Slieve LeagueAbout Slieve League
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 204 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 144 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 158 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 107 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Poor | 6° - 12° | 6° | 108 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.8h |
| June | Poor | 8° - 14° | 11° | 106 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 16° | 13° | 114 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 16° | 13° | 137 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 14° | 11° | 167 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 11° | 5° | 206 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 1° | 207 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 208 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
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.