From coastal paths with sweeping Atlantic views to quiet woodland escapes, our CEO of Magee 1866 Rosy Temple shares a few of her favourite routes to explore across Donegal. These trails are perfect for clearing the mind, soaking in the scenery, and enjoying the natural beauty this county has to offer.
Whether you're after a gentle coastal stroll or a full day scaling mountain summits, Rosy highlights the best spots to stretch your legs, reconnect with nature, and discover why walking (and running) in Donegal is always a good idea.
Rosy says,
"Ever since I was a child, I have loved the hills of Donegal, from exploring the side roads on a bike to Dad taking me on hikes across the counties in all weathers with hot chocolate in a flask at the summit!"
It's this lifelong connection to the landscape that shapes Rosy three top picks, each offering something different, from easy coastal walks to more demanding mountain routes.
1. Muckross
"Muckross is great for a day trip, bringing swimming things & a picnic and a walk along the coast line, it's a great place to see big horizons out across the bay." - Rosy Temple
Ideal for those seeking a relaxed day out, Muckross combines coastal walking with the option to cool off in the water, making it a great choice for families or anyone wanting a slower-paced trail with rewarding views.
2. An Port
"The area around Port is one of my favourites with multiple options for hiking, depending on how energetic you are feeling! There is a lovely A to B hike from Glencolmcille, past the signal tower and along the dramatic cliffs to Port. You can then head on around from Port to Glenlough Valley which is both breathtaking and full of history from potin making to Dylan Thomas spending a summer in one of the remote cottages."
This route is a favourite for good reason. The Glencolmcille to Port trail delivers dramatic cliff scenery and a real sense of remoteness, while the extension to Glenlough Valley adds a layer of local history, from poitín-making traditions to its literary past as a retreat for Dylan Thomas. It's a trail that rewards both the legs and the imagination.
3. Glenveagh
"Heading inland, Glenveagh is a magical place surrounded by the wild Derryveagh Mountains. I usually start at the top of the bridal path and walk down a few kilometers to the Lake and Castle at Glenveagh. It's very beautiful and you can enjoy a pitstop at the tearooms and see the wonderful gardens too. Or you can head into the hills and explore the Poisoned Glen, Errigal and the summits of Seven Sisters and rack up plenty of metres!"
Glenveagh National Park offers something for every energy level. For a gentler outing, the walk down to Glenveagh Castle and its gardens makes for a beautiful, low-effort route with a well-earned stop at the tearooms. For those chasing bigger climbs, the surrounding Derryveagh Mountains, including the Poisoned Glen, Errigal, and the Seven Sisters ridge, offer some of Donegal's most rewarding high-altitude routes.
Why Donegal Is Made for Walking and Running
From family-friendly coastal strolls to demanding mountain summits, Donegal's trails offer a route for every mood and fitness level. Rosy's picks capture the range on offer, sweeping bay views at Muckross, dramatic clifftop history around An Port, and the wild grandeur of Glenveagh's mountains and gardens.
You can find a selection of hill-walking and outdoor clothing and accessories available at our Magee of Donegal store. Just call our team on (074) 972 2660 for more.