Discover Dungloe

Dungloe offers several ways to plan a stay: walking routes of very different lengths, the annual Arts Festival and a historic building. The routes described range from a 2.1 km section to a 65 km circular route.

Walking in Dungloe: from a riverside path to a circular route

The Dungloe River Walk section is 2.1 km long and includes the Dungloe River and Glenties Road. The Cope Mountain Walk is a purpose-built extension of the Dungloe River Walk and runs alongside the Cope Mountain area. It follows the shore of Dungloe Lake. The path also offers far-reaching views of the Thorr uplands in the southern parts of Gweedore. The description of this walk therefore combines a route along the shore with views of a more distant upland landscape.

For a longer hike, Slí na Rosann offers a different scale: the 65 km circular route starts and ends in Dungloe. It is rated moderate; the stated cumulative elevation gain is 770 m, with no significant climbs. These details add two more aspects of the route profile to its difficulty rating. Together with its length, they help distinguish Slí na Rosann from the 2.1 km Dungloe River Walk section when you are weighing up the scope of your hiking plans.

Local festival and history

The community-based Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival has been held annually in Dungloe since 1967. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates before arranging your stay. This lets you time your trip to coincide with the event dates rather than relying solely on the fact that it is held every year.

Another cultural point of interest is Ionad Teampall Chróine, a historic building officially known as St. Peter’s Church. It was built in 1853. The names Ionad Teampall Chróine and St. Peter’s Church refer to the same building; the construction date provides a specific historical reference point for Dungloe.

Planning information

The Dungloe Community Tourist Office provides information about things to do locally, as well as local and national attractions, activities and events. This means its guidance covers more than the walking routes and festival described here. If you are still deciding what you are interested in, these topics can help you choose a focus: route length for hiking plans, the festival for an event-based trip, or the historic building for a cultural touch. The Tourist Office’s information covers local and national offerings.

More to explore in County Donegal

The wider destination of County Donegal also offers distinct cultural and landscape experiences. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Guided tours tell the story of the castle, from the era of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. If you would like to take a tour, check availability before your trip.

Fanad Lighthouse is located between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay in County Donegal. The tour there lasts 45 minutes; check availability before your trip. At Glenveagh National Park and Castle, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and native oak woodlands meet a castle with its original interiors. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. These destinations add further historical and landscape themes to your exploration of County Donegal.

Discover more destinations: Downings, Dunfanaghy, Clonmany, Ballintra, Ballyliffin, Stranorlar, Gortiness, Glendowan

For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.