The Sliabh Liag Cliffs are located to the south-west of County Donegal. No trip here is complete without seeing these awe-inspiring cliffs, considered to be one of the highest in Europe and a fine example of a marine environment. The best way to absorb all the area has to offer is to leave the car behind, walk to the cliffs and truly appreciate the stunning scenery here.
You’ll discover incredible views across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the mountains of Sligo and Donegal Bay as you climb towards the dizzying heights of Sliabh Liag, where the cliff face rises over 600m above the crashing ocean. The part of the walk called One Man’s Pass should only be undertaken by experienced walkers or those accompanied by a guide.
The mountain here has great religious significance. For over one thousand years, pilgrims flocked here and there is plenty of evidence that the cliffs were sacred even before Christianity arrived. It’s important to remain respectful of this when visiting, as tourists should be wherever they are visiting across the world.
There is a great deal of fascinating history to learn about Sliabh Liag. Thankfully, to tell you about these wonderful cliffs, you’ll find the Sliabh Liag Cultural Centre, an award-winning centre with a wealth of information about local culture, food and crafts served with a world-renowned Irish warm welcome from Donegal and a playful sense of humour. Travel to Donegal with Irish Airports such as https://irelandwestairport.com/
Quench your thirst with a visit to Ti Linn, a coffee shop, craft gallery and tourist information centre that gives great information on hill walks and archeological tours, for example. Remember to bring your camera as the Sliabh Liag area offers some of the most amazing views in Ireland.
One of the most popular walks is known as the Pilgrims Path, a stunning 4 km route to the Sliabh Liag plateau. It follows the ancient road to the valley located between Mount Leargadachtan and the sea cliffs in Shanbally, overlooking the small fishing village of Teelin in Southwest Donegal.
What to expect on the walk
As you follow the road from the Ballymore car park, upon turning the corner you’ll be met by a far-reaching horseshoe valley in front of you. Rounding the valley below, you’ll start to ascend, revealing incredible views as far as the harbor of the Wild Atlantic Way and the counties of Mayo and Sligo. Another corner takes you to a waterfall. This is as far as you can travel with the wide walking lane. Non-experienced walkers or those without a guide should only travel this far.
As you pass the waterfall, the path narrows into little more than a rough trail and the climb gets tough here, taking you up to over 500m above sea level. On reaching the first plateau, you’ll be greeted with incredible views of the Glencolmcille valley and Lough Agh. Further along are the remains of a chapel and as you continue along to the next plateau, you can anticipate breath-taking panoramic views across no less than seven districts!