Donegal Bay – Lough Melvin loop from Bundoran

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Ireland

Donegal

Donegal Bay – Lough Melvin loop from Bundoran

Hard

5.0

(2)

riders

Donegal Bay – Lough Melvin loop from Bundoran

02:42

41.9km

470m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

450 m

Rory Gallagher Statue

Highlight • Monument

In the heart of Ballyshannon, on the central plaza known as The Diamond, stands the imposing bronze statue of the world-famous blues-rock guitarist Rory Gallagher. The life-size artwork, crafted in 2010 by sculptor David Annand, depicts Gallagher in a characteristic, dynamic pose with his iconic, worn 1961 Fender Stratocaster. On the pedestal of the over two-meter-high statue are the inspiring opening lines of his song Follow Me: "I want to plant a star on the sky / One you can find at the end of the night".

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Tip by

592 m

Donegal Bay

Highlight • Beach

Donegal Bay is the largest bay in Ireland and has Ireland's second highest sea cliffs at Slieve League.

Donegal Bay's beaches are known internationally for their world class surfing due to the funnelling nature of the bay and the beaches facing directly west into the Atlantic Ocean.

Tip by

15.5 km

Lough Melvin

Highlight • Natural

The shimmering waters of Lough Melvin attract anglers from around the world for its beauty and diverse fish. The lake is home to three unique species of trout, as well as salmon, and an endemic species of char, the Melvin charr. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you should purchase a license and consider renting a boat.

The lake is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 1.9 miles (3 km) wide and set amongst the beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and Country Fermanagh. If you are not into fishing, there's plenty of wonderful flora and fauna to enjoy too.

Tip by

17.2 km

Roogagh Waterfall

Highlight • Forest

Surrounded by green rolling countryside, Roogagh Waterfall is a pretty nature spot on the outskirts of Garrison village close to Lough Melvin. There's a short walk that leads along the river and through woodland to reach the falls.

You can pick up supplies in Garrison to enjoy a packed lunch overlooking the cascading water at one of the numerous picnic benches.

Tip by

18.1 km

View of Lough Melvin from Garrison

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice village green with toilets and Loch side views

Tip by

23.7 km

Fowley's Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

As the Glenanniff River travels down from the mountains above, it has eroded the local blue limestone to form a deep river valley. Fowley’s Falls is not a single drop waterfall; instead, it cascades in a series of drops over the exposed bedrock to form a spectacular torrent of water rushing through the steep valley towards Lough Melvin.

Tip by

24.1 km

Picnic Spot

Highlight • Rest Area

This is a nice spot to have a bit of a rest and a bite to eat after your lovely walk. Very convenient being next to the road and with a couple of benches here as well.

Tip by

30.7 km