Donegal · Ireland
Slieve League Cliffs
Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe — 601m sheer drop into the Atlantic. Includes the exposed One Man's Pass ridge.
Updated August 23, 2026
Higher than the Cliffs of Moher and dramatically less busy. The One Man's Pass section is genuinely exposed — vertigo sufferers stop at the Bunglas viewpoint and turn back. Weather matters — pick a still, dry day.
Best months: May-September (dry, low wind)
Trailhead / base town: Carrick
Nearest airport: CFN
Waymarked: No — navigation skills required
Waypoint map — 6 points
Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.
Elevation profile
Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.
440m
Peak gain
Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.
Community reviews
Real hikers, real dates, real conditions. No premium tier — no AllTrails-style paywall.
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Trail waypoints in order
- 1
Teelin Pier (Start)
- 2
Bunglas Viewpoint (Lower Car Park)
- 3
The Amphitheatre
- 4
One Man's Pass (exposed ridge)
- 5
Slieve League Summit (595m)
- 6
Teelin Pier (Finish)
Getting out of Carrick (CFN)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Slieve League Cliffs — frequently asked
How long does the Slieve League Cliffs take to complete?
5-6 hours (day hike) for the full 12km (550m total ascent). Difficulty grade: challenging.
Is the Slieve League Cliffs waymarked?
No — this is a navigation-required route. Bring an OS 1:50,000 sheet + compass, know how to use them, and check the MWIS forecast before you start. Not for first-time hillwalkers alone.
When is the best time of year for the Slieve League Cliffs?
May-September (dry, low wind). Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.
Where should I base myself for the Slieve League Cliffs?
Carrick — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into CFN, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.
Do I need a permit for the Slieve League Cliffs?
No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.