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Slieve League

Slieve League

Slieve League
5
About
Don't miss your opportunity to visit one of Ireland's best kept secrets and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Located in south west Donegal along this magnificent costal driving route are Ireland's highest Sea Cliffs, Sliabh Liag. A visit to the cliffs and the surrounding region is a must on your Wild Atlantic Way adventure. Experience the local culture, heritage and people of Donegal against the backdrop of our spectacular and rugged coastline.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Asta365
    Kent, Texas598 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Literal And Figurative High Point Of My Trip to NW Ireland!
    Fabulous site to visit, it is impossible to over exaggerate the beauty of Slieve League! I will add only a few comments. I hiked from the parking lot at the entrance. As this was an off peak period, the gatekeeper was allowing people to drive on up to the vista point. The hike to the vista point was not overly strenuous, but I like to walk and felt like I needed to “earn” my view. Once at the vista point, I hiked upward and onward for another hour. Though it was not an especially taxing hike, those going beyond the vista point should wear hiking boots or shoes to have solid purchase and ankle protection. I was on my own, so at a certain point I turned back due to very high winds, fog, and intermittent rain. Nothing I encountered would be challenging for experienced hikers or hill walkers. Walking back down to the parking lot,I was able to spot the watch tower from the Napoleonic period, it’s tucked in below a cliff. I also spotted the stones spelling out “EIRE” that were put in place during WWII to ward off foreign military aircraft entering into Irish airspace. That said, for military history buffs, both sights are of interest and warranted follow-up reading especially about the sun-rosa agreement for the Donegal air corridor. Though a technical violation of Eire neutrality, the corridor allowed the UK to base anti-submarine aircraft on the lake near Beleek with overflight of 6 miles across Eire and then into the Atlantic for combat missions.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 22 October 2023
  • Anuj_Mithani
    Mumbai, India4,702 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sweeping views
    Almost 2000 ft high, Slieve League is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. It's a dramatic sight from the viewpoint. where you can also see across Donegal Bay on a clear day. There is a paid parking lot, where you can leave your car and walk the rest of the way (though gates were open when we reached very early, so we could drive all the way to the top). It was quiet and peaceful, with just some sheep for company.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 November 2023
  • Andrew D'Amato
    Davenport, Florida139 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Return to Beautiful Donegal Cliffs
    I had been to Sliabh Liag some years ago as part of a trip. Here, I was able to see them again, if briefly. As I remembered it, these were some of the most beautiful views of the sea in Ireland, and even on a cloudier day, these were incredible cliffs. The view of the clouds passing onto the land was a rather interesting sight, as was the view of the ocean. Sure, it was very windy and a bit rainy that day (which accounts for the short visit), but it was worth seeing the cliffs again. I will have to visit again on a clearer day, though.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 25 January 2024
  • Annmarie
    Arlington, Virginia447 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    We parked at the visitor center and took the bus up and back. The lower parking lot was completely full when we arrived on a sunny afternoon, so we were glad we went to the visitor center - and caught the bus within 5 minutes of arriving. It's beautiful up there and there are additional walks/hikes you can do if you're interested. If it's cold/windy/raining, it's still worth the bus ride up and back at the very least!
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 April 2024
  • Hawaii_traveler200
    Franklin, Massachusetts153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best views in Ireland
    We had heard these cliffs were even more beautiful than the Cliffs of Moher and we weren’t disappointed. As you arrive at the bottom, there are 2 buildings - the closest one to you is where you park and buy bus tickets, and the next building is the cafe and store which is newish and has great items. Easiest for us was to buy a bus ticket (leaves every 1/2 hour or so both ways) for the 10 minute ride up to the cliffs. You can also drive to the ranger station, but it’s up a narrow road, there isn’t a ton of parking when you get there, and you still have to walk up to the cliffs. The bus seemed like the best option. Also, the drive to get there through Donegal County is really interesting including through Kellybegs, a major fishing port.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 June 2024
  • Eaglet64
    Isle of Man, United Kingdom1,092 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great views but can be very windy!
    We went on a dry but very windy day. We parked as high up as we can go and then took the bus up. It was 5 euros each and worth every cent, it is a lot further up to the viewpoint than you think and walking up there on a windy day would have been very hard. When you get to the top there is a short path to the viewpoint and a couple of steps to get to the best view. We had a friend with mobility issues and the strong winds meant it was difficult for her and she didn’t make it all the way to the viewpoint. Some benches in the area where you wait for the bus would have been good as she had to perch on a rock, not ideal! The bus driver on the way back was superb as his Dad had mobility issues so he was used to helping him and he helped my friend to get off the bus as the 4 steps into the bus were quite steep.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 July 2024
  • Suzanne1308
    Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful doesn't cut it
    Beautiful location. So worth a visit whether you walk or take the bus. We parked at the visitor centre and paid the €20 for the fare. The bus takes you right up to the viewing area and wow. Honestly stunning. Few vending vans there selling coffees, ice cream and tourist merch. You can choose whether to climb higher up the cliffs or just stop at that level. You definitely will not be disappointed if you head here.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 July 2024
  • Hannah B
    Dublin, Ireland16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic experience for our whole family
    We had a fabulous trip with the kids 7 & 9. We parked at the visitor centre and weren't waiting long for a bus to collect us and bring us up the steep drive to the viewing platform. The driver had some lovely tidbits to share on the drive and brought us to within a minutes walk of the viewing platform. It was the perfect spot for us to hike up higher with the kids for even more stunning views as they wouldn't have managed the walk up from the Ranger station and then the steep climb up without a lot of whining which would have affected our enjoyment of the day. We were only waiting 10 mins on a bus back down. The visitor centre has a fab café, reasonably priced giftshop and toilet facilities. This took us 2/3 hours in total and was money very well spent.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 July 2024
  • DJKJO
    Greater London, United Kingdom301 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Slieve League cliffs on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal
    The Slieve Liag Cliffs, are a staggering height reaching up to 601 meters and they stand as one of Europe's tallest sea cliffs, nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher! It takes roughly 30 minutes to walk from the Car Park up to the cliffs… they’re also buses running up and down the said route! Whichever way you decide to journey up, you’ll be greeted with a fantastic sight once there! + they’re refreshments served at the top from a little coffee/ice cream stand, gifts and a woollen wears stand. Definitely worth a visit!
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 August 2024
  • MadamJosephine
    Melbourne, Australia1,368 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely views, take the bus.
    We are walkers, the car park was full at the walk entrance, so we returned to the Visitors Centre car park where the regular every 20 minute bus service, (7E's per person return) takes you to the top of the Cliff viewing area. Great commentary by the drivers both on the way up and on the return. We had a delicious Lobster roll to share, about 16E's, expensive but absolutely delicious. There's a coffee / hot chocolate van as well as Zero alcohol beer on sale. We came, we saw, we ate and were back in the Visitors Centre in less than an hour.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 August 2024
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5.0
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185
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3

Bryan Mc
Dublin, Ireland18 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
The cliffs are 5 star but the manner in which the community has commercialised the amenity is very disappointing. Rip off Ireland is alive and well.

We travelled to Slieve League on Easter Saturday as two families. 5 adults (one grandparent) and 6 kids (4 - 15)

When we arrived, we passed by the visitor / cultural centre which is approximately 1.5km before you reach the Slieve League car park. There was no sign or indication that the car parks were full. When we reached the car parks we were told that they were completely full and that our only option was to go back down to the visitor / cultural centre and get a bus back up.

The roads are marked with double yellow lines so that there is no parking anywhere between the Slieve League car park and the visitors / cultural centre although we did see some people risk parking on the double yellows.

Unable to avail of €5 parking for the two hours, we investigated the bus option. A family pass for the bus up and back is €20. €40 lighter we got the coach up. We were disappointed by this cost which we think is excessive. I tried to give feedback that some communication between the car parks and the visitor / cultural centre is necessary, particularly when full but it fell on deaf ears.

The cliffs are beautiful and the views dramatic but unfortunately the commercialisation of the amenity and the over priced and unhelpful nature of the staff leaves a bad aftertaste.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mags
141 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
Even on a rainy day, the mist creeping around Slieve League is just magical. While it was a wet day, we had so much fun along the way, it is a bit steep first but so much easier on the way down. We often ventured off the path to soak up some of the breath taking views en route . Such a refreshing experience. We did get a break in the weather, thankfully, creating beautiful backdrops for photos. We went to the Rusty Mackeral afterwards to warm up and dry off with chowder, it wascexactly what we needed.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

niajam
Kilkenny47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
We were blown away by the views. The walk up from the car park is quite steep in parts but I believe they do allow cars to drive further up for people with disabilities. The walk took us just over an hour up and down but it was so worth it. You can go to the museum which is before the actual cliffs and get a tour bus up if you don't want to walk but honestly the walk was just fabulous and you really get the best views by walking. The day we went up the weather was great as there was a mist coming down the cliffs but we were still in awe of the scenery and it did not take from the views in anyway.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicholas K
Virginia Beach, VA183 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Friends
It’s been about a week since I visited Slieve League and I’m still thinking about how absolutely beautiful it was. I arrived before 9am on a Wednesday and I was the only person there. To have these massive cliffs and landscape to myself was lifelong memory-forming. If you are allowed to drive up to the top car park/parking lot, avoid doing so. The walk from the lower lot is an incredible one you should not pass up.
Written 3 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael G
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Amazing views and one of my favourite parts of my trip there. Bus from the visitors centre is worth the money as its takes you near the top and the drivers are full of knowledge so give you a tour guide along the way. Patrick was very entertaining.
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jessicafarry
Sligo, Ireland157 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Couples
It’s amazing to think about how little attention Slieve League gets compared with the likes of the Cliffs of Moher. An absolutely beautiful attraction. You can just do a little walk to look at the cliffs or else you can continue walking for miles taking in exceptional views each side. It’s stunning. The steps are really well done, meaning it’s an easy climb and you don’t need to an expert hiker for it. Great to also have toilets at the first car park. You cannot miss Slieve League.
Written 8 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hawaii_traveler200
Franklin, MA153 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
We had heard these cliffs were even more beautiful than the Cliffs of Moher and we weren’t disappointed. As you arrive at the bottom, there are 2 buildings - the closest one to you is where you park and buy bus tickets, and the next building is the cafe and store which is newish and has great items. Easiest for us was to buy a bus ticket (leaves every 1/2 hour or so both ways) for the 10 minute ride up to the cliffs. You can also drive to the ranger station, but it’s up a narrow road, there isn’t a ton of parking when you get there, and you still have to walk up to the cliffs. The bus seemed like the best option. Also, the drive to get there through Donegal County is really interesting including through Kellybegs, a major fishing port.
Written 15 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jackie B
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Talk about the WOW factor on the Wild Atlantic Way. Stunning views. We parked the car at the centre took the shuttle bus ~ highly recommend this mode of transport as the information given by the driver all about the cliffs was second to none! The Visitor Centre beautiful and airy, grabbed a coffee and treat served by the most friendly and welcoming staff. Toilet facilities were spotless.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah B
Detroit, MI71 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
When we visited in the late afternoon, we were not allowed to drive to the second car park, so after paying 5 euro to park at the first stop we walked the 2.25 miles up to the viewing area. Totally worth it! The views are amazing and the walk is steep but has amazing scenery the entire way. Give yourself a full hour, maybe more.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FatherTed1_7
Ballycastle, UK110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Friends
We took Haughey’s Coach from the visitor centre up to the cliff carpark. Aidan, the driver, provided humorous commentary on both journeys. Even though it was a drizzly, misty day the cliffs are amazing! The colours of the rocks, ocean waves and waterfalls with wisps of fog draped over the mountain are definitely worth seeing. The coffee van in the top carpark was good too.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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