Donegal From Cliffs to Coast

Day 1 – Lough Eske & the Blue Stack Mountains

From the little market town of Sligo, we head north to the glittering shores of Lough Eske in County Donegal. After a scenic lakeside lunch, we’ll hop on our bikes for an afternoon ride through the unspoilt backcountry and farmlands of southern Donegal with the impressive Bluestack Mountains as our backdrop. (L, D)

Distance: 33km/20miles

Day 2 – Slieve League Cliffs & Glengesh Pass

Cycling off the beaten path, we explore the remote Banagh Peninsula overlooking southern Donegal’s wild coasts. Continuing on our Donegal journey, we kick off our day by rolling down the spectacular Glengesh Pass, voted one of Ireland’s most scenic routes. And then for the star of the show, we will stand overlooking the massive and imposing Slieve League Cliffs, which are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. We stop to marvel at the majestic cascade, Assaranca Waterfall, before the day’s ride ends in the charming village of Ardara, home to some of Donegal’s famous tweed hand-weavers. (B, L)

Distance: 64km/40 miles

Day 3 – Donegal West Coast & Horn Head Peninsula

Hugging the coast, pedal to the sound of crashing waves pounding on the rocky shores. We detour to explore the fascinating Kilclooney Dolmen, an ancient tomb from the Neolithic era, and older than the Pyramids of Giza. Donegal’s tiny villages and rural landscapes are a veritable time capsule of rural Ireland. After a transfer to the northern stretch of Donegal, we’ll have the chance to explore a spectacular looped ride of the Horn Head Peninsula, rolling through vast moors and desolate bogs as we overlook the sparkling waters of Sheephaven Bay. (B, L)

Distance: 35 km/22 miles

Day 4 – Glenveagh National Park

Today, we’ll bike the desolate yet beautiful mountains and valleys of Glenveagh National Park. Overlooking the lovely Lough Veagh, Glenveagh Castle was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. Enjoy a stroll through the manicured gardens, along the picturesque lakeside or hike above the castle for a stunning panorama of the valley. Back on our bikes, we’ll pedal through the majestic Derryveagh Mountains, following the foothills of Muckish Mountain via a narrow mountain pass. (B, L)

Distance: 64km/40 miles

Day 5 – Lough Swilly Fjord

Continuing our journey north, we’ll bike along an elevated road overlooking the azure shores of Lough Swilly, a huge glacial fjord between Donegal’s two great peninsulas, Fanad Head and Inishowen. We’ll pass the fortified stronghold of Doe Castle, and enjoy brilliant panoramas of northern Donegal’s little-travelled coastline that can feel as if we’re biking at the edge of the world. Tonight, we relax at our accommodation overlooking the white sandy shores of the fjord Lough Swilly – another Donegal hidden gem. (B, L)

Distance: 61km/38 miles

Day 6 – Malin Head

Catching a small ferry across the dazzling Lough Swilly to the rugged Inishowen Peninsula, we follow the eastern shores of the fjord where we’ll bike the wild and remote roads of northern Donegal. Our trip culminates at Malin Head, the northernmost tip of Ireland. A short walk around this rugged headland will transport you to another world since this rocky outcrop was featured in Star Wars – The Last Jedi. Wrapping up an incredible week of cycling, we’ll ascend and descend the spectacular Mamore Gap before we finish our tour back along the shores of Lough Swilly for our final dinner together. (B, L, D)

Distance: 54 km/33 miles

Day 7 – Yeats Country & Departure

County Sligo has long been associated with Ireland’s national poet W.B. Yeats, who drew inspiration from the surrounding mountains, lakes and landscapes. We stop at a tiny monastery under the shadow of the impressive and iconic Benbulben mountain to visit the famous poet’s final resting place. We then head to the bustling town of Sligo – a lovely place for last-minute shopping – before we say goodbye to Ireland’s wild and rugged northwest. (B)