Viewpoints in Donegal
Ocean, mountains, bays, islands, coastlines, bogs, lakes, forests and rivers combine to give the North West a wild and unspoilt beauty that leaves a lasting impression on visitors who make the journey.
Slieve League
At 601 metres, it has some of the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland and not to be missed when visiting Donegal.
Mullaghmore Head
On the northern side of Mullaghmore: Sweeping views across Donegal Bay to Slieve League, St. John’s Point and the Bluestack Mountains while huge waves break on the shoreline. The view to the south is dominated by monolithic Ben Bulben as the backdrop to Classiebawn Castle.
Mountain View above Rossinver
Take a sharp left on the road from Rossinver to Kinlough. Bird’s eye view of Lough Melvin, Lower Lough Erne and the Bluestack Mountains on the northern horizon.
Smuggler’s Creek Inn
Panoramic view of Rossnowlagh Beach, Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains. The sunsets from here in summer time can be amazing.
Cliffs of Magho
On the road from Belleek to Enniskillen: Watch out for car park on the right. A forest track and steps lead up through the wooded cliffs. Commanding views to the top of Lower Lough Erne and islands, Donegal Bay and Kings Mountain to the west and south Donegal looking north.
Blue Haven Hotel
Just past this landmark hotel is a car park on the left with information boards. Magnificent views across Donegal Bay on a fine day to the Leitrim Mountains and monolithic shape of Ben Bulben in County Sligo.
Bunglass – Slieve League
Follow the flagstone path up the hillside from the top car park at Slieve League and if the weather is fine, you will be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the sea cliffs, Raithln O’Beirne island, Ben Bulben Mountain, and on a clear day, Nephin Mountain in County Mayo.
Glengesh
Watch out for a car park on your left as you approach Glengesh Pass from the Glencolmcille or Carrick side. The picnic area offers magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding mountains.
Loughanure
Sweeping view of blanket bogs where people still harvest their turf fuel, Lough Anure and its rocky islands, Slieve Sneacht and the Donegal Highlands.
Horn Head
Panoramic view of the rugged and windswept north Donegal coastline and Tory Island in the midst of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
Fanad Head
Fine views of stunning Fanad Lighthouse, perched on its rocky headland, and across the mouth of Lough Swilly to the rugged coastline of Inishowen and Malin Head.
Malin Head
Spectacular views from Malin Head and nearby Banba’s Crown, 16km north of Malin village. The rugged seascape, dramatic peninsulas, raised beaches and cliffs provide a memorable panorama of great beauty.
Greencastle
Watch out for a car park to your left on the ‘Inishown 100’ mountain pass route between Kinnagoe Bay and Greencastle. The viewing point offers a panoramic view of Lough Foyle, distinctive Binevenagh table top mountain in County Londonderry, Coleraine and the black basalt coastline of North Antrim.
Carrick-a-Rede
The rocky island is still reached by a traditional style rope bridge, which crosses a 24m deep and 18m wide chasm. The views from Carrick-a-Rede Island are stunning looking over to Rathlin Island, while the Scottish isles of Islay and Jura are visible on a fine day. Towering black basalt cliffs stretch along the coastline looking east.