Hiking:
Get your hiking boots on, a packed lunch in your rucksack and some half decent outdoor clothes on; and your good to go. A world of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and loughs await your discovery. Just step outside the door of the hostel and it's all there for you. Dunlewey and surrounding area has walks from meandering forest strolls, to demanding mountain hikes.
Errigal Mountain
Undoubtedly the most popular of all the hikes in and around Dunlewey. Donegal's highest peak at 752 meters high with 100% unobstructed views of north-west Donegal make this mountain a magnet for people of all hiking abilities. From the very easy walk up the tourist route on the Southern slopes to the more challenging climb up the north face, this almost cone shaped mountain has a route to tempt everyone. A roundtrip up and down the tourist route from the hostel and back is about a four hour easy going hike. Well worth the stunning views from the top.
The Poison Glen
A short 15 minute stroll down the road from the hostel is The Poison Glen. The Irish word for poison, "neimhe" (pronounced niv-uh), differs in its spelling by only one letter from the word for Heaven, "neamh" (pronounced nyow-uh). The glen used to be called the Heavenly Glen by local people, as it was, to them, like they imagined Heaven itself to be.
It was, predictably, an English cartographer who made the mistake in translation that was to 'poison' the name of one of Ireland's most beautiful places for ever. The glen is part of the Derryveagh mountain range with Slieve Snacht(snowy mountain) as it highest peak. These hills are just crying out to be explored. Ask at the hostel for special places of interest and trails to check out.
The Ulster Way
The Donegal section of the Ulster Way which is way-marked for a part of the way(111km) leads northwards from Lough Derg near Pettigo through the Bluestack and Derryveagh Mountains onto Falcarragh. Connections include the Poison Glen horseshoe from Dunlewey and Glenveagh National Park.
Glenveagh National Park
Just a short 10 minute drive east from the hostel is Glenveagh national park. A hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. There are 5 signposted walks/trails within the park ranging in length from 3km to 22km long to suit both the casual and experienced walker. Open all year.
Bealach na Gaeltachta
Bealach na Gaeltachta is a set of long distance walking routes in the Donegal gaeltacht and islands which have been developed to the standard of a National Waymarked Way. The long distance walking route is made up of four circular routes, three of which are interlinked. Each route is between 50-70 km in length and encompasses mountain, riverside, seaside and forest habitats. The scenery is spectacular and walkers have an opportunity to sample the uniqueness of the Irish language & Doneal culture.
For a brochure and map outlining the walking route contact Gaelsaoire:
Tel +353(0)66 9152423 or visit: www.gaelsaoire.ie