Donegal Town to Glencolmcille

Give yourself time to enjoy the drive from Donegal Town 'into' Glencolmcille. Spectacular views of Donegal Bay continue for sometime - one picture-postcard view after another. The main road from Donegal Town passes through Killybegs, a bustling fishing port with rows of bright red, green, or blue trawlers docked in the harbor. Strong salty sea and fish aromas fill the air. Sea gulls screech in the sky and spiral down toward the boats. Follow the road from Killybegs (signposted to Kilcar, Carrick and Glencolmcille). Head towards Carrick and when you cross over the bridge at Carrick you have reached the Parish of Glencolmcille. After visiting Carrick carry on towards the valley of Glencolmcille and you will reach Cashel.

You will be travelling through endless acres of soggy, tea black boglands, crossed over with soft green and red heather covered mountains and hills will loom ahead. The road becomes even more narrow. The landscape is stark and bleak yet also beautiful, lonely yet alluring, wending its way towards the mountains.

Continue on the Glen Road from Carrick and you will reach Cashel - a town in the middle of the Glen Valley, referred to as Glencolmcille or simply as "Glen" by the locals. Explore Cashel on foot, walk to the beach, opposite the beach you will find the Folk Village Museum. Walk a circle around 'the block' passing the wonderful Protestant Church.

Beyond Cashel the road continues with the most incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Glen Head - a spectacular tableau of green fields and sea-splashed cliffs.

You only have to visit once to understand why a trip to Glencolmcille is worth every mile of the journey.

Top