Walking in Donegal

Donegal hillwalking provides some of the most magical experiences that walking in Ireland can give you. With its unique mix of breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged hills and stone-age archaeology, Donegal must be one of the most interesting walking areas in all of Europe. The Abbey Hotel have compiled a range of special packages that include Bed & Breakfast, Evening Meals, Packed Lunches and an Experienced Guide.Whether you're an experienced walker or simply like a stroll in the frest air there's a walk and a package to suit you.

 Our Walking Packages

3 Nights Bed & Breakfast with 1 Evening Meals including 2 Packed Lunches €159pps

4 Nights Bed & Breakfast with 3 Evening Meals including 3 Packed Lunches €219pps

7 Nights Bed & Breakfast with 6 Evening Meals including 6 Packed Lunches €449pps

  Please Note: WALKING GUIDE AND TRANSPORT (IF REQUIRED) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THESE RATES BUT CAN BE ARRANGED FOR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE

HOTELS WILL SUPPLY A LIST OF GUIDES AND TRANSPORT PROVIDERS ALONG WITH THEIR FEES ON REQUEST

Popular Local Walks

 Bluestack Highest Point and Plane crash site. The highest point in the Bluestacks is 674 meters. The Plane crash happened on 31-01-1944. A patrol .a Sunderland Mark 111 Plane or flying boat, with a crew of twelve crashed into the side of the mountain during bad weather. Seven ot the twelve crew members were killed. Hear the stories of the survivors and visit the site.

This walk is suitable for people with a good level of fitness and used to walking in the hills.

 

Silver Hill – Lavagh Mor – Lavagh Beg. This walk is in the heart of the Bluestack Mountains. Silver hill is 600meters, Lavagh Mor 671meters and Lavagh Beg 650meters. From these hills one can see six counties. This is a circular walk coming back by the famous Gray Mare’s Tail. This walk is suitable for people with a good level of fitness and used to walking in the hills.

Browns Hill- Croaghanirwore – Croaghnageer. This walk is on the wast side of the Bluestack Mountains. Brown’s Hill is 498meters Croaghanirwore 548meters and Croaghnageer 571 meters. This is an A to B walk and coming back by Ashdoon Falls and the Monks path. It is said that the monks buried their treasure in these parts. This walk is suitable for people with a good level of fitness and used to walking in the hills.

The Lake Circuit. This walk starts on the Bluestack Way and moves into the hills. It is a pleasant circuit walking in the hills without too much height gain. Taking in the views and ambling around four lakes nestled in between the mountains. This is a track and hill walk and suitable for people with moderate level of fitness. This walk can be used as an introduction to hill walking.

Carnaween Mountain also known as the Magic Mountain. This mountain has many myths and legends attached to it .Carnaween is traditionally climbed on the first Sunday in June. At the foot of the mountain is Disert. According to tradition Mass was celebrated on the Disert alter in penal times. There is an ancient Graveyard and a Holy Well dating back to the times of St. Colmcille. (There is also a walk that circles Disert. It is about two miles in length and on track and open field going to the graveyard.) This walk is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness and used to walking in the hills. This walk can be lengthened for the more seasoned walker.

 

Lough Belshade know as the Jewel of the Bluestacks. A glacial lake surrounded by mountains and shrouded in myths and ancient stories. This walk takes the walker up the Monks path passing Ashdoon Falls and back along the Vault line on to the Bluestack Way. This walk is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness and used to walking in the hills.

Mountcharls. This walk is in a small seaside village situated 500ft above sea level, commanding spectacular panoramic views of Donegal bay. The village owes its origin to the Conyngham family who built it in the eighteenth century. The family’s main seat is in Slane, Co.Meath, but their titles include that of Lord Mountcharles. This is a charming seaside walk on road. It is steeped in history. This walk is suitable for people with a normal level of fitness.

 

Clougher Hill is on the east sid of the Bluestack mountains. A pleasant  hill walk with views of Donegal Bay, Lough Eske and the Bluestack Mountains. This is an easy track and hill walk and can be used as an introduction to hill walking. This walk is suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

 

Murvagh Beach and forest walk. This is approx two miles of beach and one mile forest. On this walk you will see and abundance of  sea birds and  while walking through the forest there is an abundance of flora. Spend an afternoon drinking in the splendour of Donegal Bay,then stroll through the forest. This walk is suitable for anyone with a normal level of fitness.