Routes around Donegal.

snollup

I'm heading up to Donegal this coming bank holiday and am bringing the bike. Can anyone suggest a couple of nice routes. Hope to get out twice, once for about 80 to 100km and once for about 40 to 50km. I'm staying in Dunkineely.

Thanks,
J.

blobbie

Was up that part of the world last year.

You could head west along the coast and have a look at Slieve League cliffs and then onto to Glencolumbkille and the head across to Ardara and then back down to the coast.

Probably around 90kms and rolling with the odd bump or two so I'd reckon between 1,000 & 1,400 m ascent.

Nice little ramp to Slieve League - you can cycle past lower carpark to upper carpark.

Road to Killybegs ain't great but traffic thins out after Killybegs.

gambeta_fc

I'd agree with the above, would also recommend heading out towards Glencolumbkille and on to Ardara for your longer spin, some cracking views out that way. Going that direction you'd be descending Glengesh which is a good climb if you want to take it on in the opposite direction. For the shorter spin you could take the more direct road to Ardara and maybe do a loop around Glenties and Naran.

Here's a map from a recent sportive in that area that would show the roads I'd recommend, you could mix and match on these to get the distances you're after, green and red in the west are the ones I'd go for:
http://www.donegalbaycyclingclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Poster.2.jpg

Enjoy your trip, look out for the sheep

Iwernia

Don't forget to head for the lighthouse in St Johns Point if your staying in Dunkineely. Basically all the coastal roads from Donegal Town to Glen and you will be more than catered for with spectacular scenery and good climbing. The Donegal Bay CC website will show some local routes also and do a club run each Sunday morning leaving at 9.

snollup

Thanks lads, plenty of food for thought there.

Really looking forward to it.