Clonmany: Coastal Paths, Mountains and Festival

Clonmany brings together a coastal walking trail, a striking mountain backdrop, active pursuits and an annual village festival. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Clonmany, you can choose your travel dates based on whether nature, activity or the festival will shape your stay.

Coastal path, mountains and waterfall

The Lenan Loop Walk runs mostly along a bog road by the coast and offers beautiful views across Lenan Bay. Four distinctive mountains tower over Clonmany. South of the village, a short walk along gravel paths through a wooded river valley leads to Glenevin Waterfall; there are picnic areas along the route. This gives you a choice of natural scenery, from coastal views to woodland and streams.

Activities in Clonmany

The Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre in Clonmany offers coastal hiking and kayaking. Horse rides along a Heritage Trail are also available. There are several ways to get active: on foot along the coast, on horseback along the Heritage Trail or by kayak. Check current booking and operating conditions directly with the provider.

The annual Clonmany Festival

The Clonmany Festival is an annual week-long event in the village. The daytime programme includes cycling competitions, animal shows, treasure hunts and talent competitions; open-air concerts are held every evening. The combination of daytime events and evening concerts makes the festival a special reason to plan a trip. Check the event dates before deciding when to travel.

County Donegal as the wider setting

Cultural sites in the wider destination of County Donegal offer more themes to consider when planning a trip. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Guided tours trace its history from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long years as a ruin to its recent restoration. Illustrated treasure hunts are available for children; check whether a tour is available before your trip.

Doe Castle is a medieval stronghold of the MacSweeneys. At Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, the oldest surviving building is 400 years old; visitors can see one of Ireland’s largest waterwheels in operation there. These places offer different points of interest: castle history and a preserved building with its waterwheel.

The coastal destinations of County Donegal also offer different perspectives. Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland; a circular route follows the coast to Banba’s Crown. On the southwest coast of County Donegal, visitors can hike to the cliffs of Sliabh Liag (Slieve League). A seasonal boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour reaches the base of the sea cliffs; check whether it is operating during your travel dates.

At Fanad Lighthouse, between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, the guided tour lasts 45 minutes. The virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha” is also available there. Check whether the experience is available before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Muff, Kindrohid, Dungloe, Convoy, Darney, Kincasslagh, Downings, Burt.

For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.