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CoastalAdvancedDonegal● Real GPX Track
Wild Atlantic Way — Donegal
The full Donegal segment of the Wild Atlantic Way — Slieve League cliffs, the Gaeltacht coast of Gaoth Dobhair, Fanad Head lighthouse and the run out to Malin.
Road type: N56 coastal + narrow peninsula R-roads
The Route
On the map.
START
FINISH
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Elevation
The vertical picture.
2,995m
Total climb
300m
Highest point
The Ride
What the road feels like.
If Kerry is Ireland's touring capital, Donegal is its untamed north-western wilderness. This is the full Donegal ribbon of the Wild Atlantic Way — a real rider-curated GPX track with points of interest baked in, running from the Sligo border all the way up around the peninsulas to Inishowen.
The scale is what surprises everyone. Slieve League's sea cliffs are twice the height of the Cliffs of Moher and see a fraction of the visitors. The Gaeltacht coast around Gaoth Dobhair speaks Irish first, English second. Fanad Head lighthouse sits at the end of a peninsula road that would be a national landmark anywhere else in Europe.
Give it three days. Sleep in Ardara, Dunfanaghy and Malin. Ride slowly. Donegal doesn't reward a fast pace.
Highlights
- 01Slieve League sea cliffs (601 m)
- 02Glengesh Pass hairpins
- 03Gaeltacht coast around Gaoth Dobhair
- 04Fanad Head lighthouse peninsula
- 05Malin Head — Ireland's northernmost point
Cafés & Stops
- Nancy's BarnBallyliffin
World-champion seafood chowder.
- The CoveDunfanaghy
Coffee and scones on the way out to Horn Head.
Ride Safe
- Fuel stops are sparse north of Ardara — top up when you can.
- Sea spray on the tarmac at Malin Head and Fanad in high winds.
- R-roads on the peninsulas narrow to single-track. Ride to the sightline.
Recommended Stops
Pulled from the real GPX.
50 waypoints · marked on map above
0/50
stops ridden
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The literature coast
Scenic Area
In 1976, Leon Uris's epic book, Trinity was published. The book tells the story of the intertwining lives of the Larkins, Catholic hill farmers from the fictional town of Ballyutogue in County Donegal; the Macleods, Protestant shipyard workers from Belfast; and the Hubbles, representatives of three centuries of Anglo-Irish aristocracy. For his Donegal research, Uris based himself around Quigley's Point and Redcastle, doing his "research" in McGowan's pub.
Ireland's greatest living playwright, Brian Friel
DP - Inishowen Head
Scenic Area
Stroove beach (sometimes mistakenly called Shroove) is situated right on the northeastern tip of Inishowen, this great blue flag beach is where Lough Foyle enters the Atlantic. Across the way you'll be able to see the headlands of Northern Ireland - that iconic tower is the Mussenden temple.
By the beach car park, you will see a looped walk - this is well worth taking as the views from the old fort alone are stunning - you've a good chance of seeing some birds of prey here too.
Stroove
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DP - Magilligan Fort View
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Magilligan Fort View is in Craignamaddy, one of the greatest viewpoints you'll find in Ireland. Iconic architect Liam McCormick lived nearby and marveled daily at this sight. Hear Sean tell you what you're looking at on the audio piece from left to right, with the help of Beethoven.
DP - Kinnagoe Bay
Scenic Area
One of the hidden gems of the peninsula. To those in the know, there is beautiful beach within the bay sheltered by steep hills offering spectacular views. It's the location point of the Spanish Armada ship, La Trinidad Valecera, shipwrecked in 1588, a popular site for divers.
Top
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Top
Culdaff Road
Gleneely, CO DONEGAL, IRL
McGuinness Bar
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McGuinness Bar
Culdaff, CO DONEGAL, IRL
074 9379300
Shell2
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Shell
Glengad
Drumavohy, CO DONEGAL, IRL
Malin Head View B&B
Scenic Area
Malin Head isn't the easiest place to get to, but once you get there, it is worth it fro the views and the fresh sea air. By staying at the Malin Head View B&B (formerly Inishtrahull View B&B), you are getting the best of both. In addition, you are getting great hospitality in the form of Elma and Donald Toland (and their array of dogs, ducks, chickens and geese).
<br><br><a href="http://www.malinhead.ie">http://www.malinhead.ie</a>
Slievebane
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SDP - Malin Head
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Ireland's most northerly point overlooks the crashing waves of the Atlantic. An area rich with flora and fauna and the freshest air in Ireland, ensure you walk from the Napoleonic tower on Banba's Crown hill to Malin Head itself taking in such curious sights as Hell's Hole and Devil's Bridge along the way. Good sea angling, hillwalking and birdwatching make this a great place to get away from it all.
<br><br><a href="http://www.malinhead.ie/MH/Malin_Head_Trail.html">http://www.malinhead.ie/MH/Malin_Head_
Shell3
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Shell
R242
Malin, CO DONEGAL, IRL
Esso
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Esso
Church Road
Carndonagh, CO DONEGAL, IRL
Unknown3
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Unknown
Ardagh
Ballyliffin, CO DONEGAL, IRL
2 Muineagh
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2 Muineagh
Muineagh (Desertegny), CO DONEGAL, IRL
Linsfort Castle
Scenic Area
The place to base yourself when staying by Lough Swilly and Buncrana. Alan & Brigeen (and of course Riley the dog!) are your hosts at this awarding-winning McKenna's 100 Best Place to Stay 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Alan and Brigeen aim to help guests to enjoy their stay by providing a warm welcome, comfortable clean accommodation, and good quality well cooked food. In short, the typical old-fashioned Irish hospitality, which gave the country its world reputation as the land of a thousand welcomes. They succe
Buncrana
Scenic Area
Buncrana is located on the banks of Lough Swilly, which translates, from the Gaelic into the very appropriate "Lake of Shadows". The importance of Lough Swilly to Buncrana during W.W.1 became evident when Admiral Jellicoe moved his grand fleet from Scapa Flow to Lough Swilly.
The Clan O'Dochertaigh has had a long affiliation with this town and the historic O'Dochertaigh's Keep still stands near the lovely walk towards Fr. Hegarty's Rock.
Lough Swilly has a rich and varied history; it is where John New
Killygarvan Upper
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DP - Ballymackstocker Bay
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Ballymackstocker Bay hosts Portsalon's Blue Flag beach which is very highly regarded by both locals and travel writers alike. Some travel writer in the fifties called it the second best beach in the world (beaten by somewhere in Hawaii don't you know) and that title has stuck with it ever since.
The beauty of Ballymastocker Bay and its famous beach are best enjoyed from the top of Knockalla where a picnic can be had for those who like the fresh Atlantic breeze as an uninvited but welcome guest. all I can
Doagh BegandDrumnacraig
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SDP - Fanad Head/Unique Ascent
Scenic Area
The lighthouse at Fanad is as far as you are going to get on the Fanad peninsula. With the opening of the Harry Blaney bridge, you will be able to carry on along the coast without doubling up on yourself.
The view from here is spectacular looking across to Inishowen and even a hint of Scotland on a good day. To your right, you can see the mouth of Ireland's finest fjord, Lough Swilly. To your left, you will be able to see Tory Island.
In the YouTube video, watch Iain Miller of Unique Ascent descendi
TullyconnellandLaddan
Scenic Area
Harry Blaney Bridge
Scenic Area
Sometime referred to as the Road to Nowhere, this e20m bridge was built when the country still had coffers. Such a project is unthinkable these days, but we have Councillor Harry Blaney to thank for never giving up on ensuring that Fanad and Rosguill would be linked over Mulroy bay.
For the sake of your journey, it makes life a lot easier and allows the Fanad peninsula be a realistic participant to the traveller hoping to stay close by that coast.
Glenoory
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Ardbane (Downings)
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Downings
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Beach Hotel
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Beach Hotel
R248
Crocknamurleog, CO DONEGAL, IRL
0749155303
Muntermellan4
Scenic Area
ClagganandLargatreany
Scenic Area
McGeady
Scenic Area
McGeady
Magheraroarty (Gortahork), CO DONEGAL, IRL
074 9135297
DP - Cnoc Fola/Bloody Foreland
Scenic Area
Cnoc Fola "the hill of Blood "(Bloody Foreland) is so called because the sun, particularly at evening, lights up the rocks to a reddish hue. In the autumn ferns turns russet redish brown. The name has no background of history to warrant the title bloody. The views from here of rainn Mr, Gabhla to Tory Island and Horn Head and the play of light on coast, on water and the wild beauty of the place is a handsome reward for visiting.
Danny Minnie's
Scenic Area
Visitors to Danny Minnie's family-run restaurant enter through the baronial entrance hall to a world of antique nostaligia complete with hanging prints, tapestries and paintings on a background of oak panelling glowing in the warmth of a duo of fireplaces.
The restaurant offers a wide a-la-carte menu, specialising in locally caught seafood and Irish meats. Our lobster and crab come from the rugged Atlantic coast and are caught by family members. The beef is prime Irish Hereford and the lamb is fed on mou
R259
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R2591
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R2592
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Daniel O'Donnell Visitor Centre
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It was only a matter of time really - Donegal's favourite son, Daniel O'Donnell now has a permanent celebration of his incredible life. As a mark of recognition to the remarkable success of Daniel, the proud townsfolk have created this museum of his life thus far and hope you will join them in saluting their golden boy.
Once you are inside the custom designed building the story of Daniel's life will be told through displays, videos and exclusive memorabilia to show the progress of his international caree
N562
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R2612
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Nancy's Bar
Scenic Area
Run by the Mc Hugh family for over seven generations, Nancys is a delightful gem of a pub.
Walking through each little room filled with antiques and bric a brac is like walking through time, and it is this traditional atmosphere which makes Nancys a place that people want to return to again and again.
The menu is delicious; it's a "no fuss" approach to serving some of the localities tastiest and freshest food available. Focusing on seafood including oysters, mussels and smoked salmon, though the menu a
Glengesh Pass 1
Scenic Area
This really is one of the great treats of the area as the recent editions of the Lonely Planet guide testify. Look down this green valley, towards the caves, the dunes and on to the sea. You are about to come in to one of the most enjoyable parts of the county with copious festivals, an abundance of great scenery that walkers love and something for the pub connoisseurs out there!
URL:<a href="http://www.ardara.ie/Article_Listings.aspx?tscategory_id=167&category_name=Tourist+Attractions">Glengesh</a>
Fac
Glencolmcille
Scenic Area
Located 3km from the village, the enterprising local priest Father McDyer not only brought electricity to the area, but established this replica folk village back in 1967 complete with thatched cottages and a shebeen with some choice local wines made from fuchsias and seaweed. Bottoms up! Open Easter to September, Monday to Saturday, 10-6, Sunday 12-6.
Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935106500">Facebook</a>
Telephone:<a href="tel:+353749730017">0749730017</a>
Tripadvisor
DP - Silver Strand
Scenic Area
If you don't mind going up and down a few steps (about 155 if we're not mistaken), this beach is another hidden gem of the county, tucked away in Malinbeg. Consider it as 155 steps to Heaven. Beautiful.
SDP - Slieve League
Scenic Area
Often called the highest sea cliffs in Europe, but a very respectable sixth instead dropping some 600 metres to the sea, they are located some 5km northwest of the village of Carrick via Teelin. Ensure you follow the sign marked Bunglass (not the Slieve League Pilgrim's Path one!) to view these cliffs from the excellent new viewing platform. You can do the walk from Bunglass or via the Pilgrim's Path. Good footwear and clothing essential. Watch out for the dreaded One Mans' Pass, a section of the walk over
Gortalia
Scenic Area
NWS - Kitty Kelly's
Scenic Area
In a restored farmhouse halfway between Killybegs and Kilcar is the famous Kitty Kelly's bar and restaurant. Famous for seafood and for knowing how to make a great Irish coffee. The restaurant is wheelchair friendly and has safe off road car parking.
The owner of Kitty's is Hugh O'Donnell, who is also an official Wild Atlantic Food Ambassador for Failte Ireland - good to know if you bump into him and want to talk about fresh quality food in the county.
Twitter: @Kittykellys
<br><br><a href="http://
N563
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N564
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Donegal
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R267
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Ballyshannon1
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Field Notes
From the road.
