Connecting Donegal Town with the west coast village of Ardara, The Bluestack Way is a linear three-day trail that reveals all the sweeping scenery the Wild Atlantic Way is known for.
Consisting mainly of bog roads, open and often wet moorland, 21km of the total 65km are on quiet local roads.
This moderate route passes placid Lough Eske before extending across the gentle foothills of the Bluestack Mountains. The mountains are actually a range of low rounded hills making the ascent over this trail 1,230m.
West of the townland Disert, between Binbane and Cloghmeen Hill, expect some rougher, remote high moorlands - the trail’s only significant climbs. Things then even out on the descent along the scenic Owenroe River.
After isolated bogland at Meenawannia, the enjoyable Glenties stretch treats walkers to idyllic riverside scenery en route to Ardara.
In Glenties and Ardara you’ll find plenty of places to satisfy hearty appetites.
Trail details
- Type:
- Long Distance Waymarked Way
- Location:
- Donegal Town Ardragh
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Format:
- Linear
- Length:
- 64.10km
- Ascent:
- 1230m
- Dogs allowed:
- No
In Donegal Town - paid parking in most of the town centre car parks as well as for on street parking (50 cent per hour on street and 30 cent per hour in car parks in September 2022)
In Glenties - free street parking and the car park at the chapel is also free
In Ardara - free street parking and also free parking in the town's public car park (behind the main street about half way down the hill)
Services
In Donegal Town - All services
On the route at Lough Eske - two 4 star hotels serve food and drink
In Glenties - All services
In Ardara - All services
- The shores and woodland around tranquil Lough Eske are a special area of conservation known for salmon, freshwater pearl mussel, petrifying springs, Oak and Fern.
