The endless hiking opportunities available in Donegal warrant their own book, but an overview will at least highlight some of the county's best possibilities. Whether the remote allure of the Blue Stack Mountains beckons, cliff ridge walks of Slieve League, or the readily marked paths of Glenveagh National Park, Donegal has one-way routes, various combined circuits, and loops to please even the most active and outdoorsy. Some of Donegal's more challenging hikes are:

The Blue Stack Way

Requiring some preplanning, the 20km (12-mile) Blue Stack Way is a hill walker's dream. The serpentine loop is a six-to eight-hour journey through Donegal's most pristine, yet jagged, countryside. Only prepared and fit hikers with maps should attempt the several 625-meter (2050-feet) mountain peaks that comprise this trail. The starting point of the trail is Edergole, accessible on the roads to Lough Eske from Donegal Town.

Bealach na Gaeltachta

Hard to pronounce and difficult to do, this trail is actually a combination of four trails found around Donegal. Totaling 290km (180 miles) of rural landscapes, small towns, and peninsulas, these routes were established by the National Waymarked Way of the Donegal County Council. The walks are Slían Earagail near Bunbeg, Slína Finne near Fintown, Slína Rossan close to Crohy Head, and SlíCholmcille intersecting Glencolmcille, Carrick, Killybegs, and Ardara. Topographical maps and walking Ireland guides are sold at the Discover Ireland Centre in Donegal Town.

Derryveagh Mountains

Accessible from Glenveagh National Park, the Derryveagh Mountains provide both hikers and onlookers an impressive view of Donegal's highest peak, the quartzite (and therefore reflective) Mount Errigal (Aireagal). The mountain beckons trekkers who yearn for the prize of a view over the entire Rosses country. The easiest route starts off the R251 at the car park. Obtain topographical OS Map #1, which details the area. The preferred route for walkers is outlined on a map at the car park. Longer routes are available that include starting out by climbing Mackoght, known erroneously as “Little Errigal,” which sits beside its bigger brother.

OTHER DONEGAL HIKES

Slieve League Mountains to One Man's Pass

The Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) cliffs easily compete with the more-popular Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland in both sublimity and grandeur. Located on the southwest coast of Donegal (OS Map #10, available in Killybegs or Kilcar), a clear day walking here is divine. With views of the Atlantic Ocean, the not-so-distant mountains of Sligo, and the calming Donegal Bay, it's a purely placid picture.

You do not have to hike the area to enjoy the Slieve League's serenity. You can park at one of the two parking lots available at the cliff top. Heed caution if driving to the second car park, as a one-lane path and hills make it difficult to see oncoming traffic and walkers. A light honk will let others know you are coming.

Hiking one-way from the Slieve League parking lot through Eagles Nest and onward to One Man's Pass will take roughly two to three hours. One Man's Pass refers to a section of the Slieve League cliffside where the terrain slopes down on both sides. From here, the pinnacle point of the 595-meter (1952-feet) Slieve League Mountain is not far off.