Day 1: Arrival to Donegal Town
Depending on your time of arrival, you might like to explore the town or go for a short cycle. Donegal Town is steeped in history, with its imposing castle and ruined abbey. It also has a great selection of lively pubs and cafés.
Overnight in Donegal.
Day 2: Donegal – Killybegs (24 miles/39 km)
Cycle west along Donegal Bay. The smell of the sea will soon be all around, as you pass quiet bays and inlets. Cycle along the narrow Peninsula of St John’s Point, where you will have the Atlantic Ocean on both your left and right. View the remains of Rahan Castle and the Killaghtee Cross. Continue to your overnight destination in the bustling fishing village of Killybegs.
Overnight in Killybegs.
Day 3: Killybegs – Glencolmcille (29 miles/47 km)
Your bike tour now takes you west from Killybegs. Here the scenery becomes ever more dramatic. Towering cliffs, golden sandy beaches and rocky headlands create a magnificent panorama. Visit the cliffs at Slieve League – one of Ireland’s greatest attractions. In the evening make your way to the valley of Glencolmcille. Ancient history, the thriving Gaelic culture, vibrant traditional music and the wonderful natural beauty form a truly unique location for your overnight stop.
Overnight in Glencolmcille.
Day 4: Glencolmcille – Glenties (25 miles/40 km)
Today the remoteness of the landscape dominates. You can visit the deserted fishing hamlet of Port before continuing cycling through one of the most sparsely populated areas in Ireland. Descend through dramatic Granny Valley to Maghera where a pristine beach, a series of caves, and dramatic Assarancagh Waterfall await. Cycle on to the heritage town of Ardara. Your overnight stop is in the pretty village of Glenties.
Overnight in Glenties.
Day 5: Glenties – Portnoo – Rossbeg – Glenties (0-33 miles/0-52 km)
You can choose how much or how little cycling to do today – depending on your mood. The stunning area west of Glenties around the villages of Portnoo and Rossbeg is just waiting to be explored. Here you can also visit mystical Doon Lough Fort and the late stone age dolmen at Kilclooney. Alternatively you can simply relax.
Overnight in Glenties.
Day 6: Glenties – Annagry (29 miles/46 km)
The early part of today’s cycle allows you to experience the unique splendor of Ireland’s blanket bogs. Heathers, mosses, lichens and rough grasses create an artist’s dream landscape. Further on you have the chance to visit one of the many inhabited islands off the Donegal Coast. Arranmore is a 20 minute ferry trip from Burtonport. The trip itself makes the journey worthwhile. Spend some time exploring the island before making your way back to the mainland. Cycle through the unique lake and boglands typical of this area to your overnight destination in the seaside village of Annagry.
Overnight in Annagry.
Day 7: Annagry – Letterkenny (30 miles/48 km)
The unique beauty of the Donegal Highlands is all around during today’s cycle. Pass beneath the peak of majestic Mount Errigal. Further along is the hauntingly beautiful Poisoned Glen. Your cycling tour then takes you to Glenveagh National Park. Red deer and golden eagles live here, among the pristine lakes and mountains. Follow the paths through the park to the shore of Lough Gartan. Spend the night in the lush farming area around Churchill/Letterkenny.
Overnight in Churchill/Letterkenny.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast it is time to leave your cycling holiday behind. Bring with you your memories of a tour around one of the most beautiful and friendly regions in the world.
