Wild Alpaca Way is one of the more unique things to do in Donegal.
Yes, you can, quite literally, go walking with alpacas in Donegal along some wonderfully scenic trails.
Below, you’ll find info on everything from what’s involved and how much it costs to what to expect from the walk.
What to know about Wild Alpaca Way
Photos via Wild Alpaca Way
So, a visit to Wild Alpaca Way isn’t as straightforward as some of the other tours in Donegal, so you’ll need to do a bit of planning.
1. Location
You’ll find Wild Alpaca Way at Knockmanny Bens on the Inishowen Peninsula overlooking the stunning Five Finger Strand. It’s a 15-minute drive from Malin Head, a 35-minute drive from both Greencastle and Buncrana.
2. How much it costs
The pricing for Wild Alpaca Way varies depending on the type of walk you pick:
- Family Walking Tour: €45 per Family 2 adults and 2 kids
- Alpaca Walking Tour: €20 per person
3. Part of the Inishowen 100
If you’re driving the Inishowen 100, you’ll be passing Wild Alpaca Way. The Inishowen 100 is a glorious, scenic route that takes you to the most beautiful corners of the peninsula and, while it can be done in a day, is best spread over 2.
About Wild Alpaca Way
Photos via Wild Alpaca Way on Facebook
Wild Alpaca Way is a family run business based out of the blustery Malin Head on the breath-taking Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal.
It’s run by John McGonagle, his wife Patricia and their three sons Danny, Aidan and Sean who welcome visitors onto their land in one of the most scenic corners of the county.
Their tours, which have racked up rave reviews online, are one of the more unique things to do in Donegal for families, and they’re a lovely, alternative way of exploring Inishowen on foot.
What to expect if you go alpaca walking in Donegal
Photos via Wild Alpaca Way
The folks at Wild Alpaca Way offer one of the most unique walks in Donegal. Those that visit Wild Alpaca Way will, over the course of a 60-minute ramble, experience a chunk of Ireland’s most northerly point in the company of a very friendly (and fluffy!) Alpaca.
Now, I’ve never actually met an Alpaca, but by all accounts, they’re curious, friendly and inquisitive animals.
On this excursion you’ll be teamed up with your very own Alpaca before heading off to soak up the scenery around the beautiful Knockamanny Bends.
Over the course of your walk, you’ll be treated to views of Malin Head and Glashedy Rock to the Isle of Doagh and further beyond. Just make sure to book your ticket in advance.
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of trying alpaca walking in Doneagl is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Inishowen.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Wild Alpaca Way!
1. Doagh Famine Village (25-minute drive)
Photo via Doagh Famine Village on Facebook
Doagh Famine Village takes you on an incredible learning experience that offers and insight into life in the area over the last two centuries.
2. Beaches galore (20-minute + drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
You’ll find some of the finest Donegal beaches a short spin away. Pollan Strand (25-minute drive), Tullagh Strand (30-minute drive), Buncrana Beach (35-minute drive) and Kinnagoe Bay (35-minute drive) are all worth seeing.
3. Glenevin Waterfall (30-minute drive)
Photos by The Irish Road Trip
Glenevin Waterfall is a lovely spot for a ramble. You can park up and take a 25-minute stroll into the falls. During the summer you’ll find a coffee van on-site.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.