We slept soundly in our beautiful suite at the Abbey Hotel and feeling refreshed, headed downstairs for breakfast in their Market House restaurant. After being tempted with an array of hot and cold dishes we were ready for the day ahead and a morning stroll around the attractive small town of Donegal.
Our walk took us to Hanna Hats of Donegal where we were given a tour of the workshop. This local business is steeped in history as it was established in 1924 by David Hanna and is now run by Eleanor and John Patrick, the third generation of the family. It is Ireland’s last operating headwear workshop where each hat is handcrafted by a skilled team using many of the original age old traditions.
Visitors are welcome to the workshop to browse and purchase the beautiful Irish tweed hats and caps and take a look in the factory to observe the cutting, sewing and pressing processes. At the final stage each hat is quality inspected and then steamed using a hand held iron.
We couldn’t return home without taking a little piece of Donegal’s history with us, but what to select as we were spoilt for choice. With the help of Eleanor, we finally decided on a stylish Slieve League tweed hat and a vintage tweed cap both of which fitted us perfectly and felt so comfortable to wear.
Our walk then took us past Donegal Castle which towers over the River Eske. For most of the last two centuries the majority of its buildings lay in ruins but the castle was almost fully restored in the early 1990’s. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit but as Donegal is such a gem of a town and a place we had fallen in love with, I’m certain we will be returning for a longer stay before too long.
After checking out of the Abbey Hotel, we popped our luggage into the car and then took a final walk along the quayside soaking up the splendid views across to Donegal Bay. Boat trips operate from here during the summer months, yet another reason for us to come back soon.
Our plan for the morning was to visit the Slieve League cliffs and on the way we made a brief stop in Killybegs. The town is Ireland’s largest fishing port but don’t let that put you off as although it’s a working harbour it’s very pretty and a walk through the small town is also of interest.
The maritime museum was the former home of Donegal Carpets who supplied royalty, palaces and the White House. On display is the longest carpet loom in the world where eight weavers would have worked, sitting alongside each other in a line.
Back in the car again, we continued onto the Slieve League Cliffs approximately an hour’s drive from Donegal Town. The cliffs which are also known locally as Sliabh Liag Cliffs are three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and stand at 1,972 ft (601m) making them one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
There are several options for parking at the cliffs. Parking at the visitor centre is free of charge and from there it is a 45 minute walk up to the viewpoint. Visitors can also drive slightly nearer to a small pay and display car park (€5) just before a set of gates that is used to keep livestock from straying.
We took the easy option of opting for the Sliagh Liag Tours shuttle bus which takes visitors from outside the Ti Linn cafe to the Bunglass Viewpoint with an informative guided commentary in both directions. The service usually operates at 20 minute intervals meaning that visitors can stay as long as they wish.
The short walk to the viewpoint is then fully accessible and from there we enjoyed breathtaking views of the cliffs and being clear we could see across to the counties of Sligo and Mayo. These awe inspiring cliffs are prone to extremely strong winds and the gorgeous tweed hat I’d just acquired was styled a Slieve League design but there was no way I would have worn it on the cliff tops for fear of it blowing off!
There are ruins of a monastic chapel near the summit as the cliffs have been a place of sacred pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. Returning back in the minibus our driver pointed out a 19th century watchtower at the end of Carrigan Head. The watchtower was constructed to defend the north west coast from the threat of a Napoleonic invasion. He also told us that the narrow ledges of the cliffs attract thousands of seabirds in the spring and early summer drawing thousands of birdwatchers to the area. Visiting Slieve League cliffs was a memorable experience and one I recommend adding to a visit to the north west of Ireland.
Back at the visitor centre, we warmed up with cappuccinos in the Ti Linn Cafe which is renowned for its delicious home baked cakes. Next to the cafe is a gift shop showcasing local talent so we popped in there for a look around before returning to the car. On the way to our next location we drove past the beautiful Fintra beach, which even in October looked inviting.
Within less than an hour we’d arrived at Harvey’s Point, on the edge of Lough Eske where we had arranged to have a late lunch. The hotel sits in an idyllic position at the water’s edge amid the backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains just five miles from Donegal Town.
A casual dining menu is served in the octagonal bar lounge which opens out onto the lakeside. From our sunny window table, we ordered a steak sandwich and a chicken caesar salad which were both delicious and although I thought I was being good having a salad, I couldn’t resist pinching a few chips from the other side of the table.
Before leaving, we enjoyed a stroll along the lakeside. Guests were gathering for a wedding and it was amusing watching them totter in high heels by the water’s edge to take photographs. There were a few short showers we needed to dodge but the vivid rainbows that appeared in between them made up for it and were really beautiful.
It was then time to move on to Sligo and to the small seaside resort of Strandhill where we had planned to spend the night. The village is situated at the western base of Knocknarea, a prominent hill rising to 327m (1073 ft), and is regarded as one of the best places to go surfing in Ireland.
Surfing wasn’t on our agenda but a stay at the Strandhill Lodge and Suites was. Located on a quiet road a short stroll from the beach, many of its rooms have stunning views across the bay. Our spacious room was comfortable and equipped with everything needed for a pleasant stay. The views from the balcony were beautiful and I could just imagine how lovely it would be to sit out out with a drink and to watch the sunset on a warmer evening.
As it was falling dark we decided to leave exploring Strandhill until the next morning and instead drive into Sligo town just 15 minutes away. It was a bonus to discover that parking in the town centre is free during the evening and so we set off for a walk along the river bank which looked so pretty with the twinkling lights from its surrounding buildings reflected on the water. The Garavogue River flowing through the town is one of Ireland’s shortest as its journey takes it from Lough Gill into Sligo bay, a distance of only 31 miles (50 km).
After our little walk we were ready to eat and so we headed to Walkers 1781 Restaurant located on O’Connell Street in the Abbey Quarter. Drinks are served in the convivial ground floor pub whilst upstairs there is a buzzing restaurant dedicated to serving fresh produce with a contemporary twist. We received a warm welcome by the friendly team of Emily, Aoife and Leah who looked after us during the evening.
We often opt for a starter and a main, but noticing the yummy desserts passing by we decided to go for mains and dessert. Our duck leg confit and chicken and chorizo tagliatelle were cooked to perfection and both our salted caramel brownie and crème brûlée were spot on and we savoured every spoonful. Run by the culinary pair of Joe Grogan and Grainne Sheridan we’d discovered an excellent, reasonably priced restaurant in the centre of town.
What a day we’d had on our Wild Atlantic Way adventure and with more still to come, we curled up in our comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also like:
Glenveagh National Park & Letterkenny, Donegal
Giant’s Causeway and Boat Tour, Northern Ireland
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Wow! It’s interesting that the Slieve League cliffs don’t get anywhere near the same attention as the Cliffs of Moher. This place looks incredible – another destination to add to the list!
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Definitely, everyone has heard of the Cliffs of Moher and very few Slieve League but they are stunning Jason! Thanks so much for taking an interest.
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I am just playing catch up on your posts Marion, they are all SO gorgeous, incredibly informative and would push people an extra mile to travel.
Hope you’re doing well Marion!
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Thank you for taking such an interest in my blog and for your kind words. It’s much appreciated. We are all fine here and hope that you are too!
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It continues to be a pleasure Marion! 💕
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Thank you.
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Loved the cliffs when we visited in 2019!
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They are stunning aren’t they. It was such a memorable experience to be able to visit Slieve League. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated.
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Glad you found some blue skies. The photos are great! The ruins look ominous, the shapes against the sky.
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Thank you, the Slieve League cliffs are stunning Ruth as was all of the northern part of the Wild Atlantic Way that we explored.
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Oh dear, it seem I got a bit behind on your lovely posts 👀. But now I’m ready to read more about your trip! Just love your hat – it’s so stylish! And the views towards those cliffs are just amazing and once again, your food looks so yummy (hmm, that creme brûlée 😋). And love your picture of the rainbow – so pretty!
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Thanks so much for your kind words Corna. I adore my hat too and the cliffs were stunning, so lucky the sky was clear and we got to see them almost to ourselves.
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hi
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Great post, I am having some headwear envy like many others who commented, do you perhaps have a link to the shop you got it from if they have an online space?
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Thank you so much for taking an interest in this post on Slieve League Cliffs and of my gorgeous Irish tweed hat. They do have as on-line shop and the details are http://www.hannahats.com Hooe you find one you like!
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Thank you so much, I will pay them a visit!
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The quality is second to none and I just love mine as does my son with his Donegal tweed flat cap. If you do buy one I’d love to see a photo of you wearing it sometime!
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I am loving those cliffs Marion; so beautiful and that hat – just wow!!
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Thanks Sue, it was a wonderful day and we were so lucky to walk on the cliffs when it was clear. I adore my fat too and I’m sure to wearing a lot,
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Looking at those cliffs I was suddenly struck with a feeling of being an Irish emigrant climbing them one last time before making the long sailing ship voyage to Australia. I am sure many a person shed a tear as they looked on their beautiful Ireland for the final time…
And that hat looks so fabulous on you. I hope you get lots of opportunity to wear it.
I’m so enjoying following this road trip.
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The rock shading on the cliffs is magnificent Gwen and we were so lucky to be there when it was clear. As for my beautiful tweed hat, I adore it and am sure that I’ll get lots of opportunities to wear it bringing back memories of my visit.
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What a charming place! I also think your hats are lovely – they are wonderful souvenirs of your visit… 🙂
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Thanks Meg xx
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Slieve League is one of my favourites, Marion. First saw it in sixty nine when you could drive right to the top, if you dared! Sligo is another favourite haunt, and I’m looking forward to your account.
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We loved Slieve League Shane and pretty much had the place to ourselves, the shades of the rock face are simply beautiful too. Thanks for your continued interest in this series of posts, it means a lot.
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I am so glad you did not wear your hat to the top of the cliffs! Thank you for sharing!
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So am I. Thanks for commenting.
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Beautiful photo and informative post.. I have pin it on Pinterest. Cek on my Pinterest.
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Thank you for your kind words and for pinning the post, it’s much appreciated.
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Loved the pictures as usual and of course the information that helped enjoy that tour with you. That’s a great hat too. 🙂
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The Slieve League cliffs are stunning and I’m delighted with my new tweed hat. I’m certain it will get a lot of use during the winter months. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Marion
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Those cliffs look awesome. And it sounds like you fell in love with Donegal.
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We did indeed, it was lovely!
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I’ve heard good things about the Slieve League Cliffs, especially after being compared to the famous Cliffs of Moher. I’ve wanted to go to the Cliffs of Moher for so long, but it looks as if the Slieve League Cliffs are a great contender to consider! Should I return to Ireland, I’ll have to make the journey over. Thanks for sharing, Marion!
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Thanks for reading Rebecca, I’ve not yet visited the Cliffs of Moher but Slieve League Cliffs are definitely stunning. Have a good weekend. Marion
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Again, you covered a lot of ground in one day. It’s true that living in the country, I tended to concentrate on one or two destinations each time. When looking around, there’s always something to see.
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Thank you once again for your interest in this series of posts on north west Ireland. I would like to make a return visit and spend longer in certain places next time.
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Another lovely post Marion, and you look fabulous in the hat 🙂
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Thank you Hannah, visiting Slieve League Cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way was really beautiful. I’m delighted with my tweed hat, just need some dry days to wear it! Hope you have a nice weekend.
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amazing place
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Thank you
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that moment when you fan girl over a favorite blogger’s post because you’ve been there too 🙂 Loved seeing Donegal again through your post! Such a beautiful place. Your new hat looks really lovely on you. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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Thanks so much Meg, I remembered that you had mentioned visiting Donegal where you had bought some Irish tweed to make a skirt It’s such a beautiful town and hopefully we’ll get back there before too long. In the meantime I can enjoy wearing my lovely hat ! Hope you have a good weekend. Marion
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I’d love to go there one day! I absolutely loved Scotland and it seems pretty similar.
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If you enjoyed Scotland Lyssy then I’m certain you would also enjoy visiting north west Ireland. Thank you for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated.
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Every time I see photos of Slieve League cliffs, I regret we di not have more time in the area. We stopped briefly in Donegal, then Killybeggs and on to Glencolumbkille, before heading to Derry. Such a beautiful part of the world. I think we have to go back and spend a week there. Thanks for sharing Marion. Have a great weekend. Allan
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Thank you for following our Irish travels Allan. Hopefully you’ll be able to make a return visit to north west Ireland and explore more of Co. Donegal.
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The buildings aren’t particularly notable, but the scenery and your new hat are quite lovely!
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Thank you so much for your kind words about my Irish tweet hat and of course the spectacular scenery. Hope you have a good weekend.
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Looks absolutely stunning!
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Thank you, it certainly is.
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The Slieve League Cliffs looks stunning and very impressive. Looks like you had fabulous weather to enjoy the views. It’s always nice to warm up afterwards with a hot drink and treat yourself to some home baked goodies.
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The Slieve League cliffs are indeed stunning and we were so fortunate with the weather that day. Thanks for taking the time to comment and hope you have a great weekend. Marion
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Those cliffs are really something with the competing shades of colour and light. That’s a fetching hat Marion, you look like someone out of an Enid Blyton novel, “Auntie Marion” perhaps? 😉 The rainbow shot over the lough is worthy of a frame, methinks.
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The Slieve League Cliffs are absolutely beautiful Leighton, hope you get to see them sometime. I adore my lovely tweed hat which will keep me nice and warm on days when it’s not raining. Interesting you thought of an Enid Blyton character as I had thought it made me look a little like Miss Marple, in a lovely way of course. Hope you have a great weekend. Marion
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Hi, Marion looks like you had heaps of fun exploring my neck of the woods! I love your photos from the rugged Slieve League cliffs and your beautiful tweed hat – it’s so stylish and suits you so well. We almost always stayed at the Strandhill Lodge and Suites whenever we came up from Dublin and loved the views from the rooms, too. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments on this post. It was such a wonderful day from exploring charming Donegal Town and getting our hats to viewing the stunning Slieve League cliffs in peace and quiet with only a handful,of other visitors. It’s great also to read that you have enjoyed staying at Strandhill Lodge and Suites – such a friendly place with gorgeous views. Hope you all have a great weekend. Marion xx
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Wow I feel like I am there with you! What great place to see and visit. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us.
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It’s my pleasure, I’m so happy you are enjoying following our roadtrip.
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🤗🤗🤗
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Beautiful photos Marion, love your hat. The photo of the rainbow was lovely. Duck confit is one of my favourite dishes.
I’m enjoying your trip with you
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Thank you Alison for following along on my road trip. I love the hat too and it will keep me lovely and warm on dry winter days and remind me of beautiful Donegal. The Slieve League cliffs are stunning and we were so fortunate that the rain storm passed through so we could see them properly. Hope you have a good weekend!
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Enjoy the rest of your travels, we are in for a very hot weekend
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Thanks for this wonderful post! It’s very informative and helpful.
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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading about beautiful Donegal.
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😊
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I always enjoy reading about your travels Marion
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That’s so nice to hear Sheree, thank you. Hope you have a good weekend.
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