Best attractions and places to see around Slievedoo include a variety of natural landscapes, historical sites, and unique man-made structures. This region offers 7 hidden gems, from serene lakes to ancient pilgrimage sites. Visitors can explore a diverse terrain featuring significant historical ruins and modern engineering. The area provides opportunities for discovering both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
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The rough gravel trail takes you from the road head east of the larger Lough Eske out to Lough Fad and the five other small lakes in this area. You'll cross boggy moorland where there are some interesting plants.
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From here over the Lough you can see St Patrick's Purgatory which is an ancient pilgrimage site that is suggested to have not been interrupted for fifteen hundred years, with it continuing in the present day. Its importance in medieval times is clear due to its present on maps all over Europe as early as the 15th century. It was the only Irish site designated on Martin Behaim's world map of 1492.
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The Leghowney loop is beautiful and well off the beaten track. If you are looking for a place to run where you're unlikely to bump into anyone else, this could be it. It is mostly on forest trails which open out to rural views with the sea in the distance. It starts and ends in Leghowney where you can find a picnic area, toilets and a children's playground at the start of the waymarked trail.
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Lough Eske is an unspoilt hidden gem and you can run here from Donegal on the Bluestack Way. It is popular for fishing and even has it's own monster, 'Eskie' which was spotted back in 1998.
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The Leghowney loop walk is beautiful and well off the beaten track. If you are looking for a place to hike where you're unlikely to bump into anyone else, this could be it. It is mostly on forest trails which open out to rural views with the sea in the distance. It starts and ends in Leghowney where you can find a picnic area, toilets and a children's playground at the start of the waymarked trail.
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Lough Eske is an unspoilt hidden gem and you can walk there from Donegal on the Bluestack Way. It is popular for fishing and even has it's own monster, 'Eskie' which was spotted back in 1998.
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It is thought that a church has been sited here since the 6th century. Little is known about St Caireall, but the ruined church was definitely present in 1399 as it was recorded in Archbishop Colton's Visitation of the Derry Diocese. Just up the road is a white painted, tumbling down schoolhouse. It is believed to be built with stones from the church.
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From here over the Lough you can see St Patrick's Purgatory which is an ancient pilgrimage site that is suggested to have not been interrupted for fifteen hundred years, with it continuing in the present day. Its importance in medieval times is clear due to its present on maps all over Europe as early as the 15th century. It was the only Irish site designated on Martin Behaim's world map of 1492.
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The Slievedoo region offers several natural highlights. You can visit Lough Eske, an unspoilt hidden gem popular for fishing and rumored to be home to its own monster, 'Eskie'. The Clady River Crossing provides access to Ardnamona Nature Reserve, where the Clady River flows from Banagher Lough into Lough Eske.
Yes, the region is rich in history. A significant site is St Patrick's Purgatory, an ancient pilgrimage site whose importance in medieval times is evident from its presence on European maps as early as the 15th century. You can also explore St Caireallβs Church Ruins, believed to have been a church site since the 6th century.
Beyond natural beauty, you can find interesting man-made structures. The Meenadreen Wind Farm offers a unique opportunity to pass close by to impressive wind turbines, especially along the Leghowney loop walk. Additionally, the Clady River Crossing is a small bridge that allows access to the Ardnamona Nature Reserve.
Visitors appreciate the diverse terrain, which features significant historical ruins and natural beauty. The komoot community has shared more than 3 photos and given over 6 upvotes for the attractions, highlighting the region's appeal for both natural exploration and cultural heritage.
Absolutely. Lough Eske is often described as an unspoilt hidden gem. It's a serene lake popular for fishing and offers a tranquil escape, with the added local legend of its own monster, 'Eskie'.
Yes, Lough Eske is categorized as family-friendly, offering a beautiful natural setting for walks and enjoying the outdoors. While specific family activities aren't detailed, the general natural environment provides opportunities for gentle exploration suitable for families.
The Slievedoo area offers several hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the Leghowney Loop, which passes through the Meenadreen Wind Farm, or the Lough Eske Castle β Lough Eske Boardwalk loop. For more details and other routes, you can check the Hiking around Slievedoo guide.
Yes, there are road cycling routes in the vicinity. Options include the Ballyshannon Town Center β Donegal Castle loop from Lough Eske, or longer routes like the Killeter Forest loops. You can find more information and detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Slievedoo guide.
Walking trails around Slievedoo vary in difficulty. For example, the Leghowney Loop and the Lough Eske Castle β Lough Eske Boardwalk loop are rated as easy. Other trails, like the Salmon Leap from Barnesmore Gap, are considered difficult. It's advisable to check individual route details for specific difficulty ratings.
Yes, Lough Eske itself offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The Meenadreen Wind Farm also serves as a viewpoint, providing unique perspectives of the wind turbines and the broader area.
While specific accommodation options are not detailed in the guide, areas around Lough Eske, such as near Lough Eske Castle, are likely to offer lodging. For broader options, consider searching for accommodation in nearby towns like Donegal.
The guide does not specify cafes or pubs directly at the attractions. However, for amenities like cafes and pubs, you would typically find options in nearby towns such as Donegal, which is accessible from the Lough Eske area.


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