Guide 4: Slieve League Cliffs

Guide 4: Slieve League Cliffs

Location: Slieve League Cliffs, Co. Donegal in the northwest corner of Ireland, these towering sea cliffs are some of the highest in Europe! 601m at their highest - View Map

History: The cliffs take their name from the Irish word "sliabh" meaning mountain and lie in the Slieve League peninsula, an area that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Stone age forts and remnants of ancient settlements can be seen around the area and the cliffs were historically significant as a lookout point for early settlers and for defensive purposes due to their height and prowess of the Wild Atlantic Ocean. In more recent centuries, the waters below have been a prime spot for basking sharks.

Get there: About 50 km from Donegal Town. The best way to reach the cliffs is by car. If you're coming from Donegal Town, follow the N56 to Killybegs, and then take the R263 towards Carrick. From Carrick, you can follow the signs to the cliffs in the direction of Teelin village. View Directions

What to do: Park up in the car park here. From there you can start the walk to the viewpoint. The iconic scene (and where the Good Vibes Outside photo was taken) is at Bunglas Viewpoint which is about 1.7km from the car park. If you can't manage the walk up, there are taxi, shuttle and disabled cardholder options at the visitor centre. Once you get to the viewpoint, you'll see Slieve League straight ahead. If it's a decent day, turn back and look across the water and you'll get a view of Ireland's table top mountain, Benbulbin in Co. Sligo. 

Start hiking from Bunglas Viewpoint and take in the iconic you're surrounded by. From the viewpoint you can follow the cliffs for as long as you want and if you fancy it, you can get right to Pilgrams Path, another iconic hike, although it is a bit tricky and for the more experienced hiker. Check out more info here: Slieve League Cliffs Travel Guide.

As you'd expect, there is all sorts of wildlife around. Seabirds including puffins, razorbills, and kittiwakes but if you're lucky you might spot dolphins and seals in the waters below.

Other info: The weather is as unpredictable as always, but you'll have more chance in the summer months of good sunshine and clear skies. Make sure you pack for whatever it may throw at you though.

There are facilities in the villages nearby and in the visitor centre near the car park.

Rocky terrain and muddy paths can be dangerous, especially as you gain height, so always take care and don't venture off the trails.

Check out our friend Aishling taking in the incredible views from Bunglas Viewpoint.

Featuring Creator...

@aish_a_ling

Wearing...

Emerald Tides hood


Let us know what you think of this adventure guide & if you or anyone you know fancies getting involved in our Good Vibes Outside Series, please shout!

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