Glencolmcille is a remote village in a spectacular location. Surrounded by some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Ireland, this is also an area steeped in history. Human settlement dates back 5,000 years, and there are countless Neolithic and early Christian monuments scattered around the village.

This walk is a perfect showcase for both the natural drama and historic sites. Begin at Glencolmcille Fire Station / Ionad Siúil Lodge. From here, follow the blue arrows to make a clockwise circuit over Beefan Mountain (275m). A longer red circuit – the Drum Loop – comes this way too, before detouring east near the end of the walk.

Ancient sites along the route include early cross pillars, stone chapels and megalithic tombs. Near the top of Beefan, a short detour left brings you to the top of Glen Head, where vertical sea cliffs are crowned by a stone signal tower dating from 1804. There are stunning views here along the Donegal coastline, including the magnificent cliffs at Slieve League. The descent back to the village is largely along paved laves, with several more early Christian and pagan landmarks along the way.

– Helen Fairbairn
 

Don’t Miss

The Napoleonic watchtower at the top of 200m-high Glen Head

Tobar Cholmcille (St Columba’s Well), during the ascent to Beefan. It’s tricky to find, but consists of a court cairn and holy well with an ancient stone carving of the saint inside.

Cloch Aonach (the Meeting Stone), a carved pillar with a hole near the top. In pagan times, marriage rituals were sealed when the couple joined fingers through the hole.

Practical Information

On 9 June each year, thousands of Catholic pilgrims still make a pilgrimage to Glencolmcille, to pray at its fifteen ancient stations of the Turas

The terrain underfoot is a mixture of laneway, track and open hillside. Boots will be appreciated in wet conditions.