Discover Falcarragh: Coastal Walks and Music
Accommodation in Falcarragh
When looking for a hotel in Falcarragh, you can start by planning your trip around the activities you have in mind: coastal walks, guided tours or traditional music could be the focus. The local trails differ in both length and route. County Donegal also offers other distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.
Walking on the Coast and Along a Former Railway Line
The Ballyness Way is a coastal walking trail on the Wild Atlantic Way in Falcarragh. It is about 4 to 4.5 kilometres long and runs from Ballyness Pier to the car park at Drumnatinney Beach. The entire route follows the coast, is level and is suitable for all ages. Ballyness is designated an area of European importance and is protected as a Special Area of Conservation.
A six-kilometre section of the Burtonport Railway Walk runs from Creeslough to Falcarragh along Muckish Mountain. The route follows an old railway line and passes Lough Agher. This section has a gradual ascent, is mostly level and descends towards Falcarragh. At six kilometres, it is longer than the Ballyness Way, which is about 4 to 4.5 kilometres long. The routes therefore differ not only in length: this route follows a former railway line and passes named landscape features, while the other stays close to the coast throughout.
Guided Walks and Music
Walking Donegal offers guided walks in Falcarragh for individuals and groups. Guide Seamus was trained by Mountaineering Ireland. His interests include the local history of the walking areas and the wildflowers found there seasonally. The flowers thus provide a seasonal natural feature alongside the routes described.
FĂ©ile na Sean Bheairice is held every year as a festival of sean-nĂłs singing, dance and traditional music. If you plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance. This allows you to include the cultural event in your travel plans alongside the walks.
More Things to Explore in County Donegal
The wider destination of County Donegal offers further cultural and scenic attractions. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of TĂr Conaill. Guided tours cover its history, from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. Illustrated treasure hunts are available there for children. Check the availability of the tour before your trip. Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland; a loop walk follows the coast there to Banba’s Crown.
In Glenveagh National Park and Castle, the landscape includes mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and native oak forests, as well as a castle with original interiors. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. Fanad Lighthouse lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The guided tour there lasts 45 minutes; check its availability before your trip. The lighthouse also offers the virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha”. Check its availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Milford, Figary, Ballybofey, Gortiness, Kindrohid, Kilcar, Dunlewey, Lettermacaward
For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.
