Bike Tour - Donegal From Cliffs to Coast

We begin our journey in the charming market town of Sligo, heading north to the sparkling Lough Eske in County Donegal. After a picturesque lakeside lunch, we embark on an afternoon bike ride through the pristine backcountry and farmlands of southern Donegal, with the magnificent Bluestack Mountains serving as our backdrop.

On the second day, we cycle off the beaten path, exploring the remote Banagh Peninsula overlooking southern Donegal's wild coasts. We start our day by descending the spectacular Glengesh Pass, one of Ireland's most scenic routes. The highlight of the day is our visit to the massive Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. We also stop to admire the beautiful Assaranca Waterfall before ending our day's ride in the charming village of Ardara, known for its famous tweed hand-weavers.

On day three, we cycle along the coast, accompanied by the sound of waves crashing on the rocky shores. We take a detour to explore the fascinating Kilclooney Dolmen, an ancient tomb older than the Pyramids of Giza. After a transfer to the northern stretch of Donegal, we have the opportunity to explore the spectacular Horn Head Peninsula, cycling through vast moors and desolate bogs, with stunning views of the sparkling Sheephaven Bay.

On the fourth day, we cycle through the desolate yet beautiful mountains and valleys of Glenveagh National Park. We visit the picturesque Glenveagh Castle, 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. We continue our ride through the majestic Derryveagh Mountains, following the foothills of Muckish Mountain via a narrow mountain pass.

On day five, we continue our journey north, cycling 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 pass the fortified stronghold of Doe Castle, enjoying brilliant panoramas of a little-travelled coastline of northern Donegal. Tonight, we relax at our accommodation overlooking the white sandy shores of Lough Swilly, another hidden gem of Donegal.

On the sixth day, we catch a small ferry across the dazzling Lough Swilly to the rugged Inishowen Peninsula. We follow the eastern shores of the fjord, biking the wild and remote roads of northern Donegal. Our trip culminates at Malin Head, the northernmost tip of Ireland, featured in Star Wars The Last Jedi. We ascend and descend the spectacular Mamore Gap before finishing our tour back along the shores of Lough Swilly for our final dinner together.

On the final day of our tour, we return to County Sligo, a region long 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 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 souvenir shopping, before we bid farewell to Ireland's wild and rugged northwest.