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Bluestack Way
Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
Free to visit
Walk the breathtaking Bluestack Way to truly embrace the wilds of stunning County Donegal. Unfolding across the Bluestack Mountains, this 64.1 km trail delivers incredible views across the North West.

Connecting Donegal Town with the west coast village of Ardara, The Bluestack Way is a linear three-day trail that reveals all the sweeping scenery the Wild Atlantic Way is known for.

Consisting mainly of bog roads, open and often wet moorland, 21km of the total 64.1 km are on quiet local roads.

This moderate route passes placid Lough Eske before extending across the gentle foothills of the Bluestack Mountains. The mountains are actually a range of low rounded hills making the ascent over this trail 1,230m.

West of the townland Disert, between Binbane and Cloghmeen Hill, expect some rougher, remote high moorlands - the trail’s only significant climbs. Things then even out on the descent along the scenic Owenroe River.

After isolated bogland at Meenawannia, the enjoyable Glenties stretch treats walkers to idyllic riverside scenery en route to Ardara.

In Glenties and Ardara you’ll find plenty of places to satisfy hearty appetites.

Trail details

Type:
Long Distance Waymarked Way
Location:
Donegal Town Ardragh
Grade:
Moderate
Format:
Linear
Length:
64.10km
Ascent:
1230m
Dogs allowed:
No
    Time:3 days
    Nearest town start:Donegal Town
    Nearest town finish:Ardara
    Start point:Donegal Town at The Diamond
    Finish point:Ardara at The Diamond
    Waymarking:Yellow arrow on black background
    Facilities:Parking
    In Donegal Town - paid parking in most of the town centre car parks as well as for on street parking (50 cent per hour on street and 30 cent per hour in car parks in September 2022)
    In Glenties - free street parking and the car park at the chapel is also free
    In Ardara - free street parking and also free parking in the town's public car park (behind the main street about half way down the hill)
    Services
    In Donegal Town - All services
    On the route at Lough Eske - two 4 star hotels serve food and drink
    In Glenties - All services
    In Ardara - All services
Why we like it
  • The shores and woodland around tranquil Lough Eske are a special area of conservation known for salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, petrifying springs, Oak and Fern.
Contact details
The Diamond, Donegal, Donegal, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
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