Walk overview
Slieve League Coastal Walk
Slieve League (Sliabh Liag — Mountain of Flagstones) rises from the Atlantic off the south Donegal coast to reach 595 metres at its highest point — the tallest sea cliffs accessible on foot in Ireland, and among the highest in Europe. They are three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher and receive a small fraction of the visitors. There is no entry fee. The nearest town is Carrick, population 400. The comparison with the Cliffs of Moher is inevitable, but Slieve League is a different experience in almost every way. The Moher cliffs are a wall of rock facing the sea on a relatively flat plateau. Slieve League is a mountain that falls directly into the Atlantic — the drama is not just the cliff face but the full mountain experience, with summit ridge walking and the terrifying perspective of the One Man's Pass. One Man's Pass is the narrowest section of the summit ridge — a rocky arête where the path narrows to less than a metre with a sheer drop on the seaward side and a very steep grassy slope on the inland side. It does not require technical climbing, but it does require a calm head and steady footing. In wind, it becomes significantly more challenging. Many walkers choose to turn back at the Pass rather than continue — this is a perfectly reasonable decision.
Route guide
Step-by-step route
Start: Bunglass Car Park, Carrick
Bunglass Car Park to Amharc Mór viewpoint
From the Bunglass car park (the main Slieve League car park), take the path that climbs to the Amharc Mór (Great View) viewpoint. The view here is already outstanding — the full cliff face is visible, including the coloured bands of quartzite, schist and sandstone in the cliff geology. Many visitors stop here and go no further. The car park itself, confusingly, often has a sign saying it's at 'Slieve League Cliffs' — you are looking at the cliffs, not on them.
Amharc Mór to the Eagle's Nest
Continuing on the path above the cliffs, you'll pass the Eagle's Nest — a prominent rock promontory above the main cliff face. At 450m the views across to Donegal Bay and north to the Donegal highlands become extraordinary. The path here is good and well-defined but steep in places. The sound of the sea 400m below can be heard on quiet days.
Eagle's Nest to One Man's Pass
The ridge narrows as you approach One Man's Pass. The approach gives you a clear view of what's ahead — the path narrows to a sharp ridge between the Atlantic drop and the inland slope. Take your time assessing conditions before committing. If there is significant wind, strong gusts are possible at this point. The Pass itself is approximately 100 metres long — walk it steadily, one step at a time, staying on the crest.
One Man's Pass to Slieve League Summit
From the top of One Man's Pass, the path continues to the summit of Slieve League (595m). The summit cairn gives 360-degree views: south to Sligo Bay and Benbulben, north to Errigal and the Donegal highlands, east across the county, and west to the open Atlantic. On exceptionally clear days, the mountains of Scotland are visible.
Descent
Descend by the same route, reversing One Man's Pass (facing inward is easier for some people on the descent). An alternative descent avoiding the Pass goes directly down the inland slope from below the Pass via a steep but safe path to the Bunglass car park — ask locally for directions. This avoids re-crossing the Pass if conditions have deteriorated.
What to bring
Essential gear
Getting there
Transport & parking
From Donegal Town, take the N56 west to Killybegs (30km, 30 min), then R263 to Carrick (15km). From Carrick follow signs to Teelin and then Bunglass — the road to the car park is narrow and steep. Limited bus service to Carrick from Donegal Town (Bus Éireann, not daily). No public transport to Bunglass itself — you need a car, taxi or bicycle from Carrick. Killybegs has taxis. The nearest accommodation is in Killybegs or Donegal Town.
When to go
Best time to walk
Safety
Safety & conditions
After the walk
Food & drink nearby
The options near Slieve League are limited. The Gateway Bar in Carrick is the nearest pub with food. Killybegs (30km) has several restaurants and is worth the drive back for an excellent fish supper. Donegal Town (40km) has the best restaurant selection in the county.
Questions answered
About Slieve League Coastal Walk
How does Slieve League compare to the Cliffs of Moher?
Is One Man's Pass dangerous?
How do I get to Slieve League without a car?
Can I see puffins at Slieve League?
Where to stay near Slieve League?
More walks
Other Donegal walks
Sustainable & green accommodation: IMPT lists eco-friendly hotels, green-certified stays, sustainable guesthouses, and responsible travel options — from carbon-neutral hotels and eco lodges to environmentally friendly B&Bs and net-zero accommodation. Every booking removes 1 tonne of verified CO₂ at the lowest price guarantee — same as Booking.com or better.