Discover the Majestic Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs in Ireland: A Complete Guide

Ireland is home to some incredible natural wonders, but one of the ones that I found to be the most awe-inspiring were the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (sometimes more commonly known as Slieve League). These cliffs are often overshadowed by the more famous Cliffs of Moher, but they offer a less crowded and arguably more dramatic experience that shouldn't be missed. Towering over the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's rugged west coast, Sliabh Liag is among the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe, rising nearly 2000 feet above sea level!
Sliabh Liag has something for everyone and will leave you in awe, whether you're an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just someone seeking a serene and stunning landscape. These cliffs fly under the radar but were one of the most impressive things we saw on our whole trip around Ireland. I'll share everything you need to know about visiting these spectacular cliffs, including how to get there, how to navigate parking and the shuttle, a few tips for hiking and some hidden gems in the surrounding area you aren't going to want to miss!

Discover the Majestic Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs in Ireland: A Complete Guide

The Mystery of Sliabh Liag vs Slieve League

You might come across two spellings for the cliffs-Sliabh Liag and Slieve League. Sliabh Liag is the original Irish spelling meaning mountain of flagstones. Ireland's culture and heritage are deeply rooted in the Irish language, and this spelling is the preferred one, especially locally. Many maps and brochures will have Slieve League printed, and locals will recognize both names. As good travelers, it's important to respect an area's heritage and culture, so from here on out, we will reference these cliffs as the Sliabh Liag Cliffs. 

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How to Get to Sliabh Liag

Sliabh Liag is located in County Donegal, a beautiful and somewhat remote part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. It's about an hour-hour drive from Donegal town. We chose to stay in Donegal town at the Gateway Lodge Hotel. The drive itself offers stunning views of Ireland's rugged countryside, passing through quaint villages, open land, and flocks of sheep. 
We added in stops at Fintra Beach and Muckross Head before making our way to the visitors center. 

See more from our itinerary in this post

Pro tip: Your GPS might find several Sliabh Liag visitors center locations. The OFFICIAL location is found just past the Rusty Mackerel restaurant {on your left}, you'll take the next right into the parking lot and the visitors center is on the right.
There are a few ways to get to the cliffs if you don't have a car, but honestly, having a car in this remote area is going to be the easiest way for you to see this remote part of Ireland. 

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Why Should I Go to the Official Visitor's Center?

On our visit to Ireland, we learned that a lot of the public attractions that draw in tourists are actually located on private land. In fact, the land Sliabh Liag is located on is actually owned by 30 local farming families. Because of this, the tourism board works closely with the local community to help increase tourism in a way that is positive for both parties. 
This means improving roads and parking lots so that farm equipment and local families don't get trapped in their driveways because tourist cars are parked everywhere! It also means increasing the opportunities for farmers and their families to have jobs to sell merchandise or experiences {like a boat tour on the waters below the cliffs} in the area. 
The official visitors center distributes a yearly stipend to local families as well as part of the proceeds from the shuttle services and parking. The community is very involved in the growth of the facilities and supporting the local visitors center helps to support the local community.

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Parking and Shuttle Options

One of the key things to know when visiting Sliabh Liag is the parking situation. I am all for saving money and walking or finding free parking when you can, and in some places it makes sense, but not here. There are two primary parking areas, and understanding them will help you get the most out of your visit.
1. Main Visitor Center and Parking Lot in Teelin: This is the most convenient spot to park. It's the lot I'd recommend. This parking lot has the visitors center that has helpful information about the cliffs, local history and a small cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. They also have restrooms inside. Parking in this lot is free and there is no time limit. There is a shuttle service available that takes visitors directly to the main viewing point for around 6 euros per person. The shuttle takes 10 minutes to get to the top and runs every 20 minutes from June to October from 10:10 am-5:50 pm. 
2. Upper Car Park: There is an upper parking lot, but I don't recommend driving it. The road is narrow, steep and isn't recommended for large vehicles. Not to mention, people walk up the road to get to the viewing platform. There are also limited paid parking spaces and there is a time limit to how long you can park. Stick with the free parking in option 1. It's much easier!
3. Walking: This used to be the only option, but friends, with the expansion of the parking lots and visitors center, it's not recommended anymore! The walk to the viewing platform is 2.5 miles uphill on a steep street shared with cars and shuttle buses and no shoulder. 
4. Pilgrims Path: If you only want to walk Pilgrims Path to the top of the cliffs {not to the viewing platform}, there is a small parking lot that is free. It's at the base of the trail with a gate to keep the livestock in. 

Pro Tip: don't skip the shuttle. It's worth taking to the top to save your energy to hike the trails on the cliffs, rather than waste your energy to get to the visitors center.

Hiking Sliabh Liag: Routes and Tips
Sliabh Liag was probably the best hike we did in all of Ireland, and we did a lot of hikes! There are several hiking routes, each offering different levels of difficulty but all offering stunning views. Depending on how much time you have and your fitness level, you can choose a short walk or choose a more challenging trail that will take you off the beaten path and get you away from the crowds!
1. The Main Viewing Point: After taking the shuttle to the upper car park, you'll find a well-maintained trail that leads to the main viewpoint lookout platform. This is a short and easy walk. You'll see the most amazing panoramic views of the cliffs as you watch the waves crash on the jagged rocks below. The sheer drop into the ocean is truly humbling.
2. The Cliff Path Walk: From the viewing platform you can continue on the path up the hillside for about 2.5 km. After about the first 10 minutes, the groups of people will start thinning out, and you'll likely see more sheep than you will people!
3. Pilgrim's Path: This lesser hiked 3.2 km path provides a moderate trek that takes about 2-3 hours round trip to complete. This ancient trail was once a route for pilgrims visiting the cliffs. There is a path near the visitor's center, or you can access a trail near the upper car park that will take you along a grassy ridge the climbs steadily uphill. There is an old church and well and ruins from a monk's old dwelling place.
4. One Man's Pass: I don't think you could pay me to do this one! If you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, One Man's Pass is a thrilling option. There is a narrow ridge walk that run along the top of the cliffs. Quite literally, the sea is below on one side and the rocky hillside cliff on the other. The trail has sheer drops on both sides, and once you start your hike on the pass, you have to finish it. There's just no way around it! Some people choose to crawl across the top to feel more stable. I'm not interested.
5. Sliabh Liag Loop: This is the trail we took and it was one of my favorite hikes ever. You start by parking your car at the visitors center, then taking the shuttle bus up to the viewing platform. From the platform, you start walking up on the cliff path walk, crossing in front of one man's pass {you could go over it as part of the loop}, and heading to the top of Pilgrim's pass before working your way back down the pilgrim trail. This trail is somewhere between 7-9 miles depending on any additional paths you might add, and will take around 5 hours to complete. 
Tips for Hiking Sliabh Liag

• Wear hiking boots! The trail is uneven and can be slippery in places. 
• Bring lots of water and snacks! 
• There are no facilities on the trails. 
• Pack in and pack out! Take any garbage with you off the cliffs
• If the weather turns, and fog rolls in, WAIT. There are sheer cliffs on all sides, and it's easy to get turned around and put yourself in a bad situation.
• Wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket, even in the summer!

What to See and Do Nearby

While the Sliabh Liag cliffs are the main attraction, there is a lot to explore nearby. 

1. The Rusty Mackerel Pub

Famished after a long hike, we headed over to the Rusty Mackerel Pub for dinner. It was a charming pub, but if I'm totally honest, I think it was a bit overpriced for what it offered. But the location was easy and the food was good.

2.  Boat Tours

We didn't have time to do this, but I wish we had! A boat tour is a great way for you to be able to see the cliffs from below. You'll get a different perspective and a unique vantage point. On a calm day, you might also get a chance to swim in the crystal clear waters at a few of the small beaches they come upon.

3. Port or An Port

This area is one of the most remote and least visited areas in all of Ireland. Our guide at Sliabh Liag grew up in the area and when I commented that the cliffs must have the most incredible sunset views, he told me that they came in second. His first vote for the best place to watch sunset was at An Port, so we took his advice and we were not disappointed!

The sky turns the most vibrant shades of pink, purple and orange casting a glow over the ocean and the cliffs. You'll also find a beach filled with the most beautiful well-worn white rocks that have been tumbled for centuries to create the most perfect round shape. Visiting here was a highlight of our trip.

4. Muckross Head

You'll find a beautiful sea cliff with some of the most stunning views. This area is popular with rock climbers. It's about a 25 minute drive from Sliabh Liag cliffs.

5. Fintra Beach

This beach is a lovely little walk on beach and sand dunes. It has everything from rocks to hillsides to rivers and water with the most beautiful colors. You aren't going to want to miss this one!

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Visiting Sliabh Liag was one of the most unforgettable experiences we had on our trip. You will really get a taste of the rugged untamed beauty of Ireland's west coast. The area has far fewer visitors than some of Ireland's other natural attractions, and offers up a peaceful retreat to get to really experience the raw beauty of nature.

Pack those hiking boots and get ready to explore!

Don't miss our free 15-day self driving itinerary!

Part 1: Northern Ireland

Part 2: The Wild Atlantic Way

Part 3: Heading South

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