A Beautiful Hike in Ireland: Slieve League
St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend! As those of us with Irish heritage and non-Irish alike celebrate, I want to share with you one of the most beautiful places to hike in Ireland, Slieve League.
It’s an unbelievably beautiful journey to what feels like the world’s edge. I got so close to the 609 mile drop that in that moment, I remembered just how small I am in this world. A feeling unlike any other.
The wonder! The rolling hills of Ireland stretching out as far as the eye can see into the blue expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean. The sight is so breathtaking that I barely had words to express. It literally left me speechless. What you may not know, is that Slieve League's cliffs reach three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher. I am blessed to have visited both. The striking thing about Slieve League is that it is less touristy and felt even more remote. It made me want to sing “The hills are alive” and twirl like Maria in the film, The Sound Of Music. In fact, once we left the short trail at the viewpoint and kept climbing, there were workers still building all the stepping stones you see in these pictures. To think that we were exploring somewhere that didn't even have an intact trail yet was so exhilarating!
The local at our bed & breakfast, Rose Park House B&B, told us that once we make the drive there, we should open the sheep gate and drive in to the viewpoint. My initial thoughts were of confusion. But you don't know, until you know! We certainly reached a sheep gate and did as was suggested. You’ll understand what I’m talking about when you arrive. This is key. And definitely not something I encounter in my everyday life. This was just the rising action in the story (well, not until we stood in front of the cliffs)! The journey around the cliffs can two to three hours on foot, but if you have time to make the full length walk, it's four to five hours. Remember that Bunglas Viewpoint is a perfect place to start.
We were blessed enough to be there on a beautifully sunny, yet chilly day. It was just right.
I was especially proud of myself because I put together an outfit that was not only cute, but functional for trekking the 7 miles that day. It withheld the weather, the climb and the mud. These duck boots doubled well as hiking boots, but we’re still chic and fashionable. To top it off, I have to say that the REI hiking socks really made a difference with the cold and cushion.
Who says you can’t look cute while trekking?!
Bunglas Viewpoint at Slieve League Cliffs.
The trail up Slieve League cliffs. Donegal, Ireland.
The road to towards the sheep gate before Slieve League. Donegal, Ireland.
My big brother and I at the Slieve League cliffs.
The view from Slieve League down to Ballymore County, Donegal Ireland
