The Wild Atlantic Method – Donegal & Sligo
That is the primary of our sequence of 5 blogs on holidaying on the Wild Atlantic Method. The Wild Atlantic Method Street Journey with a Caravan (WAW), the longest outlined coastal touring route on this planet, the place the highly effective Atlantic waves meet Eire’s jagged western coast. These steered itineraries deliver you alongside the two,500km size of the Wild Atlantic Method, exhibiting you highlights of what to do, see and keep all through your journey.
The WAW begins on the tip of Donegal and weaves its method alongside the western shoreline ending within the very southern tip of the nation in Cork. Except you’ve got just a few months to journey the total 2,500km it’s advisable to interrupt it up into areas and are available again and do one other route at a later stage. This isn’t a visit to be rushed. You should take your time and benefit from the spectacular surroundings.
On this weblog, we discover the Donegal and Sligo space of the Wild Atlantic Method.
With a number of high quality caravan & tenting websites in Donegal and Sligo, you may be spoilt for selection as to the place you keep. Select one of many nice coastal places or transfer inland and expertise the countryside. The place ever you resolve to remain to pitch up for the evening you may be assured of an ideal welcome.
Nonetheless, you don’t should observe these routes and may cross over into different areas. The perfect factor is to be versatile and take your time to discover this nice nation. There’s journey and pleasure round each nook of the Wild Atlantic Method.
Donegal – first up on our go to to the North West is the Donegal. Donegal is wealthy in tradition and heritage with spectacular landscapes and beautiful views.
A go to to the seaside is excessive on the record of each childhood vacation in Eire. In relation to sandy seashores and quiet coves, a household break in Donegal and Sligo stands out. Little ones search rock swimming pools and search for fairy bridges, whereas older children love horse driving on the seashore and exploring hidden caves. Donegal has 1,134km of sandy seashores, cliffs and craggy inlets to discover
Malin Head – Eire’s most northerly level and is famend for its dramatic panorama and delightful seashores. See a few of the largest sand dunes in Europe once you method Malin Head from the coastal street, alongside the north of Trawbreaga Bay at Lagg. Get pleasure from a stroll, go fishing, swim within the shimmering water, take some unimaginable photographs or examine the distinctive rock formations. For those who’re fortunate, you’ll spot basking sharks and dolphins within the sea
A circuit of Malin Head brings you across the coast to Banba’s Crown the place a derelict constructing referred to as The Tower, was as soon as used as a sign station connecting America and Europe. From Banba’s Crown, view Inishtrahull Island and its majestic lighthouse to the northeast. Additional east on a transparent day, see in the event you can spot the Scottish Hills. Hike alongside the cliffs to Hell’s Gap, a exceptional subterranean cavern into which the tide rushes with nice pressure and close by, discover Satan’s Bridge, a picturesque pure arch.
If the Northern Lights are forecast, there’s a great probability you’ll see the spectacular aurora borealis from Malin Head.
Fanad Lighthouse – voted one of the crucial stunning lighthouses on this planet it is a spectacular attraction to go to. You may take a tour of the lighthouse and be taught concerning the mild and aids to navigation previous and current. Step again in time, hear tales about light-keepers in days passed by and climb to the highest of the tower for spectacular views of land and sea.
Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) – Blow away the cobwebs with a go to to a few of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Slieve League (Sliabh Liag). Right here you’ll be able to take a ship journey, a guided tour or a strolling tour of the world. This holy mountain was a Christian pilgrimage website for over 1,000 years and it’s simple to see why it was thought to be a sacred place. Rising 600m above the waves, take pleasure in unrivalled views of the Donegal and Sligo coastlines. Or make a journey with Sliabh Boat Excursions from Teelin Pier and expertise the cliffs from the ocean on a bracing voyage.
Glenveagh Nationwide Park – The 16,000 hectares of Glenveagh consists of a lot of the Derryveagh Mountains, the Poisoned Glen and a part of Errigal Mountain and is a ravishing place to stroll the hills and observe trails. The park extends over a big space of north Donegal and you’ve got free entry to roam from all factors. Hillwalking in Glenveagh Nationwide Park will be difficult for the novice, however there are additionally comparatively simple trails described beneath for all ranges inside the park.
Arranmore Island – The Gaeltacht island of Arranmore close to BurtonportHarbour is the biggest inhabited island in Donegal. A visit to Arranmore is an opportunity to immerse your self in native tradition and chill out at a special tempo in nature. From diving and dolphin watching to angling or just having fun with an impromptu trad session in one in every of its native pubs, there are such a lot of causes to go to Arranmore.
Tory Island – Mendacity 12km off north Donegal, Tory Island or Toraigh, probably the most distant of Eire’s inhabited islands, is a timeless place dominated by its personal elected king the place folks nonetheless speak of ‘travelling to Eire’! Fascinating historic websites embrace a spherical tower that after protected monks from Viking raids, the ruins of St Colmcille’s Sixth-century monastery and the intriguing Tau Cross that implies early seafaring hyperlinks to the Coptic Christians of Egypt. The island additionally boasts an abundance of uncommon birdlife and wildflower species in addition to a wealthy submarine panorama that may be explored via the native dive centre. Entry to Tory is by Tory Ferry from Magheraroarty Pier which is located off the N56 and will be pushed to via the cities of Letterkenny and Dunfanaghy.
Glencolmcille People Village – a thatched-roof duplicate of a rural village in Eire’s most north-westerly county. It provides a glimpse of each day life in occasions passed by. The village museum is a cluster of a number of small cottages, referred to as a ‘clachan’ positioned on a hillside overlooking the sandy curve of Glen Bay Seaside within the Gaeltacht of South West Donegal. The village was designed, constructed and maintained by the native folks. Guests can wander across the village themselves or take one of many guided excursions. There may be additionally a superb craft store on website.
Ards Forest Park – covers roughly 480 hectares (1200 acres). It’s house to sand dunes, seashores, salt marshes, saltwater lakes, rock face and coniferous and deciduous woodlands. You may spend hours exploring the park. There are a number of trails – the Binngorm Path, the Salt Marsh Path and the Sand Dune Path.
Seashores – You might be by no means too removed from a seashore in Donegal. In 2021 14 seashores had been awarded Blue Flag Standing Downings, Rossnowlogh, Greencastle, Rathmullin, Bundoran, Carrickfin, Culdaff, Fintra, Killahoey, Portasalon, Marble Hill, Stroove, Murvagh and Nairn.
Donegal can be house to a number of high quality registered/accepted caravan & tenting parks.
In Downings you will see that Rosguill Vacation Park and close by you’ve got Knockalla Caravan Park in Portsalon and Bortree Touring in Rossnowlagh or the south of the county Boyles Caravans & Tenting Grounds and Killybegs Vacation Park
Sligo – subsequent on our tour is a go to to the Yeat’s County of Sligo. Right here you will see that distant islands, tranquil seashores and luxurious surroundings in addition to a bunch of nice actions and issues to do for everybody to take pleasure in.
Lissadell Home – located on the shores of Sligo Bay, north of Sligo.
Observe within the footsteps of W.B. Yeats in wandering via this superbly restored property on the shores of the Atlantic. Childhood house of Constance and Eva Gore-Sales space, constructed by Sir Robert Gore-Sales space in 1830 and designed by Francis Goodwin the home is now absolutely restored and open each day for guided excursions. Lissadell Home is ideal for a household go to and journey the place youngsters will find out about essential occasions of the previous, what it was prefer to be a servant downstairs in an enormous home and discover the grounds seeing wild deer and generally even seas eagle.
Strandhill – No go to to Sligo is full and not using a go to to the browsing mecca of Strandhill, only a brief 10-minute drive from city. The seashore is the star attraction right here, with folks travelling from everywhere in the world to expertise it. Get pleasure from a stroll alongside the strand to work up an urge for food for dinner or settle into the dunes to look at the sundown. For those who fancy attempting your hand at browsing, guide in with Strandhill Surf Expertise. Summer season is the proper time for learners to be taught, whereas skilled surfers typically look forward to the massive winter waves to roll in. Why not guide in for just a few nights at Strandhill Caravan & Tenting Park overlooking the award-winning seashore.
Rosses Level – A couple of minutes from Sligo city is the peaceable resort of Rosses Level with its fabulous seashore. Take a stroll alongside the seashore with spectacular views of Sligo Bay and the Dartry Mountains. Time your go to to Rosses Level effectively and you’ll drive the 5km throughout the causeway at low tide to Coney Island. The island will get its title from the Latin phrase for rabbit, due to the abundance of furry inhabitants there. Rosses Level Caravan Park is positioned within the village overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with magnificent views of Coney Island
Voya Seaweed Baths – positioned 7 miles from Sligo city in Strandhill uncover the centuries-old follow of revitalizing seaweed baths at Voya Seaweed Baths. Right here you’ll take pleasure in your personal non-public room with a Victorian forged iron tub and steam unit. The warmth from the recent water within the tub releases all of the seaweed’s wealthy, silky, important oils so the physique feels clean, buoyant and opulent.
Queen Maeve’s Path – Take the brief drive from Strandhill to Knocknarea Mountain and hike Queen Maeve’s Path for epic panoramas of the world. The achievable, 40-minute hike on a paved path brings you to the hilltop cairn of Queen Maeve of Connaught. Mountaineering sneakers are really helpful, because the path can get slippery in moist situations. When you attain the highest you’ll be surrounded by views on all sides of the Atlantic Ocean, County Sligo and past
Enniscrone – A go to to the picturesque village of Enniscrone is a should. Right here you’ll be able to go to the playground, play a spherical of loopy golf and soak up all of the water sport actions alongside the magnificent seashore. Additionally, you will discover Waterpoint Aqua Park right here which contains a waterslide that’s 65m lengthy. The park hopes to open in mid-July 2021, restrictions and pointers dependent.
Benbulben – Standing tall above Drumcliffe village in Sligo is majestic Benbulben and is taken into account Eire’s most distinctive mountain. It’s recognized in some components as Eire’s model of Desk Mountain. Make your option to the flat stretch of the summit and revel in magical views of the Wild Atlantic Method. The Benbulben Loop Path, on the forest street, brings you to a hanging waterfall the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in panoramic views of Sligo Bay and on a transparent day, Donegal within the distance.
Carrowkeel – Step again into Neolithic occasions in your journey to Sligo with a go to to Carrowkeel. This assortment of tombs is without doubt one of the largest and most essential historical websites in Eire, with stone constructions standing right here for over 5,000 years. Guests are welcome to discover.
Sligo can be house to some nice caravan & tenting websites together with Eire’s solely adult-only website – Lough Arrow Touring Park. For extra data on these parks and others alongside the Wild Atlantic Method click on right here
Click on beneath for different blogs on the Wild Atlantic Method:
Half 2 Wild Atlantic Method – Galway & Mayo
Half 3 Wild Atlantic Method – Limerick & Clare
Half 4a Wild Atlantic Method – Kerry
Half 4b Wild Atlantic Method – Cork
Caravan & Tenting in Eire
I hope these aid you to actually take pleasure in your vacation in Eire. There is no such thing as a higher option to see the nation with all your personal house comforts. Click on Tenting Eire to seek out data on all the nice caravan & tenting websites all through Eire earlier than you journey. It’s at all times sensible to guide forward so that you received’t be disenchanted or have a wasted journey.
There are over 100 high quality accepted caravan & tenting parks all through Eire. Websites supply top-class amenities with many onsite facilities.
There may be quite a lot of websites round Eire. Perhaps you’re on the lookout for a quiet website the place you’ll be able to pitch up and use the location as a base for travelling round. Perhaps you desire a website the place there’s a playground in your children and even websites the place there are a bunch of onsite actions for all of the household to take pleasure in. No matter you need Tenting Eire has one thing for everybody.
For data on these websites, the amenities they provide and different data log onto our web site Tenting Eire Benefit from the independence and suppleness that tenting in Eire can supply in high quality accepted websites. We sit up for welcoming you to outside residing.
(All data appropriate at time of publishing
