51 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
51 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
# Donegal
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> **Type:** WAW Section 1 of 7
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> **Dates:** ~Aug 10–12 (3 days)
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> **Recommended stay:** 3 days
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> **Best for:** Dramatic cliffs, remote coast, Celtic heritage, wild landscapes
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## Why Visit
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Donegal is the wildest, most remote part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Fewest tourists, narrowest roads, highest cliffs. If you only have energy for one section at full immersion, this is it — but it's also the hardest for EV charging, so plan carefully.
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## Must-See
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- ⭐ **Slieve League Cliffs** — Three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, a fraction of the crowds. The highest sea cliffs in Europe accessible on foot. Walk the "One Man's Pass" ridge for vertigo and spectacular Atlantic views.
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- **Glenveagh National Park** — Vast bog and mountain wilderness with a castle on a loch. Red deer roam freely; golden eagles have been reintroduced. The walk from the visitor centre to the castle is easy and beautiful.
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- **Inishowen Peninsula / Malin Head** — Ireland's northernmost point. Dramatic and very remote. Only worth the detour if you have the third day; skip if time is tight.
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- **Fanad Head Lighthouse** — One of Ireland's most photogenic lighthouses; the drive along the Fanad Peninsula is itself a highlight.
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- **Donegal Town** — The Diamond (central square) is lively with good restaurants and pubs. Best EV charging hub in the county — top up here before heading to the coast.
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## Itinerary
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### Day 1 — Arrive, Donegal Town, Fanad Peninsula
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Drive or transit from Belfast (~2.5h). Settle into Donegal Town. Afternoon: drive the Fanad Peninsula to Fanad Head Lighthouse and back. Evening in Donegal Town.
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### Day 2 — Slieve League
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Drive to Teelin (45 min). Walk Slieve League — the Bunglass viewpoint is dramatic even without the full ridge walk; the One Man's Pass is for those comfortable with exposure. Allow 3–4h on the mountain. Lunch in Killybegs (large fishing port, good chowder). Evening back in Donegal Town.
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### Day 3 — Glenveagh (+ Malin Head if time)
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Morning: Glenveagh National Park — walk to the castle (3km each way) or take the shuttle. Afternoon: either Malin Head (2h drive, Ireland's northernmost tip — worth it on a clear day) or a slower drive down the coast toward Sligo.
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## EV Charging
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**Situation: Sparse — the worst section on the entire WAW for EV charging.**
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- **Donegal Town** — ESB ecars charger; use as your charging base every night
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- **Letterkenny** (20 min east) — ESB 22kW; useful if approaching from Belfast
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- **Killybegs** — Slow public charger; not reliable for a full charge
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- **Bundoran** (south coast) — ESB charger; good on the way toward Sligo
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**Critical:** The Slieve League / Glencolmcille coastline has **no public chargers**. Base yourself in Donegal Town and do all coastal excursions as day trips returning to charge each evening.
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## Practical Info
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- **Base:** Donegal Town — best selection of accommodation, restaurants, and EV charging
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- **Roads:** Narrow, hilly, and very quiet. Perfect for cycling but allow extra time
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- **Currency:** Euro (Republic of Ireland)
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- **Driving:** Left side
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## Links
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- [Glenveagh National Park](https://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie)
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- [Slieve League Cliffs](https://www.sliabhliag.com)
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- [Visit Donegal](https://www.visitdonegal.com)
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