The Bottom Line
Slieve League will take your breath away, that is a promise - the cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal
are the highest sea cliffs in Europe. A nearly sheer drop of roughly
2,000 feet separates the Atlantic Ocean from the highest point of the
cliffs. A guaranteed lethal drop, so extra care is advised, especially
with children.
Pros
- Highest sea cliffs in Europe.
- Spectacular views of the coast and the cliff face.
- Bracing walks through a largely unspoilt landscape possible.
Cons
- Off the main tourist routes and not easily accessible.
- Parts of the paths are dangerous and require extra care.
Description
- Europe's highest sea cliffs provide a plunge of about 2,000 feet.
- Slieve League is largely untouched by the worst excesses of tourism and unspoiled.
- Road access is a bit of a challenge for drivers not used to heights.
Guide Review - Slieve League (County Donegal)
Slieve League is the thinking man's alternative to the Cliffs of Moher - if only for the much more natural and uncrowded experience.
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The difference in height is of academic interest
only. Slieve League is higher but you won’t really notice. And while you
pay oodles of money just for parking near the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve
League is free. Why then is this cliff face in Donegal not more popular?
Location, location, location!
Signposted
only locally and in the middle of one of the remotest areas in Ireland,
Slieve League is not easy to get to. And this will not get better once
you pick up the signposted route. In fact it will get worse - a winding,
narrow and quite frankly bumpy road takes you to a farm gate (open and,
most important, close this
yourself). Soon you will have reached a car
park and the end of the road for larger vehicles. You can carry on if
you are in a car, despite the hostile glares of walkers. But you should
not suffer from vertigo - the road virtually becomes a single track and
there is no margin of error (not to mention safety barriers) on the
seaward side. Go slow! As far as I know no cars have yet taken the long
plunge, don't be the occupant of the first.
At the definite end of
the road another, smaller car park can be found. This also is the
safest and most convenient platform for the truly breathtaking view.
Just in front of you (provided there is no fog or low clouds) a green
meadow abruptly stops and a vertical distance of around 2,000 feet away
the waves crash against boulders. Boulders looking like pebbles from up
here.
If you want to go exploring a path hugs the cliff edge and
can be followed. Safety measures are fairly basic, watch your step and
do not get distracted.
