near Aras BnB in Glencolumbkille, Donegal
Want some help planning your trip to Glencolumbkille, West Donegal? We’ve curated a list of some of the best things to do near Aras BnB. Scroll through, or use the buttons below to jump to the sections you want.
Slieve League boasts some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, soaring 601 meters above the Atlantic ocean. Rugged, dramatic, and less touristy than the Cliffs of Moher, they offer breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, Sligo Mountains, and Donegal Bay. A narrow, winding road leads to a viewing platform, but the real magic lies in hiking along the One Man’s Pass, a thrilling ridge walk. The weather shifts rapidly, shrouding the cliffs in mist or revealing stunning sunsets. Rich in history and folklore, Slieve League is a wild, awe-inspiring escape into Ireland’s raw, untamed beauty.
About a 15 minute drive from Aras
Silver Strand Beach (‘Malin Beg’ to locals) is a hidden gem located walking distance from us (4 kms); or grab one of our complimentary bicycles. The video on the right shows you all you need to know about this beach; easily one of the best beaches near Glencolmcille.
We came across an instagram post of a beautiful waterfall, kept secret by the photographer. We decided to try and find it, taking us nearly a year of searching, sleuthing, and hiking the coastlines. The video shows the story and how to get there (or just ask us for tips on arrival). Please chat to us in reception about the ocean tides, before adventuring out, as the route requires technical hiking and your exit can become cut off by the ocean. Several people have had to be rescued.
Assaranca Waterfall, near Ardara in County Donegal, is a stunning cascade flowing down a mossy rock face into a tranquil pool. Easily accessible by car, it sits just off the road along the scenic route to Maghera Beach. The waterfall is especially powerful after heavy rain. The area’s quiet beauty, combined with nearby sea caves and sandy shores, of Maghera beach makes this waterfall a hidden gem.
Muckross Head, located on the rugged coastline of County Donegal, is a picturesque peninsula offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. With its dramatic cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and sweeping landscapes, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking natural beauty. The area features secluded coves, rolling waves, and the striking Muckross Head itself, a rocky outcrop that juts into the sea. Ideal for coastal walks and photography, it’s a peaceful spot for watching wildlife or simply enjoying the tranquility of Ireland’s unspoiled west. Muckross Head provides a perfect blend of serenity and raw, breathtaking coastal scenery.
An Port, located in the remote corners of County Donegal, is home to the haunting remains of a famine village abandoned during the great famine of 1845-1852. This desolate spot offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past, where the remnants of stone cottages stand as silent witnesses. The surrounding landscape, with its rugged coastline and windswept moors, adds to the village’s haunting beauty. Visiting An Port feels like stepping back in time. This coastal village used to be a thriving fishing village; likely the first maritime port in County Donegal.
This small village is steeped in local folklore: legend has it that this village is haunted since ancient times, added to by the ghosts of those left behind who perished during the famine. What is strange is that it seems the entire village left, or vanished together. To this day, nobody truly knows what happened.
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The Glencolmcille Folk Village is a living museum, showcasing Ireland’s rural heritage. Situated next to the stunning ‘Glen Beach’, this collection of traditional thatched cottages recreates daily life from a collection of different historical periods, from the 18th to the 20th century. Each cottage is furnished with authentic artifacts, offering a glimpse into the daily struggles and traditions of past generations. Visitors can explore a schoolhouse, a craft shop, a fisherman’s hut, and even a reconstructed sweat house.
Designed, built and maintained by local residents, it is one of Ireland’s best living-history museums. Have a wonder about, or join one of our excellent guided tours. Take a look at how our ancestors lived, cooked, slept, and went about their daily lives.
Sliabh Liag (that’s Slieve League in Gaelic) Boat Tours runs 90-minute boat trips from April to October. Take in the majestic sea-cliffs of Slieve League from the ocean, and explore our Wild Atlantic coast. For the brave among you, the boat tour typically offers a chance to jump into the water or have a swim with dolphins. Our guests often tell us how much they loved this.
The mountains and hills around Glencolmcille offer a variety of stunning walking and hiking routes, showcasing Donegal’s rugged beauty. Trails range from gentle coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents.
When you book, we’ll provide you with helpful brochures and guides of these walking and hiking routes. Or, chat to us in reception on arrival, where we have guides you can scan with a QR-code reader to download.
Some of the local hikes include:
Enjoy a diverse mix of coastal and highland routes in and around Aras, as well as across County Donegal. We offer free bicycles on site (first come first serve), or use the buttons below to book an e-bike rental via our partner (Ireland by bike).
Many of our guests choose to arrive using public transport and explore the area by e-bike. We offer public transport guides, available on request using our ‘contact us‘ page
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An Cistin is a welcoming cafe and one of the best spots to eat in Glencolmcille (a short ten minute drive from Aras BnB). They offer Irish and European foods, including soups, seafood, vegetarian Friendly meals, and gluten free options.
We have always had our guests mention good things about this restaurant. The one thing to note is that they’re only open from 12 to 9 pm.
John Eoinín’s is a family-run establishment located in Glencolmcille. Renowned for its warm hospitality and live traditional music, the bar also offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a pint and traditional Irish pub meals.
Roarty’s Bar is a traditional Irish pub in Glencolmcille, known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service. A beloved local spot, it recently gained fame as a filming location for ‘In the Land of Saints and Sinners‘, starring Liam Neeson. The pub offers live traditional music sessions, adding to its authentic charm. It’s a welcoming place for visitors to enjoy a pint and soak in Donegal’s rugged beauty, with cozy interiors and a rich cultural backdrop.
Kelly’s Corner is a cozy café situated on Main Street in Glencolmcille, County Donegal. Celebrated for its warm ambiance and friendly staff, this café offers a variety of Irish and café-style dishes for lunch and dinner. Patrons have praised its fresh, homely food and excellent service, noting it as a “hidden gem” in the area.
They provide gluten-free and vegan choices and are open for lunch and dinner, providing a genuine Irish café experience.
This traditional Irish bar and restaurant is in its 7th generation of family ownership by the McHughs. You don’t have to be great at math to know that that’s a long old way back. It’s a traditional little pub with lots of nooks and crannies, filled with antiques, making it snug and homely. Offering traditional Irish food, their menu can be a little limited but the food they do is done extremely well and gets great reviews. Dishes are mostly seafood, but they do offer beef burgers, and vegetarian options. 40 minutes from Aras BnB.
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