Wild, dramatic, magical, mystical, spiritual and breathtakingly beautiful – these words could have been invented to describe Slieve League.

Slieve League (Sliabh Liag), for us, has to be the crowning glory of the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s one of the top sightseeing and hiking spots in all of Ireland attracting in excess of 160,000 visitors each year. Reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by the most amazing, panoramic views of the Sligo mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and Donegal Bay.  

Not only will it seem like you’re on top of the world for reaching the summit, you’ll feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world as you breathe in the salty air whilst watching endless waves crashing in the Atlantic Ocean below you.

Read on for information about different ways to get to the summit, taking a boat trip and how to get to Slieve League. We’ll also be more than happy to share our experiences of these glorious sea cliffs when you come to stay with us.

Slieve League — the facts

• At 601m/1.972ft, Slieve League is up there among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
• Slieve League is believed to have been a place for pilgrimage even before Christianity came to Ireland.
• Look out for the remains of an early Christian monastery complete with chapel and emblematic beehive huts.
• Slieve League’s cliffs are nearly three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
• The cliffs are part of the International Appalachian Trail since they can be directly linked to rocks in Newfoundland in Canada.
• They were formed during the last Ice Age and have developed during the past 100,000 years or so.
• The best place to get a photo of these massive cliffs is from the Bunglas Viewpoint. If it’s not raining, you may get an incredible view of Ireland’s iconic table mountain Benbulbin too.

Slieve League Walk

Check in at the Slieve League Cliffs Centre for a weather report before starting your walk – you don’t want to get caught out by heavy rain, storms, high winds or snow.

Many people start from Bunglas Viewpoint and just follow the first leg of the path. If you’re feeling more adventurous you can keep climbing for a bit longer to enjoy a walk on the wild side alongside mountain sheep and swooping sea birds.  

Another way to enjoy the scenic views is by following in the footsteps of the pilgrims from yesteryear and walking the four kilometres of the Pilgrims’ Path, which begins at the foothills of Slieve League – a mix of track and rougher paths. It is narrow and steep in places and also rocky underfoot at times, so be sure to wear sturdy walking boots and bring hiking poles, or purchase a one of a kind wooden walking stick locally.

Be aware there are a few short climbs up to the plateaus but it’s worth making the effort to enjoy the far-reaching country views which reveal in all its glory, Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.

The Pilgrims’ Path connects with The One Man’s Pass so you could combine the two if you are an experienced and fit hiker.

Guided Tour options

We’d highly recommend you think about a guided tour as there are many real advantages. For a start you’ll be walking alongside an experienced hiker who knows the terrain and the local weather. And a guide will also be there to help you along the tougher stretches of the walk.

The Slieve League Cliffs Centre has daily guided tours during which you’ll learn about the history, heritage and local wildlife. The centre is run by the Mulhern family who love sharing their passion for this divine part of Ireland.

Walking Ireland has a great tour which includes transport from your accommodation to Slieve League followed by a guided walk along the Pilgrims’ Path. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to Bunglas Viewpoint to see the cliffs and view the famous Giant’s Table and Chair sitting in the Atlantic.

Slieve League Boat Trips & Atlantic Coastal Cruises

Another great way to view the magnificence of these majestic cliffs is to book a boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour. Your skipper, Paddy Byrne, will regale you with tales of local legends and you might even get a glimpse of a pod of dolphins or basking sharks during your trip.

If all the excitement of the high waves and soaring cliffs works up an appetite, we recommend a pit stop at The Fusion Food Truck, which you’ll see as you disembark the boat. Or head to the world-renowned Rusty Mackerel Pub on the way back to Atlantic Lodge for a spot of fresh seafood or a surf and turf meal.

During the warmer months, Atlantic Coastal Cruises offer cruises from Killybegs Harbour, with Killybegs Harbour tours, tours to Slieve League, and Donegal Bay Cruises all being available aboard their ‘Pirate Queen.’

There are a great selection of eateries to choose from in Killybegs. Including Melly’s Takeaway and Restaurant, which serves the best fish and chips around. For a spot of brunch, we recommend the seafood chowder from Mrs B’s on the Main Street or Ahoy Cafe Killybegs which overlooks the new marina. And if you are heading over to Killybegs for dinner, the Tara Hotel and Anderson’s Boathouse Restaurant both have a really special ambience with views of the harbour and the comings and goings of the fishermen.

Driving up to the Slieve League viewpoint

Even on the drive up to Slieve League viewpoint you’ll be mesmerised by the exceptional views – as long as you’re not driving of course! In fact, the route has been recognised as “one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives” by Donegal Airport’s Take Off Magazine.

Drive towards Carrick / An Charraig and then turn left when you get to Slieve League Lodge. Follow the signs for Bunglas. At Teelin village look out for The Rusty Mackerel pub and turn right.

You’ll come to the visitors centre and further along two car parks. We suggest parking in the second car park as you won’t have so far to walk then.

At the second car park, you’ll enjoy lofty and panoramic views over the Atlantic. It’s about a one-minute walk to the viewing point where you’ll see the Giant’s Chair and Table. It’s well worth spending another 15 minutes or so climbing up the mountain for the views.

Slieve League with dogs

Ireland is very dog friendly and Slieve League is no exception. Many people take their dogs to the viewing platform where they can sit and have a picnic while taking in the mesmerising view.

Always keep your dog on a leash as there are sheep around which could provoke an incident.

Obviously you are the best judge of your dog and will know if he will have the stamina for the climb or if he will get over-excited or boisterous which could put you and your four-legged friend in danger.

Slieve League Parking

As mentioned above, there are two car parks at Slieve League. From the lower car park, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the viewpoint while the upper car park is next to the viewing area.

Residents get free parking, although charges are being introduced for visitors for July and August of each year, with normal service resuming during the quieter seasons..

Safety at Slieve League

Coastal mountain routes can be dangerous. The terrain can be harsh for inexperienced walkers and the weather can change very quickly. 

Please exercise diligence when preparing for your visit to Slieve League. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and if you are planning to do the long hike into Malinbeg, you will need food, drink and essential safety gear.

If you have any mobility concerns or old injuries in your legs or feet, the climb may not be suitable for you, as the descent may exacerbate the situation.

We also advise that you do not venture off the beaten track, especially around dark as this can be highly dangerous. We recommend that you are back in your car or in the vicinity when it does get dark as the mist could set in and you could feel disorientated, at best.

How to get there from Atlantic Way Lodge

Our lovely Atlantic Way Lodge near the Gaeltacht Village of Kilcar is a scenic 20-minute drive from Slieve League.

Get on the R263 road to Carrick, where you take a left on to Teelin Road. After about 3kms, turn right and continue straight to the Slieve League car park by the viewing platform.

The Secret Waterfall

Hiding in the Slieve League peninsula is the Largy Waterfall. We know many people want it to stay a secret but we love to share all of Donegal’s charms.

The waterfall is in a cave so be sure to check the tide tables as it should only be visited at low tide.

Take care when you walk to the cave as you’ll be climbing over rocks which are often wet and slippery. However, it’s worth putting in the hard work to see this pretty little waterfall. It is marked on Google Maps but also look out for Cookey’s Coffee stop close to the entrance gate.