VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at the Sliabh Liag Cliffs in county Donegal

Claire McCune, Tourism Ireland; travel photographer Diana Jarvis; Cathy Toogood, Travel Weekly; Alex Fisher, Coast Magazine; Ella Walker, PA Media; and Tom Shepherd, Sainsbury’s Magazine, at Sliabh Liag in County Donegal.

The Sliabh Liag Cliffs (Slieve League), located in the Gaeltacht region of southwest County Donegal, are among Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, towering 601 meters (1,972 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. A signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way, this dramatic coastal site near the village of Teelin offers breathtaking views, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of standing at the “edge of the world.” Accessible by car (4 hours from Dublin, 3 hours from Belfast, 2.5 hours from Knock) via the N56 to Killybegs, then R263 to Carrick, the cliffs are open 24/7 with free admission to the site. The Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre (F94 W8KC) serves as the main hub, open year-round (10:00 AM–5:00 PM, extended to 6:00 PM in summer). A shuttle bus to the main viewing point costs €6–8, and parking fees apply at the Ranger Station (€5 for 3 hours, €15 for a day) but are free at the Visitor Centre. Public transport is limited, with Bus Éireann to Carrick (6 km away), so private tours or taxis from Donegal Town (55-minute drive) are recommended.

Scenic Beauty: The cliffs at Bunglas Point offer panoramic vistas of Donegal Bay, the Sligo Mountains, and the Atlantic, with vibrant marine flora and fauna in a Special Area of Conservation. Highlights include the Cliff of Bunglas, sea caves, and rock formations, best seen from the main viewing platform or via boat tours. The 2.5 km Cliff Path Walk (2.5–3 hours, moderate) leads to stunning viewpoints, while the 3.5 km Pilgrim’s Path (3–3.5 hours) and 13 km Loop Walk (4–5 hours) offer more challenging hikes, including the thrilling One Man’s Pass, a narrow ridge for experienced walkers only. Trails feature sheep, lakes, and the WWII EIRE 80 sign, marking Ireland’s neutrality. Visitors describe the scenery as “awe-inspiring” and “unforgettable,” with changing light and clouds enhancing the dramatic landscape.
Visitor Centre: Located 4 km from the cliffs, the centre provides free parking, public toilets, a gift shop with local crafts, and an interpretation room with exhibits on the cliffs’ geology, biodiversity, and Christian pilgrimage history (a sacred site for over 1,000 years). The café, praised for fresh, locally sourced food like scones and lobster rolls (€5–10), offers indoor and outdoor seating with cliff views. Staff are noted for their warmth, with guides like Aidan and Joe sharing local stories and humor. The centre is wheelchair-accessible, and the main viewing platform is reachable by shuttle for those with mobility issues.
Shuttle Bus and Tours: A summer shuttle (July–September, most bank holidays, 10:10 AM–5:30 PM) runs from the Visitor Centre to the viewing point, ideal for avoiding the narrow, winding road (scary for some drivers). Costing €6–8, the shuttle is praised for knowledgeable drivers like Frankie, who share history and anecdotes. Guided tours by Joe Haughey Travel or Sliabh Liag Boat Tours (from Teelin Pier or Killybegs, €33, 1.75 hours) offer sea-level views of the cliffs, with sightings of basking sharks and dolphins. The boat tours include tales of local folklore, such as the Giant’s Chair rock formation.
Cultural and Historical Context: Situated in a Gaeltacht region, the cliffs are near Teelin, a historic port and hub of Irish culture, home to folklorist Seán Ó hEochaidh and fiddler Con Cassidy. A Napoleonic watchtower (1804) at Carrigan Head and the WWII EIRE sign add historical depth. The cliffs’ role as a pilgrimage site, tied to early Christian monks, enhances their spiritual allure. Nearby attractions like Glencolmcille Folk Village, Silver Strand Beach, and Studio Donegal in Kilcar (8 km away) complement a visit.
Activities and Wildlife: The cliffs are ideal for hiking, photography (best at non-sunny times for dramatic light), and wildlife spotting, including gannets, seals, and occasional whales. The area is a dark sky reserve, perfect for stargazing or Northern Lights viewing in winter. Walkers should bring sturdy boots for boggy, uneven trails and heed cliff-edge warnings. The site’s biodiversity, with alpine plants in the northern coomb, is a draw for nature enthusiasts.
Visitor Feedback: Awarded a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award, Sliabh Liag is celebrated for its “stunning” and “pristine” scenery, outshining the Cliffs of Moher for its quieter, wilder charm. Visitors praise the shuttle, café, and friendly staff but note limited signage and the physical demand of hikes (not for the unfit). A visit takes 2–4 hours, depending on trails or tours, with families (ages 13–92) enjoying the experience. Some report closures on One Man’s Path due to safety concerns or restoration.

What’s New::

New Viewing Platform: Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland are rebuilding the main viewing platform on the Sliabh Liag View Walk, following a public consultation launched in March 2025. The current timber structure, requiring frequent maintenance, will be replaced with a safer, more durable design to enhance visitor comfort while minimizing environmental impact in this sensitive Special Area of Conservation. Funded by Fáilte Ireland’s Shared Island Programme, the project is in early stages, with construction starting in 2025. Visitors may encounter temporary disruptions or trail adjustments, so check www.sliabhliag.com or www.govisitdonegal.com for updates.
Enhanced Visitor Management: The Sliabh Liag Visitor Management Plan (ongoing since 2020) continues to prioritise sustainable tourism. Following 2024’s €4.95m Strategic Development Project, which improved paths and facilities, 2025 may see further trail enhancements or signage to manage growing crowds, especially after record tourism in Donegal (e.g., 2,000 cruise passengers in Killybegs in 2024). This aligns with Ireland’s 5–7% tourism revenue growth forecast for 2025, boosting Sliabh Liag’s profile via Wild Atlantic Way campaigns.
Increased Accessibility Focus: The consultation emphasizes accessibility, with the new platform designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The shuttle service may expand hours or capacity to handle increased 2025 visitors, particularly from North America.
Sliabh Liag’s remote location and wild weather (e.g., Storm Éowyn’s 184 km/h gusts in January 2025) require preparation with weatherproof clothing and caution near cliffs. The shuttle is recommended over driving the narrow road. Combine with nearby sites like Donegal’s Secret Waterfall (20-minute drive) or Muckross Head for a full day.