Slieve League Cliffs

The Slieve League Cliffs are seriously impressive! Towering high above the raging Atlantic Ocean, they are one of the highest sea-cliff faces in Europe. Their incredibly steep slope to the sea is perhaps even more scary than the Cliffs of Moher with its shear drop. But they are stunningly beautiful. To fully enjoy the Slieve League Cliffs experience it is best to leave your car at the car park and then walk the trail to the cliff. The views en route are quite wonderful.

As you near the terrifyingly high summit of Sliabh League there are terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains, and Donegal Bay. At its highest point the cliffs rise an extraordinary 600m above the ocean below. Do note however that only experienced walkers should venture beyond the viewing point onto the legendary “One Man’s Pass” which loops around the slope onto the “Pilgrim’s Path”.

For many, Slieve League is a sacred mountain, and it has been a site of Christian pilgrimage since the arrival of Christianity to Ireland, and indeed a site of pagan ritual even before that time.  And there are many stories about those ancient days too, such as the story of the monks who sailed Iceland, or the story of the eagle and the baby. To learn more about the folklore of Slieve League, visit the Slieve League Cliffs Centre which is all about local culture, food and craft, all served up with a real warm Donegal sense of humour.

During WW2 the Republic of Ireland, while essentially neutral, had agreements with the allies, one of which was “the Donegal corridor”. This was a free-fly zone for allied aircraft to fly from Enniskillen in Northern Ireland out over the Atlantic. The word Éire was placed in stone on headlands around Donegal, to act as navigation aid. Here on Sliabh League you can still see one today. Look out for another one on your way back down the road.

How to get to Slieve League

By bus and car. Bus Eireann, and several local carriers, provide daily services from Donegal to nearby Glencomumbkille. Alternatively take the N56 and R263 west from Donegal, via Killybegs, to Slieve League.

Where to stay near Slieve League

Slieve League has fine selection of places to stay nearby including hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Slieve League is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Rathlin O Beirne Island and Glencolumbcille if you are travelling north, and don't miss Teelin Harbour and Killybegs if you are travelling south.

Things to do in Slieve League

1. Join the folk at Tí Linn for a tour of Slieve League’s ancient sites. Donegal is renowned for the friendliness & hospitality of the people and Ti Linn’s team of tutors are no different. Small groups are normal with 10 – 15 people on average, larger groups (schools etc.) can be catered for. Contact Tí Linn at the Slieve League Cultural Centre.
2. Visit the Slieve League Cliffs Centre. The award winning Slieve League Cliffs Centre is a family affair run by husband and wife team Paddy and Siobhan Clarke. Paddy was a deep-sea fisherman for twenty years but now has a master’s in archaeology and Failte Ireland tour guide, heritage & Hiking guide. In between looking after coach tours and hiking groups, Paddy is the resident barista in the cafe Ti Linn. He makes one of the best cappuccinos in Ireland. Artist and chef Siobhan is the artisan baker serving up homemade scones, cakes, cookies and deserts. Her soups and sea food salads are special. With her eye for colours, Siobhan looks after the craft shop choosing Irish made knitwear, and crafts. You will find a difference here at Ti Linn craft shop. As members of Good Food Ireland Paddy and Siobhan keep high standards serving local sourced food at reasonable prices. In the summer, there are traditional music evenings with some well-known national players.