Europe · Ireland
County Donegal in Summer
The wildest stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way: Slieve League cliffs, empty beaches, and 65°F summer highs on Ireland's forgotten coast.
- Best window
- Jun – Aug
- Temperatures
- 11–19°C / 52–66°F
- Walk score
- 7 / 10
- Safety
- Very high
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Donegal is the corner of Ireland the coach tours forget — three times the cliff-scale of the Cliffs of Moher, a fraction of the crowds, and summer highs that rarely pass 66°F. Fly into Derry (Northern Ireland) or Donegal Airport, base in Ardara or Dunfanaghy, and drive the Wild Atlantic Way north from Killybegs. Two hours from Belfast, a lifetime from Dublin.
Slieve League over the Cliffs of Moher
Slieve League is nearly three times higher (601m) than the Cliffs of Moher and gets 10% of the visitors. Park at the lower lot and walk up — the upper viewpoint's shuttle bus queue eats the best light. Go in the last two hours of daylight for the drama.
The two towns worth basing in
Ardara for weavers, live traditional music at Nancy's Bar, and the Assaranca Waterfall walk. Dunfanaghy for beaches (Tramore, Marble Hill) and the Horn Head loop drive. Skip Donegal Town itself as a base — it's inland.
Glenveagh National Park, on foot
Ireland's second-largest national park, a Scottish-baronial castle beside a still lake, and a 5-km lake walk that closes in a loop. Bike rental at the visitor centre saves the road-walk to the castle. Rain hits daily in July — plan a morning start.
Book it
What travelers actually book
Affiliate pick
Affiliate · Stay22 · Booking.comSolís Lough Eske Castle
Restored castle, spa, near Donegal Town
from €345
Affiliate pick
Affiliate · Stay22 · Booking.comRathmullan House
Country house on Lough Swilly
from €225
Affiliate pick
Affiliate · Stay22 · GetYourGuideSlieve League guided cliff walk
3 hours, small-group, all levels
€45
Affiliate pick
Affiliate · Travelpayouts · AiraloAiralo Ireland eSIM 5GB
Works on Vodafone across Donegal
$11