Slieve League or Sliabh Liag in Gaelic are sea cliffs can be found in County Donegal and are a signature point of the Wild Atlantic Way. They are yet another fascinating part of the Irish landscape on an island full of them!
Slieve League are said to be the highest sea cliffs in Europe. They tower 2000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and offer some stunning views of the coastline either side and the ocean that stretches for hundreds of miles. There is also a visitor’s centre for good measure.
Located on the west coast of Ireland not far from R263. It’s a short drive from the main road to the Slieve League Cliffs Centre and then a short walk to the cliffs themselves. The visitor’s centre is a family run affair with lots of local history and items of interest. The craft shop is also better than most with lots of local crafts for sensible prices.
The Tí Linn Café is the last cake stop before Slieve League so it’s worth paying a visit before setting out.
The Slieve League Cliffs Centre run guided walks to Slieve League, which are well worth booking if you want to know more about the cliffs, hear local stories and learn about folklore and interesting anecdotes. There are stories for just about everything in Ireland and they add real colour to the experience. We would also recommend a guided walk if you can get one.
From the centre, you can walk to the cliffs via designated viewing points that offer some spectacular vistas across the local landscape. If you’re an experienced walker, you can choose to venture nearer over One Man’s Pass. A path that really does live up to its name!
If that doesn’t sound like something you want to try, there is an easier trail that forms part of a longer walk from Bunglas to Malinbeg. There are also boat trips that can show you the scenery from a different perspective. Visit Teelin Harbour to find a local skipper or join an organised boat tour.
Once at the cliffs, take as much time as you need to take in the scene before you. Watch the seabirds, look for dolphins or just observe the land and seascape before you. From the cliff top you can see Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay too, so watch out for those.
The Slieve League are simply awesome. They tower over the sea and literally take your breath away. They are well worth visiting on their own merit, but as a signature point of the Wild Atlantic Way, they are unmissable!