The best walks and hikes around Drumharriff
4.0
(26)
394
hikers
15
hikes
Hiking around Drumharriff offers access to gentle landscapes and accessible trails within County Donegal. The region features conifer plantations and varied terrain suitable for outdoor activities. While Drumharriff itself provides easy, family-friendly walks, the broader County Donegal area is known for its diverse walking experiences, including coastal paths and wilderness landscapes.
Best hiking trails around Drumharriff
- The most popular hiking route is Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave, a 3.8 miles (6.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 45…
Last updated: April 29, 2026
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
21.2km
06:17
610m
610m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
34
hikers
6.08km
01:45
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
29
hikers
8.68km
02:22
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
19
hikers
3.47km
00:59
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
10.1km
02:54
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, affectionately known as the "Stairway to Heaven," offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through one of Northern Ireland's most stunning landscapes. Spanning approximately 11 km round-trip, the trail meanders through expansive blanket bogs before culminating in a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain. Hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands, including glimpses of counties Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal on clear days. While the boardwalk was constructed to protect the delicate bog ecosystem, it has also made the trail more accessible, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually.
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Great walk, very touristy but it's worth the detour! Be careful of the crowds (on weekends and in summer I dare not imagine!). However, BE CAREFUL, the summit is not accessible, you have to pass the protective barriers which allow the wild nature to be preserved from our steps and from this crowd of people. If we, the Komoot community, start to do this all the tourists will allow themselves and the landscape will never be so beautiful again! (Ps: no need to climb to the top to already see enough in the eyes!)
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"continual slur on Irish caving" It's actually only a few hundred metres is accessible and it's total length is thought to be 2km. No where near the longest cave in Ireland. Consider a trip in only if well equipped with a good light and helmet. Alternatively/also consider visiting McKenzies back lounge just down the road. A much drier watering hole. ;)
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Tullygobban Tomb is over 4000 years old and is aligned to face the sunset on the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. Look south towards the cairn atop Cullcagh Mountain and you will see that the summit, this tomb, the Calf House Tomb and an erratic boulder all lie up.
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Stunning limestone caves which you can explore on a guided tour. Well worth a visit. There are 150 steps down to the caves so if you are wearing cleats please be aware, or change into a pair of trainers before you descend down into the natural wonder. There is also a cafe on site. For further details please see https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/
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Very long and strenuous hike if you want to go up the mountain. Warm clothing is a must. As soon as you leave the low vegetation, the wind gets really unpleasant and cold...
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Florence Court House is a magnificent 18th-century country estate situated in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. The house is amongst a medley of lush green parkland and thick woodland with sights of the wonderful Benaughlin Mountain in the distance. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to explore daily. For more information regarding opening times and ticket prices visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court
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Beautiful thatched summer house situated in the Pleasure Gardens of Florence Court House.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Drumharriff?
There are 15 hiking routes around Drumharriff, offering a variety of experiences. These include easy forest strolls and more challenging mountain paths in the broader County Donegal area.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking options in Drumharriff?
Yes, Drumharriff is well-suited for easy and family-friendly walks. The Drumharriff Forest Stroll is a gentle, looped trail through a conifer plantation, perfect for all ages. Overall, 9 of the routes in the area are graded as easy.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking near Drumharriff?
Hiking around Drumharriff offers gentle landscapes, primarily characterized by accessible trails through conifer plantations and varied forest terrain. The broader County Donegal region, where Drumharriff is located, also features diverse wilderness landscapes and coastal paths.
Are there any circular walks available in the Drumharriff area?
Yes, there are several circular walks. For example, the Belmore Forest loop via Pollnagollum Cave is a popular easy circular route. The Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop offers a more challenging circular experience with significant elevation gain.
What are some notable natural attractions or landmarks to see near Drumharriff?
Beyond the trails, you can explore several natural attractions. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) is a prominent feature. Other points of interest include the Cladagh Glen Waterfall and the Cliff Edge of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Are there any dog-friendly trails around Drumharriff?
Many forest and rural trails in County Donegal, including those around Drumharriff, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially near livestock or in protected wildlife areas, and to check specific trail regulations before you go.
What is the typical duration of hikes in Drumharriff?
Hikes around Drumharriff vary in length and duration. Easy trails like the Belmore Forest loop can take around 1 hour 45 minutes, while more challenging routes such as the Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop can extend to over 6 hours.
Is there parking available for hikers in Drumharriff?
Yes, parking facilities are typically available at the starting points of popular trails. For instance, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park serves as a convenient access point for trails in that area. It's advisable to check specific trailheads for parking information.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Drumharriff?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.98 stars from over 26 reviews. Hikers often praise the gentle forest paths, diverse parkland, and the broader wilderness landscapes of County Donegal, which offer options for various ability levels.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks near the hiking trails?
Yes, the region has historical significance. You can find sites like Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave and the Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones. Further afield, Enniskillen Castle and Florence Court offer additional historical context.
What is the best time of year to hike in Drumharriff?
The best time to hike in Drumharriff and County Donegal generally depends on your preference. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter hikes can be enjoyed on easier, well-maintained trails, though conditions may be wetter.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Drumharriff region?
While Drumharriff itself is known for gentle trails, the broader region offers more challenging options. The Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop is a difficult 21.2 km (13.2 miles) path with significant elevation gain, providing expansive views for experienced hikers.
Most popular attractions around Drumharriff
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