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.
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- syrnomadOrlando, Florida61 contributionsNot to be missed!!Visited in September 2022. The cliffs here were not on out itinerary, but so happy we took advice from another tourist to visit! Amazing views! If you are a senior, I recommend taking the bus, the ride up was fun! Do not miss this if you get to Donegal!Visited September 2022Written 26 March 2023
- Betsy FPort Chester, New York6 contributionsBreathtaking !!!!We were driving so we missed the turn to the road up to the cliffs as it looks like a local street. Watch the signs it is the right turn after the Rusty Mackrel. The drive up alone is a breath taker !!! Thankfully I read some information that our US handicapped tag would be honored and we got to go all the way to the top otherwise my Hubby would not have been able to walk that much. Once up there it is breathtaking ~ it was foggy and starting to rain but still worth the trouble finding it. I wish it was later in the year if we could have taken the boat ride and seen them from below too it would have amazing. The pics I took due no justice. We are not current hikers but I was at one point and I would read all of the information on hiking there it is NOT for the novice hiker at all !!! There is an adorable coffee van on the road into the village Teelin Road ~ stop they are nice and helpful and delish hot coffee.Visited March 2023Written 2 April 2023
- Shaw8559 contributionsHighly worth a visit - and get the bus!Stunning views and great spot to relax. We got the bus from the visitor centre and the driver was great (sorry didnt get his name) a short drive that i was happy not to be doing! He was great and gave a nice brief but interesting history of the area etc both up and down. At the top there was a van to be able to get tea/coffee and or icecream which was lovely. Highly recommend and worth a visitVisited April 2023Written 11 April 2023
- Marian F10 contributionsQuick VisitBlessed with a fine day if a little breezy. An efficient shuttle bus service up and down from the cliffs. Beautiful views. Had a yummy ice cream from a van near the cliffs. A pleasant short visit.Visited April 2023Written 6 May 2023
- jxx95951,460 contributionsPretty SpectacularThe Cliffs here are pretty spectacular, but if you want a comparison, we thought that the Cliffs of Moher were a bit more scenic. And these cliffs require a lot of hard work, expecially if you want to hike all the way to the top. We found it cold and a bit rainy, and that didn't help. It could be miserable on a colder, windier, and rainier day. But I repeat the the cliffs are pretty spectacular and very much worth the effort.Visited May 2023Written 15 May 2023
- Ann4 contributionsGreat view, long walkShuttle bus was not running on weekdays yet as of May 29. Need to drive 2 km to car park, and IF they have room pay your 5E to park. You can use coins or credit card but give the card a minute to process so you don't pay twice like I did. Then it is a 2 km walk mostly up hill. Very steep at first. Then you get to the lot where you can walk to top of cliff. It is beautiful on a nice day but a long walk without the shuttle.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 May 2023
- paul-delawareMiddletown, Delaware539 contributionsAlmost indescribableWe would not have gone here if our travel planned hadn’t lined this up for us, but wow, am I glad we did. One day after feeling like the Giant’s Causeway will be etched in my memory bank for life, we visited Slieve League and I don’t ever want to forget it. We were booked on a tour and took a bus up the road and it was fully worth it. Our guide was a local guy, as well as a singer-songwriter, and he was utterly fantastic. Imagine checking out that spectacular view, with a rainbow, on Father’s Day, while your guide sings a folk song about his father. Made my eyes sweat a little. Just an incredible view on a beautiful day. Will be hard to top this experience.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 June 2023
- tedkirbyLexington, Massachusetts597 contributionsGreat views, and sheepThese views were absolutely fantastic! I think they were the prettiest I saw in Ireland, I highly recommend them. Also there are tons of sheep around which makes this even better. Watch out for sheep poop though. It is a bit of a walk from the entrance to the main viewing area, but you can take a bus, or if you pay a little extra you can drive up to the top. Again the views are fantastic. Also at the top there are folks selling souvenirs, and food, including apparently lobster rolls! You can do more hiking along the cliffs, though there are signs that caution it could be dangerous. But the views from the main area are def worth to see.Visited June 2023Written 27 June 2023
- Lissete CFlorida Keys, Florida13 contributionsTwice as High as the Cliffs of Moher without the Crowds!By Far one of my favorite cliff visits!! Did you know it's twice as high as the Cliffs of Moher and one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe? Well worth the steep hike up the mountain but for those with Asthma like myself you may wish to ask for permission to ride up to the top. I chose to hike the paved road to the viewing platform but had to make frequent stops and use my inhaler. It was definitely well worth the hike as there was an abundance of Cliff views at every turn. The cliffs were absolutely breathtaking, not as crowded or famous as the Cliffs of Moher, so we had a more intimate experience. The sheep roaming freely along the landscaping made for an even more pleasant time. I would highly recommend this if you visit the County of Donegal. The country and the people were so friendly and helpful with their recommendations of this site. We are so glad we included it on our itinerary! Absolutely loved it!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 July 2023
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5.0
1,744 reviews
Excellent
1,522
Very good
183
Average
29
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7
Terrible
3
Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India3,876 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 14 November 2023
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.
Asta365
Kent, TX548 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
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.
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.
Written 22 October 2023
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.
TheFarkman
Vancouver, Canada238 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We took the Pilgram Path to the top. We got hit with some solid rain and wind on the way up. The path gets rockier and wetter the higher you go. It is a great view when you get to the top. Very windy when we were there. Good hiking boots are advised and waterproof helps. The climb itself is more of a steady 10 to 15 degree grade, so if you are in shape, not a big deal. Lot's of rocks, running water, small loose rocks, soggy grass, so if you don't like that kind of trail then I would avoid it.
Written 21 September 2023
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.
Danks Knows
Shoalhaven, Australia2,059 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Slieve League is a few kilometres from Teelin in County Donegal. You park your car, pay 5 Euros, and then walk about 3 kilometres to the Bunglass observation deck. The walk is a seal road, and tour group buses are allowed to drive up to Bunglass - others walk. The walk though is pretty good, very scenic ocean views, though it is generally uphill and it can get very windy.
For me, Slieve League is better than the Cliffs of Moher. It is less touristy and more of an adventure following the path beyond Bunglass up the side of the cliff.
Slieve League has a very rugged beauty and is well worth the trip. You need yo give yourself at least two hours at Slieve League.
For me, Slieve League is better than the Cliffs of Moher. It is less touristy and more of an adventure following the path beyond Bunglass up the side of the cliff.
Slieve League has a very rugged beauty and is well worth the trip. You need yo give yourself at least two hours at Slieve League.
Written 20 September 2023
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 m
Achill Island, Ireland23 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
An excellent tour well worth visiting the centre and taking the tour bus to the cliffs the guides on the bus transfers were informative and good fun . This tour hasn’t been going long but we certainly hope it thrives
Written 6 September 2023
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.
Shelley W
35 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
If you are looking for stunning views and panoramic vistas, Slieve League is a must-do. We actually found these cliffs even more impressive than the Cliffs of Moher (they are apparently twice as high) and it's much less busy. Not many tourists at all, in fact. You can choose to walk up to Slieve League, but we took the shuttle. The walk is something like 45 minutes and you have to walk along roads without much in the way of shoulders!
Once you get to the viewing area, it's quite breathtaking. Soaring views of the cliffs and out over the water. Pretty purple flowers everywhere, sheep grazing nearby. Apparently dolphins and sharks sometimes come by but we didn't spot any. You can choose to climb up to the top of the peak to get a better look, a short hike that's well worth it. They also sell fresh lobster rolls here - yum!
One tip: Our GPS pointed us to the wrong place, so be careful when driving here. We ended up on a dirt road populated by sheep that was pretty much a dead end and had to turn around and find our way back.
Once you get to the viewing area, it's quite breathtaking. Soaring views of the cliffs and out over the water. Pretty purple flowers everywhere, sheep grazing nearby. Apparently dolphins and sharks sometimes come by but we didn't spot any. You can choose to climb up to the top of the peak to get a better look, a short hike that's well worth it. They also sell fresh lobster rolls here - yum!
One tip: Our GPS pointed us to the wrong place, so be careful when driving here. We ended up on a dirt road populated by sheep that was pretty much a dead end and had to turn around and find our way back.
Written 1 September 2023
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.
jane l
Perth, Australia94 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Stunning views! The climb up the hill took about 40 minutes and then we had just under an hour to do the climb and enjoy the vista. Felt a bit rushed because we paid 5 euros for 2 hours parking. We really needed 3 hours to properly enjoy the walk and vista but parking would’ve cost 15 euros which is daylight robbery.
Written 31 August 2023
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.
BaronFoer
Jacksonville, FL900 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
As you see from the pics the weather was miserable, drizzle and rain. Fortunately we were with a touring van and got to drive up. It is a long walk to the end, if it rains don't do it. We saw many very unhappy people walking on the rain and wind. It was well worth going even in bad weather if you can drive up or take the bus.
Written 24 August 2023
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.
Suzanne H
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom83 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Stunning views. Shuttle bus 6 euro each from Teelin to the viewing point. You can walk further up the mountain from there if you're fit
Written 3 August 2023
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.
AntoinetteVI
Sassenheim, The Netherlands298 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
As the upper car park was full we parked in the lower car park and took the shuttle up. The bus driver explained lot’s about the area and filled the 10 minute drive bot up and down with interesting tales. The views on the top are just beautiful. The sheer beauty of the high hill with the purple flowers and overlooking both land and sea. My partner concurred part of the Pilgrims path but this only is for the very fit amongst us as parts are steep with lot’s of lose stones.
All in all an amazing experience.
All in all an amazing experience.
Written 25 July 2023
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.
Harrison
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
If Im staying in Dublin, what would be the best way to get here?
Ovidiu Stefan
Dublin, Ireland437 contributions
For now you cannot travel , but usually if you don't have a car get the bus to Donegal and from there a guided tour
Elaine M
northern ireland68 contributions
Hi,we are staying in sligo for 2 nights and would like to do this hike, where is best place to park pls
Trish
Derry, UK50 contributions
The best place to park is on site at the top car park you will have to get out of the car to open the big gate then just drive to the top its an amazing view. Once at the top and parked there's plenty of hiking to do hope this helps.
bugsbane
Castro Valley, CA8 contributions
Hello - how does this compare to Big Sur? I guess to get to the point, if we've seen Big Sur living here in the Bay Area - is this something that we can skip, or do you still recommend going? thank you in advance
Fran K
Sweden26 contributions
Big sur ? Read the book, love Kerouac.
Ireland is Ireland. I don’t believe that you only need to compare the actual waterfall, cliff, castle, whatever. There’s the getting there, the experience itself, the afters and the mood of the day.
How to define? Is my better different than your better etc ? I don’t know.
I do recommend you experience it. It was wet and windy ( like a baby’s backside) when we saw it, and my daughters struggle to get there ( mostly in her head) and the sheep sheltering behind the rocks all combined to make it rewarding. My sons fashion runners were wet and we had to change back down the road.
Some people hate all that. It makes me feel alive. Lettuce snow your decision and how you get on.
Good luck on your travels. Enjoy Ireland and have an oul pint for me
Chris
Blissfield, MI1 contribution
We are heading to Ireland in about three weeks. Would like to visit Slieve League but won't have a lot of time. Will be driving there from Derry and heading for Kilronan Castle. Are you able to give more precise directions/instructions for making the most of our visit there. I do appreciate the advice about the parking area.
wwrj
St. Albert, Canada141 contributions
Hi; I have checked a few routes and it looks like Derry to Ardara and then down to Carrick is the best route. Ardara is a lovely little heritage town with several weaving centres The drive from Ardara to Sleive League is quite lovely. When you get close to Sleive League you will see signs that go to the Pilgrims Way--don't go there. Go to Sleive League proper. Then you will have to go over to Donegal and down to Kilronan from there. Hope this helps.
Wij komen in jullie en hebben dit gepland. Waar vertrekken we voor wandeling? Afstand?prijs? Gids?
Lauren B
Mississauga, Canada212 contributions
What would be the best town to choose as a base to visit slieve league? Teelin seems closest but is there an easier town to stay in that you can then travel to Teelin to? Will be arriving in Donegal from. Dublin, unfortunately we will not have a car so will be using the public transport (trains/buses). Would probably arrive the one day and visit slieve league the next. Thank you!
QGJohn
Davie, FL926 contributions
Sorry, not really sure about this. If you had a car, almost anywhere in County Donegal (we actually were in the very north part of County Sligo the night before and the night after...and it was not an issue, the drive time there and back). I would look into what transportation is available from Donegal Town, which would be a great place to stay with no rental car.
marcusjj
Klamath Falls, OR19 contributions
If you park at the first car park and don't go through the gate, can you see anything from there? I have a fear of driving to the top and some in our group could not walk. So wondering if it is worth driving to the first lot or not. Thanks
scubalover61
Caledon, ON66 contributions
You would see a hill in front of you. It would be a couple of km walk to the cliff.
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Claim your listingSLIEVE LEAGUE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Slieve League
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Slieve League:
- Donegal Coast One Day Self-Guided E-Bike Tour (From €47.16)
- Sliabh Liag Cliffs and Glencolmcille Tour (From €812.15)
- DAY TOUR: Highlights Of South Donegal (From €251.50)
- Slieve League cliffs cruise. Donegal. Guided. 1 ¾ hours. (From €50.05)
- 3 Day Tour County Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way from Dublin (From €701.69)
- Hotels near Slieve League:
- (0.04 km) Slieve League Lodge
- (0.06 km) Sliabh Liag Inn
- (0.10 km) An Sean Ostan Accommodation
- (0.45 km) Cairnsmore B&B
- (0.11 km) Cnoc Unna Wild Atlantic Way Accomodation
- Restaurants near Slieve League:
- (0.05 km) Kelly's Kitchen
- (0.09 km) Cottage Chipper
- (0.07 km) Carrick Chinese takeaway
- (0.24 km) Wild Atlantic Tae
- (2.34 km) The Rusty Mackerel Bar Restaurant Accommodation
- Attractions near Slieve League:
- (0.00 km) Slieve League Cultural Centre
- (0.17 km) Ireland By Bike
- (3.75 km) Sliabh Liag Boat Tours
- (9.25 km) Silver Strand Beach
- (12.01 km) Glengesh Pass