Glencolmcille Donegal: Things to do, Pubs + Food

Named after Saint Colm Cille, Glencolmcille is a tiny Irish speaking Gaeltacht village on the Sliabh Liag Peninsula.

Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s one of the most charming towns in Donegal and it’s an excellent base to explore the southwest of Donegal from.

Below, you’ll find everything from things to do in Glencolmcille to where to eat, sleep and drink while you’re there.

Some quick need-to-knows about Glencolmcille

Although a visit to Glencolmcille is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Situated on the westernmost tip of southwest Donegal, Glencolmcille (Gleann Cholm Cille in Irish) is a small coastal community overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a 10-minute drive from Carrick, a 25-minute drive from Killybegs and a 30-minute drive from Ardara.

2. A stunning seaside village

Like many villages on this peninsula, Glencolmcille is set a picturesque location surrounded by lush green hills and a rugged section of the Atlantic coastline. Glencolmcille has featured as a film location for several movies including The Railway Station Man (1992) starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland.

3. A great place to explore from

Surrounded by wild landscapes, rolling hills, idyllic sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls and sheer sea cliffs, Glencolmcille is the ideal base for exploring the peninsula. It is 15km from the world-famous Slieve League Cliffs and a short drive from beautiful Malin Beg Beach and Glen Head.

About Glencolmcille

Presiding over rugged landscapes and breathtaking ocean views, the tiny community of Glencolmcille has around 200 residents.

It is a strong Gaeltacht community and home of Oideas Gael, an Irish-language learning institute established in 1984 to promote the Irish language and culture.

The village has a post office, petrol station, grocery store, cafe, restaurant, take-aways, several guesthouses and two pubs.

Saint Columba’s Catholic Church remains the central place of worship and the former parish priest, The Very Reverend James Canon McDyer (1910-1987), led the movement promoting the rights of rural people.

Glencolmcille is the location of National Monument #139, which is made up of four historic sites:

1. Glencolmcille Cashel and Court Cairn constructed in 3000BC and the start of a 15-stage pilgrimage
2. Glencolmcille Church and Holy Well
3. Malin Beg Ringfort and Church of St Kevin
4. Malin More with its portal tomb circa 2000BC

Things to do in Glencolmcille and nearby

There’s a handful of things to do in Glencolmcille and you’ll find many of the best things to do in Donegal a short spin away.

Below, you’ll find everything from hikes and walks to beautiful beaches, castles and much more.

1. The looped walks

The best way to absorb the magnificent scenery around Glencolmcille is on one of the looped walks.

The 8km Tower Loop takes you through the village, passing a river, ocean views, inscribed pillars and the 5000 year-old Mannernamortee Megalithic Tomb.

The strenuous 13km Drum Loop explores the eastern summit of Beefin and Gaveross Mountain before heading to the hamlet of Drum and then joins the Tower Loop.

2. Glencolmcille Folk Village

The recreated Glencolmcille Folk Village is a clachan, a cluster of thatched roof cottages that represent a typical rural village in times past.

It was created in 1967 and operates as a fascinating living history museum of rural Irish life from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Each building offers a glimpse of traditional Irish life with furniture, tools, beds and authentic methods of cooking and heating. The buildings include a schoolhouse, fisherman’s cottage and a pub-store.

Learn about Irish music, crafts and dances and enjoy the superb views of Glen Bay Beach.

3. The Glencolmcille Cliffs

One of the most scenic drives in Ireland is the route that takes you around the Slieve League Peninsula.

However, the stand-out section of this route can be found on this road on Maps.

Pictured above, it brings you towards the majestic Glencolmcille Cliffs which are located on a narrow headland known as Sturrall Ridge.

4. The Slieve League road trip

If you’re staying in Glencolmcille, you’re in luck – it’s close to endless things to see and do.

If you’re looking for a logical route to follow, the Slieve League Peninsula road trip is a very rewarding 1-day itinerary to follow.

It takes you to see the best things to do near Glencolmcille, including Muckross Head and Glengesh Pass.

5. Malin Beg Beach

Malin Beg Beach (Silver Strand) is a secluded beach at the foot of the steep horseshoe-shaped cliffs.

Access to the sandy beach is down a series of 174 sloping steps that are a tough slog to climb back up.

If you don’t fancy the walk down/up, don’t worry – the car park offers a mighty aerial view over the sand and cliffs.

6. The Slieve League Cliffs

One of the must-see attractions near Glencolmcille is the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs.

These 601 metre-high cliffs are nearly 3 times the height of Clare’s famous Cliffs of Moher!

You have several options here:

• Drive up to the viewpoint
• Get the shuttle from the visitor centre (summer only)
• Walk the tough Pilgrim’s Path (good fitness needed)

7. Maghera Beach and Caves

Maghera Beach stretches out into the bay at the foot of Slievetooey Mountain.

A no-swim beach due to dangerous riptides, this is arguably one of the finest beaches in Donegal.

There’s a car park and 200 metre walk to the 5km long sandy beach which is perfect for a stroll at low tide.

There’s also 20 sea caves, 8 arches and 5 tunnels which are the source of many legends and folklore.

8. Assaranca Waterfall

While you’re in the area, Assaranca Waterfall is just 1 kilometre southeast of Maghera Strand.

It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Donegal with a torrent of water cascading down the rocks to the pool below.

The waterfall can easily be seen from the coast road between Ardara and Maghera Beach.

There’s a handy lay-by for parking with space for 10 cars.

9. Glengesh Pass

Described as a “mad and magical road through the mountains of Donegal”, the snaking road through the Glengesh Pass is a thrilling road trip.

It can be traversed by car, walking or cycling and the bends deliver outstanding mountain views at every twist and turn.

Stop at the seasonal coffee cart at the top of the pass and then savour the drive through this scenic high mountain pass.

Hotels in Glencolmcille

If you’re looking for places to stay around Glencolmcille, you’ve a mix of guesthouses and self-catering options on offer. Here are three suggestions:

1. John Eoinìn’s

John Eoinìn’s is 600 meters from Glencolumbkille Beach. It features a bar and various room options, including double and family rooms.

2. Dolmen Cottage

If you’re after self-catering accommodation in Glencolmcille, Dolmen Cottage features a bedroom with a single and a double bed, a living room with a sofa bed, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and a terrace with sea views.

Pubs and restaurants in Glencolmcille

There’s some mighty pubs and restaurants in Glencolmcille for those of you in need of feeding (or watering!). Here are our favourites:

1. Glen Head Tavern

The Glen Head is a busy pub in Glencolmcille with good service and a mix of pub grub and tasty fish-based dishes, like seafood salads. There’s also regular live music.

2. Roarty’s Bar

A lovely example of a traditional Irish pub, right by the roadside overlooking some hills with a cosy interior.

3. John Eoinín’s

One of my favourite pubs in Glencolmcille (see image above), there’s a fine pint of Guinness on offer here along with mighty views from the outdoor space.

4. An Chistin @ Cook’s Pantry

An Chistin is in the heart of Glencolmcille and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh seafood and locally sourced meats featuring in most dishes.