International Appalachian Trail – Co Donegal Section
International Appalachian Trail, Donegal
In 2011 Ireland was included in the ‘International Appalachian Trail’, an extension of the world-renowned walking route on the Canada/US border.
The original trail stretches for 3,510km miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine and attracts 2.5 million hikers every year. It was made famous in films including Deliverance and the Bill Bryson book A Walk in the Woods.An extension called the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) continues from Maine to the top of Newfoundland and is another 3,100km.
The new link sees the Irish section of the international trail start at the coastal cliffs of Slieve League in Co Donegal and extend to the Antrim coast, finishing in Ballycastle.
The trail travels 119km across Co. Donegal and traverses through some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. It begins at the Bunglass car park along the Atlantic Ocean and finished at Kelly’s Bridge at the Northern Ireland Border.
The Route of the International Appalachian Trail in Co donegal
Some of the highlights of the trail include climbing The Eagle’s Nest below Slieve Leauge,the coastal path section towards Port, the Maghera Strand, the footpath along the Owenea River, the Bluestack Mountains, Lough Eske and the many small towns.
The rugged beauty of the area combined with the hospitable locals makes this section of the International Appalachian Trail a very enjoyable hiking experience.
Self Catering in South West Donegal