Visiting foreign cities can tell you so much about the people and history of a country. However, I find taking the less beaten path is a great way to see the culture and beauty of the country. Instead of spending our time in the cities, I went north to County Donegal.
Each country I visit, I try to plan one day out in nature, so I can experience the country and environmental differences. Ireland is often seen as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, because of their lush green fields and stunning seascapes. After my time there, I could not agree more. Ireland is simply gorgeous.
We planned a day at the Slieve League Cliffs in the Northern part of Ireland (not Northern Ireland), and let me tell you, this view is worth it.
If you have any physical restrictions, this is not a place to add to your itinerary. However, there is a Cliffs Centre with a viewing area of the cliffs. Also, if you do not feel comfortable going on the hike on your own, you can hire a guide up to the cliffs.
Slieve League Cliffs
You may not have heard of the Slieve League Cliffs. The Cliffs of Moher are a more popular tourist destination. With the ease of tours stopping at the Cliffs of Moher, many people get the opportunity to see them after visiting locations like Cork and Limerick.
What you may not know is the Slieve League Cliffs are three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher. In fact, you are 609 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, which makes them the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
At the top, there are ancient stone remains. This site has a history of providing shelter for an early Christian monastic site.
Getting to the Cliffs
There are a couple ways to get to the Cliffs. The easiest is a nice easy drive to the Cliffs Centre, and a trail up. If you are not interested in climbing, you can stay at the base and take pictures of the cliffs.
The other way is a narrow town road until you reach a gate. You will have to get out of your car to open the gate, drive through, and then close the gate behind you to keep the sheep inside… Which will lead to a steep, narrow road with a few parking areas. This is the entrance to the Pilgrim’s Path.
Although the Pilgrim’s Path was not the route I was planning on taking, it was a great adventure that got us out in the Irish nature. The path is chiseled into the mountainside, and beautiful views of the horizon. This trail is roughly 3 km long, and will take roughly 1-2 hours (depending on your pace) to get to the main viewing area.
On our way up, we ran into a couple on the path. We asked how much further, and they replied “Well, you are going to keep climbing and see this amazing view. You will think you are there, but you are not there yet.” And sure enough, that was exactly what happened.
This path is recommended, but please be aware the trail is narrow and steep. In some places on the path, you will need to be careful of sheep dung and rocks. So, make sure you are in comfortable hiking boots and a thick jacket (windproof) for the brisk sea air.
Make sure you plan enough time at this location. Not only is it a decent climb to the top, once you are up there, you will be reluctant to leave. The views will leave you speechless as you feel like you are on the edge of the world.
One Man’s Pass
If you are an adventurer with no fear of heights, then you may want to check out One Man’s Pass. I was itching to check out this path, and ended up having to leave my husband behind. Although he climbed up to see the view (from a safe distance from the edge), he has a fear of heights.
This trail lives up to its name. It is only wide enough for one person to walk through, and then the slopes plummet on either side of your path. The pictures do not do it justice. It is truly a daunting path, and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
From this picture, I am looking straight down. That long shadow is my own.
Experience
As a hidden secret of Ireland, you do not have to worry about large crowds and strategically taking pictures to avoid people in the background. If you are looking for an amazing experience that most travelers do not know about, I would suggest the Slieve League Cliffs. And if you are looking for more of an adventure, check out the Pilgrim’s Path. I promise, you will not have any regrets.
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Would You Hike One Man's Pass?
