Donegal

DAY 1 Muff to Buncrana: 157.5km (97 miles)

Your journey starts at Muff, traversing the River Foyle onto the Inishowen Peninsula with its rugged coastline and awe-inspiring scenery. Venture north to Malin Head, featuring historical sites from the Napoleonic era and World War II. Keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis over Mamore Gap. Follow the road south to the heart of the peninsula at Buncrana, an ideal base to explore more

DAY 2 Buncrana to Letterkenny: 45.5km (28 miles)

Set off from Buncrana and enjoy some fine golfing at North West Golf Club. Down the road, Inch Island awaits, home of Inch Wildfowl Reserve. Take a detour and visit Grianan of Aileach, a prehistoric fort that is featured on Ptolemy’s 2nd-century map of the world. At Letterkenny, pop into the Redmond Herrity’s sculpture centre where you can try your hand at Celtic stone carving classes.

DAY 3 Letterkenny to Bunbeg 171km (106 miles)

A short drive from Letterkenny, Glenveagh National Park is not to be missed with its elegant castle, soaring golden eagles, and magnificent mountain landscape. Follow the coast road North to Rathmullan where the earls took flight in 1607. Continue to Fanad Head and Ballymastocker, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Finally, swing south to Bunbeg and hop on a boat to Tory island to meet the ‘King of Tory’.

DAY 4 Bunbeg to Ardara 72km (44 miles)

Depart from Bunbeg and head to Loughanure where you can stop off to fish for trout and salmon. If you’re a fan of Daniel O’Donnell, his visitor centre at Dungloe is a must-see. En route to Ardara there are countless coves and lakes for the avid fisherman or the adventurous swimmer. End the day with a well-earned pint of Guinness in Nancy’s Bar, a renowned traditional pub run by the McHugh family.

DAY 5 Ardara to Donegal Town 111km (68 miles)

Begin the day at Glencolmcille’s megalithic tombs before travelling on to Silver Strand beach and the spectacular Slieve League sea cliffs, which are twice the height of the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Kitty Kelly’s restaurant in Killybegs and then venture on to Donegal town to visit Donegal Castle and the Franciscan Friary ruins.

The Donegal route ends here but the Wild Atlantic Way is only starting. Explore Donegal Bay by waterbus and survey the adventure that awaits you.