Slieve League
Mountain Dramatic Donegal sea cliffs among Europe's highest
On County Donegal’s Atlantic coast, Slieve League’s sea cliffs rise sharply above open ocean. Walkers and photographers take narrow trails and coastal routes for broad sea views and rugged headlands.
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Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) are steep sea cliffs on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal, Ireland, reaching roughly 601 metres above sea level. They are among the highest coastal cliffs in Europe.
Dramatic vertical cliffs and coastal panoramas are the main attractions, with a network of trails and a popular roadside viewpoint at Bunglass that gives direct views down to the sea. Walkers can follow steeper paths along the ridge for more challenging routes and closer cliff-edge views.
The cliffs and surrounding land have a long rural and cultural history within Donegal, used traditionally for grazing and as part of local coastal life. They have been a noted landscape feature in Irish travel accounts since the 19th century.
Slieve League sits on the Atlantic-facing coast of southwest County Donegal, on the northwestern edge of the Republic of Ireland, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- Height: The cliffs rise to about 601 metres above sea level, making them among the highest sea cliffs in Ireland and Europe.
What to See #
- Bunglass viewpoint: The Bunglass viewpoint lies at the top of the main access road and provides one of the most accessible panoramic views of the cliffs and the Atlantic. A steep walking route continues along the cliff edge for closer views for experienced walkers.
How to Get to Slieve League #
Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) is on the west coast of County Donegal, Ireland, with main visitor access from the nearby village of Teelin where there is a car park and visitor centre for the cliffs. Drive via the regional roads on the Inishowen/Donegal peninsula to Teelin and park at the Sliabh Liag/visitor centre car park; from there paved paths and short walks lead to the main viewing points. Local rural roads provide the most direct access - public bus service is limited, so many visitors arrive by car or tour.
Tips for Visiting Slieve League #
- Drive to the main car park above the cliffs and take the marked Bunglas/upper trail to the main viewing platforms - these give the safest, most dramatic cliff-top panoramas without long hikes.
- Visit on a clear weekday morning for the best visibility and fewer day-trippers; Slieve League's views can be quickly obscured by Atlantic mist so check the forecast before committing the trip.
- If you have time, take the longer descent path toward the lower sea-level vantage points for a different perspective of the cliffs and sea; many visitors only see the upper viewpoints and miss the coastal approaches.
Best Time to Visit Slieve League #
Best visited in summer (June-August) for the most reliable weather and safest conditions for cliff-top walks.
Weather & Climate near Slieve League #
Slieve League's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1866 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (206 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (207 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (208 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
