s always better to take your time and experience the culture Donegal has to offer!
Starting in Sligo take the coastal road north, Mullaghmore might just stop you in your tracks – go ahead, park up and taken in this beautiful sea-side village. Mullaghmore is home to the impressive Classiebawn Castle.
Bundoran town is the gateway to Donegal and the first landmark in county Donegal when you drive the Wild Atlantic Way, South to North. A prime surfing destination, Bundoran was listed by the National Geographic, 2012 as one of the World’s Top 20 Surf Towns!
Close to Bundoran you’ll find the Fairy Bridges. These are considered a hidden gem on the Wild Atlantic Way! We recommend you visit the Bundoran Wishing Chair. Wishers are advised to sit down slowly holding on to both “arms” of the chair and pause to take in the stunning scenery.
Following around the coast and passing through Donegal town, you’ve made your way to Slieve League Cliffs. These breath-taking cliffs are some of the highest & finest marine cliffs in Europe. Hike to the top and you will experience terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains & Donegal Bay. These cliffs are three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher!
Travelling North, we recommend stopping off at Carrickfinn Beach. An extensive sandy beach located in Gweedore Bay in the heart of the Irish speaking area known as Rosses. This beach is popular for dolphin watching from the shore. In this part of Ireland make sure you keep an eye out for signs saying Trá (this means “beach” in Irish).
Following the Wild Atlantic Way north you will find Glenveagh National Park. A 16,000-hectare park located in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. This wild oasis offers beautiful hiking trails and is the home of the largest herd of red deer in Ireland! Access to this park is free.
