I have researched the Slieve League trails/cliffs on various websites and I’m not finding the answer I seek. I’m really looking for an eyewitness account of this place. We’re trying to decide if we should remove Slieve League Peninsula from our Co. Donegal itinerary. We’ll be spending 5 or 6 days in Co. Donegal in early May and we definitely plan to see Glenveagh Nat’l. Park.

So back to the area in question… Is it possible to see magnificent sights on the Slieve League Peninsula without having to navigate the treacherous “one man’s pass” on foot (or I’ve even read you can belly-slide across)? I’ve read that the Bunglass Cliffs offer a less harrowing experience.

If we are not planning to climb the Slieve League Mountain/sea cliffs or scramble over to Bunglass cliffs, is it even worth stopping here? Has anyone ever enjoyed this area on foot without climbing to the edges of the cliffs?

We are in our mid-30s. We like to take long walks for several miles and do some moderate hiking on marked trails, but we are by no means mountain climbers willing to navigate slippery cliff sides in the mist. Since my travel books only highlight the extreme dangers of this area, I have no idea what to expect otherwise. One time we peered off the Cliffs of Moher, but I have a feeling that is no comparison to the Slieve League Cliffs. Co.Donegal seems to have many wonderful nature/beach walks so would it be in our best interest to enjoy those instead of stressing over this Slieve League area?

p.s. I have also read the other threads on this site concerning the treacherous driving conditions of both Slieve League Road and Glengesh Pass. Thanks for the warnings.

I found Slieve league to be absolutley stunning. I parked an walked the few miles in, be forewarned an Irish mile is longer than a U.S mile. It wasn't just the Cliffs themselves, but the scenery which you see as you progress towards them. There is the Watchtower at Carrigan Head on return, and, as well, the ruins of a church and hermitages. The view of Donegal Bay is breathtaking, as well. I didn't take the One Man's Path, as I use a cane when I am on long walks. If you love to watch seabirds, this is one of the best places in Donegal, IMHO, as they have puffins and choughs nesting there.

You might also consider taking one of the Sightseeing boat trips along the Slieve League cliffs with Nuala Star Teelin. This gives you an entirely different perspective of the Cliffs.

Hands down, I found the Slieve League Cliffs to be more enthralling than the Cliffs of Moher. Is it possible to see the sights without risking life and limb? Absolutely!

Enjoy your adventure,

Bit

I drove up to the top on my second visit. It is only a little bit scary to do that,at least on a good day. The first time I visited I walked up from the car park without any difficulty and it was in no way dangerous.Visit the site on a clear day to get a good view of the cliffs and across the bay. I went only about a hundred yards from the upper car park. Any further would have become scary. It was well worth visiting in my opinion,as was the Glenveagh National Park.

We did not go up to the "one man's pass" (for some reason I remember it as "one sheep pass&quot for two reasons -- I was six months pregnant, and the weather was a bit misty. But even without navigating that trail the scenery was impressive. We loved the whole area. Have a great trip!

Definitely worth the trip. You can drive to the car park near the top which can be a bit frightening, (Bunglass Cliffs) but I've done it twice. There is a short walk from there that takes you to the top of a hill which affords stunning views in multiple directions. The best view of the cliffs is about halfway up that trail. You needn't take the one man pass trail to enjoy.

Bill

The views on foot from either of the car parks - half way up and at the top - are magnificent. There is no need to leave the tarmac. How hard you find the drive does depend on your nature; I find as I grow older heights bother me more and I would now not choose to drive the second half...It was a quiet day when I did it and I did not meet any car that was coming down..Very steep and narrow and no real barriers between the road and the edge..NB There is an excellent coffee shop at the bottom where those who have to turn back can restore themselves..home baking and they used to live in New York. Worth trying and you can always turn back at the half way car park, or, if you are fit enough, walk up from there in perfect safety and with the truly awesome views....Nothing venture, nothing gained.

PS I never heard of the belly sliding thing and we live only a few miles from Slieve League.. We have spoken to those who have walked the One Man pass, but that is choice and is off the main road there. You can see the trail clearly. Yesterday I talked with a couple at Silver Strand ( beyond Glencolumcille) who were about to walk the mountain trails over to Slieve League... that is their hobby and they were well equipped and experienced walkers. Simply seeing the views is enough for most of us and this can we done from car or roadside/ car park. Be assured; no slippery cliff sides await you unless you actually choose that option. The road up is a work of art as is the car park at the very top. enjoy......

Thank you all for your helpful advice. We are now looking forward to our trip to Slieve League. We appreciate all your eyewitness accounts. You all have cleared things up for us.

Jayro -
We also drove up to the higher parking lot (didn't park at the advised car park) then hiked a mile or so up the trail. It was really windy so we turned around but that first mile or so was fine for my husband, our 12 year old and me. There are stairs in the rocks and then it flattens out. You can look down the cliffs at various spots and if it's clear enough, you can see quite far.

We also hiked the top of Mt. Erigal (near Glenveagh) and that was a fun hike. Boggy for the first stretch and you sort of jump from grass clump to grass clump but the views were amazing and it was well worth it.

The Lonely Planet book 'Walking in Ireland' is quite helpful.

We drove Glengesh pass several times and find it to be stunning. The only time the road made us nervous was when we saw another driver (visibly a frightened tourist) headed towards us, middle of the road, white knuckles with her eyes closed. Closed! It was a bit shocking.

lol! The closed eyes I mean... The first time I drove Glengesh ...the bends appear so unexpectedly.. There was a tour bus coming down towards me, so I had to dive into the "hard" shoulder" which is loose gravel.. and had great difficulty persuading my small car - which stalled - to take the gradient from scratch. In my old age I am less able to cope with these things.... But the view at the top is spectacular indeed, and the picnic and viewing area womderful. Now it is part of my local roads, which I tend to avoid, mainly because the back lanes are slower. Wherever you drive in this part of Donegal, the scenery is breathtaking.

Absolutely include Slieve League and Mt. Errigal, and if you can include a walk around Sheeps Head this walk is the best for sea views, and experiencing wild Ireland. These 3 activities were highlights of our 10 days in Donegal County and six years later standout as wonderful travel memories. Also, I agree with the post that Slieve League is better than Cliffs of Moher.

As to driving to Slieve League, stop driving when you are uncomfortable and walk, stop walking when you become uncomfortable but GO and enjoy. We walked Mt. Errigal on a very windy, misty day, I am NOT a big fan of hiking or climbing, but I kept going and was glad for it. And yes, it is quite boggy at the base of the hike, thus be careful or one wears the bog for the remainder of the day....