A Perfect 8-Day Donegal Itinerary for Solo Travelers and Hikers

If you’re looking for an Irish adventure that blends hiking, heritage, and windswept coastlines, Donegal delivers. I spent 8 days in Donegal, Ireland—starting with a multi-day hike on the Donegal Way with Tailor Made Tours of Ireland, and ending with small towns, sea views, and a day trip into Derry (technically just across the border, but only 35 minutes from Letterkenny). Consider this 8 Day Donegal Itinerary your guide to experiencing all that Donegal has to offer. Donegal is raw, beautiful, and often overlooked.

But if you’re craving solitude, salty air, and a deeper connection with Ireland beyond the big cities, this itinerary might be exactly what you need.

This 8 Day Donegal Itinerary covers hikes, heritage, and windswept coastlines in one of Ireland’s most soulful regions (and why you should too).

This post pairs well with:

• A Solo Journey on the Donegal Way: Waterfalls, Coastlines, and the Slieve League Cliffs
• Fanad Lighthouse & Olde Glen Pub: A Perfect Donegal Day Trip
• How to Get from Dublin Airport to Donegal, Ireland (Bus, Train, Flight & Car Options Explained)
• Destinations

Where Is Donegal, Ireland? (+ Map)

Donegal sits in Ireland’s far northwest, tucked into a corner of the island that feels wonderfully untamed. It’s part of the Republic of Ireland, yet it’s bordered on three sides by Northern Ireland—something that shaped its history, culture, and sense of isolation. That geographical quirk is exactly why Donegal has stayed so wild: no major motorways, no big cities, just cliffs, boglands, sheep-dotted hills, and villages where Irish (Gaeilge) is still spoken daily.

This is the northernmost stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s legendary coastal route. Think headlands hammered by Atlantic winds, sea cliffs taller than skyscrapers, old fishing towns, and remote peninsulas that feel unchanged for generations.

Historically, Donegal belonged to the powerful O’Donnell clan, whose influence stretched across the northwest. You’ll still see their legacy in places like Donegal Castle. And even today, the county holds some of the strongest cultural traditions in Ireland—from music sessions to folklore to long-preserved Gaelic communities like Glencolmcille and the Rosses.

For travelers, the biggest surprise is often the scale: Donegal is huge. It’s one of Ireland’s largest counties, yet one of the least populated—meaning the landscapes feel open, untouched, and spacious in a way that’s rare in Europe.

If you want coastal routes, quiet trails, and a deeper sense of Ireland’s old soul, this 8 Day Donegal Itinerary is where you’ll find it.

How to Get to Donegal, Ireland

If you are trying to spend 8 Days in Donegal, Ireland, I’ve written a great piece on how to get to Donegal here; it’s straightforward, and you can choose your own way and what fits your style of travel and budget.

I found that taking the bus to get around was easy, and I am thanking my lucky stars I had a friend, Karrie, who rented a car, and we could get to places pretty easily (Shout out to Karrie! Psst, go check out her graphic design services here)

It’s easy to get around Donegal via the local link, which is just their public transportation that goes throughout the county

Click here for Local Link information

Best Time to Visit Donegal, Ireland

Donegal’s beauty changes with the seasons, and the best time to visit depends on what kind of trip you’re after. I had no issue going in early September, but just note the weather in Donegal changes minute to minute!

Summer (June–August): Long days, mild weather (15–20°C / 59–68°F), and the easiest time for hiking and outdoor activities. This is also peak season, so expect more visitors at popular spots like Slieve League and Fanad Lighthouse.

Spring (April–May): Wildflowers start blooming, and trails are quieter. You might get a mix of sunshine and showers, but the landscapes are lush and green.

Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, golden light, and fewer crowds — a fantastic time for hiking. I visited in September and found it peaceful, though you need waterproof gear for boggy trails.

Winter (November–March): Very quiet, with short days and lots of rain. Some attractions close, but if you’re chasing solitude, dramatic skies, and a cozy pub fire, this season has its charm. My pick? Late spring and early autumn — you’ll still get that wild, windswept beauty without the heavier summer crowds.

Eight Days in Donegal, Ireland: The perfect Itinerary

Day 1–4: Hiking the Donegal Way with Tailor Made Tours At a Glance

• Starting point: Assaranca Waterfall near Ardara
• Ending point: Carrick (Slieve League)
• Duration: 4 days / ~55 km walking
• Tour: Tailor Made Tours of Ireland (includes luggage transfers + B&B bookings)

My trip began with a four-day self-guided hike along the Donegal Way, organized by the wonderful team at Tailor Made Tours of Ireland.

After landing in Dublin and making my way to Donegal via Express Bus, I stayed the night in Donegal Town, at The Railway Lodge in Donegal Town, then took the bus to Ardara, where a driver/porter was waiting for my luggage and dropped me off at the Assaranca Waterfall.

I started at Assaranca Waterfall, following cliffs and rural footpaths through Port, Glencolumbkille, and Carrick.

This portion of the trip was filled with: Remote trails that few tourists touch, Bogs, sheep, and wild views, Small villages where the Irish language can still be heard, and stunning views over Slieve League and the Atlantic coast. Each night, I stayed in local B&Bs or small inns pre-booked through Tailor Made.

The pace was challenging but manageable—and deeply grounding.

Highlights: Walking the cliffside trails around Slieve League Glencolumbkille Folk Village (I stayed at Áras BnB—simple, lovely, remote). Seeing Donegal’s rugged beauty on foot, the way it’s meant to be experienced

Day 5: Rest and Recharge in Letterkenny

• Base: Letterkenny (Donegal’s largest town)
• Transport: Bus from Carrick (~2 hrs)
• Where to stay: Classic 1890s Stone Cottage, Town Centre near Donegal County Museum, hotels available downtown.

After four days of hiking, I took a rest day and headed to Letterkenny for TBEX, a conference for Travel Bloggers and Content Creators. This lively town is one of Donegal’s largest and makes a great spot to regroup before more adventures.

This would be my base for the rest of my time in Donegal, as most of what I wanted to do was in the north. I stayed in a cozy Airbnb near Donegal County Museum, and wandered through town, grabbing coffee at The Honeypot and a warm meal at No.9 Market

If you’re up for more exploring, don’t miss: Donegal County Museum and the Cathedral Quarter Trad sessions in Letterkenny at Blakes Bar, The Cottage

Day 6: Fanad Head Lighthouse and the Olde Glen Bar

Distance from Letterkenny: ~1 hour drive (car or organized tour)

Fanad Lighthouse: Tours ~€10, guided climbs to top

Olde Glen Bar: Near Carrigart, pub since 1768

When you sign up for TBEX, you do get to participate in a few tours, which are called PreBex tours that help promote local businesses and experiences in Donegal, and one of the absolute highlights was visiting Fanad Head Lighthouse.

I joined a guided tour of the lighthouse through Go Visit Donegal and TBEX, learning not only about its maritime history but also about the tragedies and rescues that made it such an important beacon. Climbing to the top, the views of crashing waves, jagged cliffs, and endless sea were unforgettable. It’s one of those places where Donegal’s wild beauty and raw power really sink in.

Traditional Irish music session at the Olde Glen Bar in County Donegal, a must-visit pub for live music lovers.

Afterwards, we made our way to The Olde Glen Bar, one of Donegal’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1768. With its cozy fireplace, traditional wood interiors, and a history as rich as the pints being poured, it was the perfect spot to unwind. The afternoon turned magical when local musicians filled the pub with traditional Irish music, their instruments and voices blending with the warmth of the room. Suppose you’re looking for a quintessential Donegal day, rugged coastal scenery, a brush with history, and the heartwarming comfort of music and community. In that case, this pairing of Fanad Head Lighthouse and The Olde Glen Bar is exactly it.

Day 7: E-Bike Adventure with Ireland by Bike

• Base: Carrick (bike shop in town)
• Tour: Ireland by Bike, run by Seamus
• Route: Carrick → Glencolmcille Folk Village → Silver Strand Beach
• Duration: Half- to full-day ride (~25 km round trip)

To round out the near end of my week, I traded hiking boots for pedals and joined an e-bike tour with Seamus, the owner of Ireland by Bike, based right in Carrick. His shop has top-quality e-bikes that make Donegal’s rolling hills and rugged roads much more approachable. The ride took me through peaceful countryside — winding lanes bordered by stone walls, sheep pastures, and mountain views opening up at every turn.

Our first stop was Glencolmcille Folk Village, an open-air museum where thatched cottages showcase traditional Donegal life. Walking inside, you get a glimpse of how families lived and worked in this remote corner of Ireland across the centuries. From there, we cycled toward Silver Strand Beach at Malinbeg, a dazzling horseshoe-shaped bay framed by high cliffs. The descent into the cove reveals golden sand and turquoise water that feels almost Mediterranean on a sunny day. Standing at the viewpoint above, I had one of those pinch-me moments where Donegal’s wild beauty felt larger than life. Then almost got swept away by the high winds. This day blended culture, scenery, and movement — a perfect “slow travel” experience to round out the end of my week in Donegal.

Day 8: Day Trip to Derry (Northern Ireland)

• Distance from Letterkenny: ~35 minutes by car or bus
• Currency: British Pound (GBP) — but no passport checks at the border
• Top Experiences: Bloody Sunday Walking Tour, Derry Walls, Bogside murals, Derry Girls mural

On my last day, I crossed the border into Derry/Londonderry — it’s so close to Letterkenny that it would’ve felt wrong not to go. Karrie and I booked the Bloody Sunday Walking Tour, and it was one of the most powerful parts of the entire trip.

Other Things to Do in Donegal County

If you have more time in Donegal, or want to swap in a few different stops, here are more experiences worth adding:

• Donegal Castle (Donegal Town) – A restored 15th-century stronghold of the O’Donnell clan, right in the town center. Guided tours available. Open daily, 10 am–5:30 pm.
• Hanna Hats (Donegal Town) – Family-run since 1924, this workshop produces iconic tweed caps. You can browse the shop and see a bit of the craft process. Mon–Sat, 9 am–5 pm.
• Wild Alpaca Way (Malin Head) – Take a walk along the coast with alpacas (yes, really!) while hearing local stories. Great for families and Instagram-worthy. Tours must be pre-booked.
• Wild Ireland (Burnfoot) – A wildlife sanctuary for rescued bears, wolves, lynx, and more, set in beautiful woodland. Open daily, 10 am–5 pm.
• Oakfield Park (Raphoe) – A landscaped estate with walking trails, a narrow-gauge railway, and formal gardens. Seasonal opening (typically April–September, 12–6 pm).
• Ballyshannon – Ireland’s oldest town and the birthplace of rock legend Rory Gallagher. Visit the Rory Gallagher statue, mural, and, if you’re there in June, the Rory Gallagher International Festival.

Distilleries & Craft Beer – Donegal has a growing scene:

• Sliabh Liag Distillers (Carrick) – Makers of Silkie Irish Whiskey; tours available.
• Kinnegar Brewing (Letterkenny/Ramelton) – Known for craft beers like Rustbucket Rye Ale and Scraggy Bay IPA; check their taproom and events.

Final Thoughts on 8 Days in Donegal

Eight days in Donegal gave me cliffs, bogs, beaches, and music-filled pubs, but more than that, it gave me space to slow down and really connect with Ireland. From hiking the Donegal Way to cycling out to Silver Strand, every day felt both raw and grounding in its own way.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and want something beyond Dublin or the Ring of Kerry, Donegal is where you’ll find the solitude, salty air, and soulful landscapes you’re craving.

Would you spend a week in Donegal? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts or your own Donegal stories. And if you’re still in the planning phase, check out my guide on How to get to Donegal and my 4-day Donegal Way hiking guide to start mapping out your trip!