Inishowen walking festival
The Inishowen Walking Festival celebrates the rugged natural beauty of Inishowen through a series of guided walks in various locations across the peninsula.
This is a collaborative group project in Inishowen celebrating the outdoors with a focus on health & wellbeing. It combines community and cultural experiences with fitness and shared learning opportunities engaging with local experts. The walks will be focused on specific places of interest across the Inishowen Peninsula. Explore Inishowen is so excited to come together with their fellow community centres to promote the 2nd annual Inishowen Walking Festival. This year we have built on the success of last year’s event, providing additional and extended visitor experiences for all.
This event will host a series of guided walks of varying skill levels, from casual wanders to hardcore hikes. You will be in the company of expert activity guides that feature all aspects of history, heritage, wildlife, wellness, flora and fauna. There is something for everyone.
Go Visit Inishowen, in collaboration with the Inishowen Social Enterprise Network, is excited about the launch of the 2nd Inishowen Walking Festival.
This event will take place from the 16th to the 25th of September 2022.
Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite
(please register first to purchase your free tickets)
Grab your walking shoes and camera and join us for the ultimate walking experience on the Inishowen Peninsula. The Inishowen Walking Festival will take place between the 16th-25th of September 2022. The event showcases a number of scenic walks throughout the peninsula. With expert guides and local historians, explore Inishowen like you never have before!
This is an all-inclusive festival, however, some walks may not be suitable for all abilities, please check the details of each walk individually. Different scheduled walks will commence at the same time. Please be mindful that you do not book coinciding walks. Organisers reserve the right to cancel double bookings to ensure full walk capacity.
*Photography and filming will take place during these walks for the purpose of social media and promotions. By registering for this event you are acknowledging that the organisers have the right to use material gathered for promotional and marketing purposes.
*Not all walks are suitable for dogs. Dog owners are responsible for checking if a walk is suitable. If you are bringing your dog along please be mindful and keep your dogs on a leash at all times. Please provide your own dog waste bags, food and water. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated. By registering for this event dog owners are acknowledging that the organisers have no responsibility to any incidents that may occur surrounding dogs.
The Walks 2022
Friday 16th september 2022
Audible Art Wander II | 16/09/22 | 15:00
Free
Sales end on 16 Sep 2022
Community centre: Artlink, Fort Dunree
Location of Walk: Fort Dunree, Buncrana
Date: Friday 16th September 2022
Time: 3:00 pm
Starting point / Meetup: Fort Dunree Car Park. F93 C424
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 3km
Walk Grade: Easy-Moderate
Trail Surface: Pathway, steps
Parking: Free parking is available at Fort Dunree Car Park and access to toilets.
Accessibility: Steep incline and steps reduce the accessibility to this walk.
Description: During this short walk uphill, we will come to a place where we can see the land of Cill Ard, where the West Inishowen History and Heritage Society engaged archaeological geophysics organisation, Earthsound, to undertake an electromagnetic survey of the site. For decades, the site has been known locally as having a settlement, possibly monastic or Viking. This exploration has uncovered strong evidence that the site was indeed once the location of a medieval monastery. Artist, Sarah Duffy, has acquired the electromagnetic data and transformed it into sound to reveal something of the hidden history that lies below the soil. During this short wander, we will unveil new signage with a QR code that will enable the public to listen to the audio work virtually.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Smartphone and headphones are essential to fully immerse yourself in this experience, drinking water.
Dogs allowed: No
Tranquillity Ramble
Free
Community centre: Malin Head .
Location of walk: Malin Head.
Date: Friday 16th September 2022.
Time: 6:00 pm.
Starting point / Meetup: Malin Head Community Centre
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
Distance: 5.4km.
Walk Grade: Easy.
Trail Surface: Quiet country road.
Parking: Yes, at the Community Centre
Accessibility: Public Road
Description: This is a tranquillity walk over quiet country roads, on this slow-paced walk you will have the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Malin Head. This walk is suitable for walkers of all levels with the idea of appreciating the here and now and enjoying the moment.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Camera
Dogs allowed: Yes. Well-behaved dogs only, must be on a lead.
Saturday 17th september 2022
‘If Stones Could Talk’ |17/09/22 | 10:00
Free
Community centre: Muff Community Centre.
Location of walk: Muff.
Date: Saturday, 17th September 2022.
Time: 10:00 am.
Starting point / Meetup: Muff Community Park.
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Distance: 7.5 km.
Walk Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Trail Surface: Primarily on path and trail.
Parking: Parking and toilet facilities are available at Muff Community Park.
Accessibility: Part of the course is hilly, with restricted access to some viewing points for buggies/wheelchairs etc.
Description: A history and heritage walk through Muff and the surrounding areas of Ardmore, Cill Doire and Knowehead, with views over Lough Foyle and Co Derry. Contributions by three knowledgeable local guides will stimulate conversation, on the influence of Gaelic, Ulster Scots and English, and the legacy of these in the area. The discussion will be enhanced by contributions from participants.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water, snack camera, etc.
Dogs allowed: No.
Shroove Head Loop
Free
Community centre: Greencastle
Location of walk: Greencastle.
Date: Saturday, 17th September 2022.
Time: 11:00 am.
Starting point / Meetup: Shroove Inishowen Head House car-park (NOT the beach)
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours approx.
Distance: 8 km.
Walk Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Trail Surface: Hilly rough terrain.
Parking: Yes – Limited At Inishowen Head House car park on way to Portcille.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility – no mobility accessibility and not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Description: This walk leaves from Shroove Inishowen Head Car Park past Port Cille where St. Columcille last stopped to bid a final farewell to his beloved Derry before departing for Iona. We then turn right to ascend the hill where spectacular views can be had of the Antrim coast (and Scottish islands on a clear day). This area is rich in biodiversity and you will get an opportunity to stop along the way to explore the flora and fauna.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water/snack/sandwiches/flask/camera/phone
Dogs allowed: No, there are farm animals on the route.
To The Tower
Location of walk: Malin Head.
Date: Saturday 17th September 2022.
Time: 11:00 am.
Starting point / Meetup: Malin Head Community centre
Duration: 2 -3.5 hours.
Distance: 10.5 km.
Walk Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Trail Surface: Country Road surface
Parking: Yes, at the Community Centre
Accessibility: Country Road
Description: This walk is along the shoreline which leads to the tower in Ballyhilllion, breathtaking views of Inishtrahull, the Garvin isles, and on a clear day the Scottish hills passing by Ballyhillion Raised beach. and the village of Ballyhillion where the remaining houses date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes/hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Camera
Dogs allowed: Yes. Well-behaved dogs only, must be on a lead.
Siúl agus caint as Gaeilge
Location of Walk: Fort Dunree, Buncrana
Date: Saturday 17th September 2022
Time: 2:00 pm
Starting point / Meetup: Fort Dunree Car Park. F93 C424
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 9 km
Walk Grade: Moderate
Trail Surface: Pathway, track
Parking: Free parking is available at Fort Dunree Car Park and access to toilets.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility – no mobility accessibility and not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Description: Glór Inis Eoghain is a community group formed to promote the
use of Irish in the Inishowen peninsula. Glór will accompany participants on
a walk and talk as Gaeilge for all those interested in hearing and using Irish.
We will be walking one of new routes open around the Pinch Road area which will take us up towards Manmore Gap and incorporate stunning views of the surrounding sea vistas.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water, lunch, camera
Dogs allowed: Yes. Well-behaved dogs only, must be on a lead. Extra care must be taken on this route as there are sheep on the hills.
Sunday 18th september 2022
Bog Safari Hike
Free
Location of Walk: Dunree
Date: Sunday, 18th September 2022
Time: 10:00 am
Starting point / Meetup: Fort Dunree Car Park. F93 C424
Duration: 4/5 hours
Distance: 12 km & a total ascent of 220 metres.
Walk Grade: Strenuous
Trail Surface: This walk is off-road; over mixed terrain including track, bog and hill ground which may be boggy, slippery and rocky underfoot.
Parking: Parking at Fort Dunree Car Park
Accessibility: Limited accessibility – no mobility accessibility and not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Description: This authentic hiking experience will provide a fascinating insight into this unique and primeval landscape. As we journey through time, we will explore how the bog (or peatland) was formed, its myths and legends, an ancient monastic site; traditional turf cutting as well as the unique biodiversity of the bog and its role in the fight against climate change. We will also see green energy in action as we ramble through this dramatic landscape. Our lunch stop will be upon a hilltop with panoramic views of Lough Swilly and West Donegal. This route is approx 12km in length with 220 metres of ascent. A good level of fitness is required for this hike. This walk is over mixed terrain including track, bog and hill ground which may be boggy, wet, slippery and rocky underfoot.
What to Wear: Hiking boots/shoes are essential. Waterproof coat and trousers, hat and gloves.
What to Bring: Camera, sun cream, insect repellent, lunch and lots to drink
(2L) and a rucksack to carry it all in.
Dogs allowed: No
D`Arcy Mc Gee Walk
Free
Location of walk: Carrowmenagh
Date: Sunday, 18th of September, 2022.
Time: 1:30 pm.
Starting point / Meetup: Carrowmenagh Community Centre. F93 EY77.
Duration: 2.5 hours max.
Distance: 6 km.
Walk Grade: Intermediate.
Trail Surface: Dirt track pathway and tarmac road surfaces.
Parking: There are full parking and toilet facilities at the Community Centre where the walk will commence and where we will be returning to.
Accessibility: Part of the route is on a dirt track road not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Description: The walk begins at the Carrowmenagh Community Centre. As we leave the centre, we make our way through the picturesque village of Carrowmenagh taking us through the townlands of Drumaville and Ballyharry, then onto Tremone Bay where a commemorative plaque to Thomas D`Arcy Mc Gee is situated. During your walk, you will have an uninterrupted view of the North Atlantic. You can also see a standing stone at the site of an early monastic settlement. We will return to the Community Centre
What to Wear: Good walking/hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water, a Walking Pole (optional), camera, binoculars (optional) etc.
Dogs allowed: Yes. Well-behaved dogs, must be on a lead.
Carndonagh Heritage Stroll
Free
Location of walk: Carndonagh
Date: Sunday, 18th September 2022
Time: 3:00 PM
Starting point / Meetup: The Diamond, Carndonagh. F93 CKK6
Duration: Approx. 1.5hrs
Distance: 4km
Walk Grade: Moderate
Trail Surface: Varies, most of the walk will include concrete pathways, however, there will also be some sections which include loose gravel and clay pathways
Parking: Parking in the Diamond
Accessibility: Accessible, however, there will be inclines, declines and loose gravel.
Description: Carndonagh is situated at the ‘heart’ of the Inishowen Peninsula, filled with local history & is the main market and shopping town in North Inishowen. The town is a thriving centre for gatherings, entertainment, and culture. Our heritage walk will bring you on a guided tour of our fair town, learning about our unique history, culture and local interesting stories. Dessie Mc Callion, a local heritage and history expert will be our Tour Guide on the day. Our walk will give participants a real sense of the town, its people, the struggles endured, successes achieved and our aspirations for the future.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water & perhaps your camera!
Dogs allowed: Yes. Well-behaved dogs only, must be on a lead.
Tuesday 20th september 2022
Wellness Wander
Free
Location of walk: Buncrana
Date: Tuesday, 20th September 2022.
Time: 7:00 PM
Starting point / Meetup: The Exchange Community Centre, Castle Ave, Buncrana. F93 FE09
Duration: 45 minutes
Distance: 2 km
Walk Grade: Multi-Access
Trail Surface: Flat/smooth (mostly pathways)
Parking: Shorefront or Nailor’s Row
Accessibility: All walks are gentle and easily accessible.
Description: Take a gentle evening stroll with us to unwind and de-stress. Slow down, relax and enjoy nature for this lovely well-being walk with opportunities to enjoy mindfulness, poetry and music along the way. Discover the benefits of walking for mental health. Hosted by Insight Inishowen, this 45-minute walk will start from The Exchange Community Centre at 7 pm and end up back at the centre for refreshments. Watch out for some heart-warming surprises along the way.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Just yourself
Dogs allowed: Well-behaved dogs, must be on a lead.
Thursday 22nd september 2022
A Journey Through Time
Free
Location of walk: Buncrana
Date: Thursday 22nd September 2022
Time: 7:00 PM
Starting point / Meetup: The Exchange Community Centre, Castle Ave, Buncrana. F93 FE09
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 3 km
Walk Grade: Multi-Access
Trail Surface: Flat/smooth (mostly pathways)
Parking: Shorefront or Nailor’s Row
Accessibility: All walks are gentle and easily accessible.
Description: Buncrana is steeped in history – stories of triumphs and tragedies, loves and losses, battles and betrayals, voyages and shipwrecks. Here the ballads of lofty lords intertwine with the humble and wholesome songs of home. Join local historians for a journey through time and uncover the town’s heritage. Translation offered on request (Arabic, Polish or Ukrainian/Russian). This one-hour walk will start from The Exchange Community Centre at 7 pm and end up back at the centre for refreshments.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Just yourself
Dogs allowed: Well-behaved dogs, must be on a lead.
Friday 23 september 2022
Castle View Walk
Free
Location of walk: Greencastle.
Date: Friday, 23rd September 2022
Time: 11:00 am.
Starting point / Meetup: Museum Carpark
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 2 km.
Walk Grade: Easy.
Trail Surface: Road/pathway
Parking: Yes. At the Inishowen Maritime Museum
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
Description: Leaving from the Museum through the village and then taking the coastal path past the Northburg Castle, the old fort and by the Manor House taking in some beautiful coastal scenery and accompanying wildlife, perhaps even glimpse the dolphins on the Foyle
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water
An Amazing Journey
Free
Location of walk: Buncrana
Date: Friday 23rd September 2022
Time: 6:00 PM
Starting point / Meetup: Go Visit Inishowen Tourist Office car park, Railway Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: 2.5 km
Walk Grade: Multi-Access
Trail Surface: Flat/smooth (mostly pathways)
Parking: Parking at the tourist office
Accessibility: Gentle and easily accessible.
Description: From pop concerts to civil rights marches and from folk music to funerals, the song Amazing Grace is known and loved around the world. To mark the 250th anniversary of the world’s most famous hymn, join us for a walk through Amazing Grace Country discovering the story behind the song and its connection with Inishowen. Starting at the Amazing Grace Park, we will walk along the shore to the Amazing Grace Viewing Point before ending up at The Exchange Community Centre for refreshments (transfers back to the car park available on request). Watch out for a little music along the way!
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Just yourself
Dogs allowed: Well-behaved dogs, must be on a lead.
Saturday 24th september 2022
Heart of Inishowen Hike
Free
Location of walk: Sliabh Sneacht Centre
Date: Saturday 24 September 2022
Time: 10:00 am
Starting point / Meetup: Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Drumfries, Inishowen F93 K6PH
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Distance: 6km
Walk Grade: Moderate to strenuous
Trail Surface: Loose blue stone path
Parking: Parking at the Sliabh Sneacht Centre, approx. 40 spaces available.
Accessibility: Limited Accessibility – only suitable for walking due to loose blue stone path.
Description: This walk sets off from the Sliabh Sneacht Centre to the side of the twin hills called Barna Mór and Barna Beag, known locally as the King and Queen of the Mintiaghs. This walk is 6 km in total with the first half
mostly uphill on a loose blue stone path. This walk gives some of the most spectacular views in Inishowen. Overlooking Lough Swilly, Sliabh Sneacht is on one side with the beautiful Lough Min and Lough Fada on the other side and the Atlantic Ocean visible in the distance. This is a wonderful walk to experience unique upland flora and fauna and to find yourself very quickly in a completely unspoilt area of outstanding natural beauty. This walk will be led by a local knowledgeable and entertaining walk leader. You will get an opportunity to stop along the way to explore the flora, fauna and hear remarkable stories on the culture and heritage of this area, located in every sense in the very heart of Inishowen.
What to Wear: Good walking/hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Walking Pole if desired as the path is fairly steep in parts, and water.
Dogs allowed: No, there are farm animals on the route.
The Green Way to Wellness
Free
Location of walk: Muff
Date: Saturday, 24th September 2022
Time: 11:00am
Starting point / Meetup: Muff Community Park
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 2.5 km
Walk Grade: Moderate
Trail Surface: Paved surface
Parking: Parking is available at Muff Community Park
Accessibility: Good
Description: This is a short walk & talk, through the newly opened Greenway exploring the benefits of social activity, bio-diversity and interests and their contribution to wellness.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water, snack camera, etc
Dogs allowed: Yes. Well-behaved dogs only, must be on a lead.
Leenan Costal Walk |
Location of walk: Clonmany.
Date: Saturday 24 September 2022
Time: 15:30.
Starting point / Meetup: Tiernasligo school.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
Distance: 5 km.
Walk Grade: Easy.
Trail Surface: Road + off-road.
Parking: Parking is available at the school.
Accessibility: Most of this walk is fully accessible on a road. However, there is an option for some walkers to go off-road to see Leenan Head Fort.
Description: This is a beautiful walk that highlights Inishowen’s two most prominent features, our wild Atlantic coastline and the undulating hills of Donegal. We set out from Tiernasligo National School and head along the coastal road towards Leenan Head Fort. This will be a calm casual stroll along this stunning area of Inishowen with the Urris Hills as the backdrop for this coastal walk.
After the walk, there will be a genealogical event at the Market House in Clonmany everyone is welcome, here, there will be a short talk on the history of the local Clonmany area, and the people who lived there.
Come explore this lesser-known area of Inishowen, relax and enjoy the natural beauty and learn about the history of the area and the people who called it home.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing.
What to Bring: Water, snacks.
Dogs allowed: No, there are farm animals on the route.
Sunday 25th september 2022
Mind the Gap
Free
Location of walk: Clonmany.
Date: 25/09/22.
Time: 12:00.
Starting point / Meetup: Glenevin Waterfall.
Duration: 4-5 hours.
Distance: 10.4km.
Walk Grade: Strenuous.
Trail Surface: Road, off-road, hill and path.
Parking: Parking is available near the Glenevin Waterfall.
Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs.
Description: This is one of our longer walks at the festival and it is recommended for experienced walkers only. This route offers views of rugged coastal scenery with panoramic views in all directions. We will meet near the beautiful Glenevin Waterfall and set off for Mamore Gap where we stop for a short break before returning to the waterfall.
What to Wear: Hiking shoes + Walking poles optional, wet gear required (weather dependent).
What to Bring: Plenty of water
Dogs allowed: No, there are farm animals on the route.
ISEN Community Groups involved
Inishowen Maritime Museum
The Exchange Inishowen
Carrowmenagh Community Centre
Artlink, Fort Dunree
Sliabh Sneacht Centre
Muff Community Development
Clonmany Community Centre
Greencastle Community Centre
Malin Head Community Centre
Moville Family Resource Centre
Colgan Hall Community & Resource
Centre Ltd, Men’s Shed
and other community organisations
We would like to acknowledge the hard work of the ISEN (Inishowen Social Enterprise Network)
Community Groups for their participation in this project. We appreciate our funding bodies support to make this happen and kind donations received from Local Councillors and TDs. IDP (Inishowen Development Partnership)
have kindly contributed to our leaflet and supported the ISEN network throughout the past two years with dedicated staff to facilitate innovation.
Explore Inishowen team have immersed in this exciting opportunity and look forward to
planning future community events that build on the visitor experience and will help create
longterm sustainability.