Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head
Some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Gaelic-speaking valleys, a mountain pass, Glenveagh National Park and the lighthouse at Fanad Head.
- Distance
- 191 km (119 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 38 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- June 25, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 191 km (119 mi) with 9 stops, from Donegal to Fanad Head lighthouse. About 2 h 38 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland · More road trips from Donegal
Route description
Donegal town has a castle on the river Eske and a busy central square. Follow the N56 and R263 west along Donegal Bay through Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port, to Teelin and the Slieve League cliffs. In summer the road to the upper viewpoint is often closed to cars, so walk or take the shuttle from the visitor centre.
Continue to Glencolumbkille, a remote Irish-speaking valley with a folk village and a sandy beach. The road north climbs to the Glengesh Pass, whose hairpins drop into a glacial valley, and on to Ardara, a small town known for its tweed.
The N56 follows the coast through the Rosses and Gweedore, with Errigal mountain rising inland. Detour to Glenveagh National Park, where a shuttle bus runs along Lough Veagh to the castle and its gardens.
Dunfanaghy is a good base on Sheephaven Bay; drive the narrow loop over Horn Head for its cliffs. End the trip on the Fanad peninsula, following the Atlantic Drive to Fanad Head lighthouse between two sea loughs. Roads are narrow and weather changes fast, so give yourself more days than the distances suggest.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Donegal
Ireland - 246 km
Slieve League cliffs
ViewsTeelin, IrelandSome of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, rising about 600 m from the Atlantic. From the visitor centre, walk or take the shuttle up to the Bunglass viewpoint.
- 312 km
Glencolumbkille
Ireland - 415 km
Glengesh Pass
ViewsArdara, IrelandA glacial valley crossed by a road of hairpin bends between Glencolumbkille and Ardara. Stop at the viewpoint at the top.
- 512 km
Ardara
Ireland - 654 km
Glenveagh Castle
HistoryChurchill, IrelandA 19th-century castle and gardens on Lough Veagh in Glenveagh National Park. Park at the visitor centre and walk or take the shuttle bus along the lake.
- 719 km
Dunfanaghy
Ireland - 84 km
Horn Head
ViewsDunfanaghy, IrelandA narrow loop road over a high headland north of Dunfanaghy, with sheer cliffs and seabirds. Not suited to large motorhomes.
- 929 km
Fanad Head lighthouse
ViewsFanad, IrelandA white lighthouse on the rocks between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The view from the road above is the classic photo.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Donegal → Slieve League cliffs · 46 km · 0 h 38 minOvernight nearby, for example: Derrylahan Hostel (4 km); Killybegs Holiday Park (15 km).
- Day 2: Slieve League cliffs → Glengesh Pass · 27 km · 0 h 22 minOn the way: Glencolumbkille.Overnight nearby, for example: Derrylahan Hostel (15 km); Killybegs Holiday Park (17 km).
- Day 3: Glengesh Pass → Glenveagh Castle · 66 km · 0 h 55 minOn the way: Ardara.Overnight nearby, for example: Wild Atlantic Camp (8 km); Maghroarty pier (18 km).
- Day 4: Glenveagh Castle → Dunfanaghy · 19 km · 0 h 16 minOvernight nearby, for example: Wild Atlantic Camp (8 km); Maghroarty pier (14 km).
- Day 5: Dunfanaghy → Fanad Head lighthouse · 33 km · 0 h 27 minOn the way: Horn Head.Overnight nearby, for example: Knockalla Caravan & Camping (10 km); Binnion Bay Caravan & Camping Facility (13 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head?
5-day road trip of about 191 km (119 mi) with 9 stops, from Donegal to Fanad Head lighthouse. About 2 h 38 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head?
We suggest 5 days: about 2 h 38 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head start and end?
It starts in Donegal and ends in Fanad Head lighthouse.
Which countries does Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head?
OpenStreetMap lists 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Lakeside Caravan & Camping, Derrylahan Hostel and Killybegs Holiday Park.
When is the best time for Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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