The best road cycling routes around Dungloe Lough

Dunlewey lies at the foot of Mount Errigal, on the shore of the tranquil Dunlewey Lough. The village forms one of West Donegal’s most characteristic spots: a combination of rugged mountains, open water and the iconic ruin of the old church overlooking the lake. The area breathes Gaeltacht culture and silence — broad vistas, peat fields and the sharp silhouette of Errigal constantly hanging over the landscape. Dunlewey is a natural hub between the valleys of Gweedore, Glenveagh and the Seven Sisters, and a place where Donegal’s landscape comes together in its most dramatic and photogenic way.

Mount Errigal (751 m) is the highest mountain in Donegal and one of Ireland's most iconic peaks. The mountain is immediately striking with its sharp, pyramid-shaped silhouette and its quartz summit that shines almost white in sunlight. Errigal stands apart from the surrounding hills, giving it a dominant presence from all directions — especially when driving inland from Dungloe, Doochary, or Dunlewey.

One of the least interesting parts of the bike route.

Maghery Beach is a long, quiet beach on the west coast of Donegal, enclosed between low dunes and the open Atlantic Ocean. From here you look out over the rocky islands and the rugged coastline towards Crohy Head. The beach feels wide and empty, with only the sound of the waves and the wind sweeping over the dunes.

Crohy Head Sea Arch, locally also known as The Breeches, is a striking coastal formation on the rugged cliffs southwest of Dungloe. The arch seen from the cliff is actually the Bristi Sea Stack, one of several natural arches carved out here by Atlantic erosion. The silhouette — a narrow, tall rock with a hollowed-out passage — forms one of Donegal's most recognizable coastal sights. The surroundings consist of steep grassy slopes, dark rocks, and open views towards Maghery and Arranmore.

At this point, a solitary bench stands with a magnificent view over the rugged coastline of Crohy. You look out over rock plateaus, deep inlets, and the open Atlantic horizon. It is a quiet, sheltered spot where you can pause for a moment and truly appreciate the dramatic shapes of the coast.

Ardara is proud to be the capital of handwoven tweed. Evidence of systematic wool weaving dates back to the Bronze Age, and it is known to have been actively exported in the Middle Ages. From the end of the 19th century, a monthly market was held in Ardara, where traders and weavers did business outdoors. In 1912, a covered market had to be built. At that time, artisans worked from home (tweed was home-woven), but thanks to the philanthropists Ernest and Alice Hart, larger companies such as Molloy and Magee emerged in Ardara and Donegal in the 20th century. Today, traditional weavers are rare and sales no longer take place in markets, although the annual Weaver's Fair remains an important event where they still gather to enjoy music and song (first weekend in June).

Hidden in the green landscape near Kilclooney, you'll find this spectacular Neolithic portal tomb, one of the most elegant examples of prehistoric architecture in Ireland. The enormous capstone of the largest dolmen balances with astonishing precision on its supporting stones and has overlooked the surrounding fields for over 5,000 years. Directly next to it lies a second, smaller dolmen, making this site a remarkable archaeological ensemble.