Roads like the one at Glengesh Pass in Donegal make Ireland an absolute joy to explore.
It doesn’t matter if you’re batin’ along on a bike, sitting snugly inside a warm car or sauntering along on foot, there’s just something immensely special about making your way down around the bends at Glengesh.
Arguably one of the more unique places to visit in Donegal, Glengesh is one of several stops along a very scenic looped drive in the area (info below).
If you’ve yet to experience this corner of Donegal for yourself, you’re in for a treat. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know from parking to where to find the Glengesh viewing point.
Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Glengesh Pass in Donegal
Although a visit to Glengesh Pass is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Glengesh Pass is a stretch of very bendy road that connects Glencolmcille to Ardara. It’s a 10-minute drive from Ardara Village and a 25-minute drive from Glencolmcille.
2. Where to start
In theory, you can start the drive/cycle from either way, but it’s more impressive if you drive down into the valley (I’ve mapped this out for you below).
3. Parking
There’s a tiny bit of parking at the top if the pass, if you’re coming from the Glencolmcille side (here on Google Maps). There’s also a little coffee cart here, at times, where you can grab a quick pick-me-up.
4. Safety
As you can see from the photos above and below, the road at Glengesh Pass is narrow and extremely bendy, so please SLOW DOWN if you’re driving and keep an eye out for walkers and cyclists.
About Glengesh Pass

Photos via Shutterstock
Glengesh (which means ‘Glen of the Swans’) is a high mountain pass that cuts through the Glengesh and Mulmosog mountains and links the towns of Ardara and Glencolumbkille.
Often referred to as the ‘Donegal Pass’, the road at Glengesh snakes through the valley and provides a very unique experience, regardless of whether you’re driving or on foot.
Although this is a popular spot for tourists, I’ve yet to arrive here when there were more than 5 or 6 other people admiring the view. So (hopefully) you’ll arrive and have the whole place to yourself.
Over the course of your spin, you’ll encounter quiet open countryside, plenty of green fields, narrowish roads and sheep… lots and lots of sheep.
Things to do at Glengesh Pass
Although many people pay a fleeting visit to the Donegal Pass, there’s a plenty to see and do around it.
Below, you’ll find some suggestions (just keep in mind that many of the photos above and below are from drones!).
1. Soak up the views from above, first

Photos via Google Maps
The Glengesh viewing point (here on Google Maps) is one of the most notable discovery points along this section of the Wild Atlantic Way.
You’ll find it on the Glencolmcille side of the Donegal Pass and there’s room for 7 or so cars, once people have parked properly.
Pull in here and soak up the views of the valley laid out in front of you.
There’s another tiny spot to pull in (here on Google Maps) just before you arrive at the first bend.
2. Then (slowly) meander along the bendy road

Photo © The Irish Road Trip
After you leave the main viewing point, it’s time to slowly make your descent into the valley.
Now, the road here is narrow, but not majorly so.
You will, however, need to be very cautious when taking the bends as they’re extremely tight, so take your time and drive safely.
Keep following the road through the valley and you’ll have the option to continue onto the scenic loop.
3. Followed by the looped drive/cycle
There’s a nice looped drive that you can head off on from Glengesh that takes you to many of the more popular attractions in the area.
When you leave Glengesh, follow the road around to Assaranca Waterfall.
From here, you have Maghera Beach, Glencolumbkille Folk Village, Malin Beg and more (see map above) close by.
Places to visit near Glengesh Pass
One of the beauties of Glengesh is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Donegal.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Donegal Pass!
1. Assaranca Waterfall (20-minute drive)

Photos via Shutterstock
Much easier to reach than Donegal’s Secret Waterfall, the mighty Assaranca Waterfall is a spectacular sight that’s right next to the road and a handy 20 minutes from Glengesh.
2. Caves of Maghera (20-minute drive)

Photos via Shutterstock
Another great place to visit near Glengesh Pass in Donegal is Maghera Caves and Beach. This is a beautiful beach that has a wild rugged feeling that’s well worth rambling along.
3. Narin/Portnoo Beach (25-minute drive)

Photos via Shutterstock
Sometimes referred to as ‘Ardara Beach’, Narin Strand is one of Donegal’s finest, and it’s a short spin from the pass. It’s also generally nice and quiet outside of the summer months.
4. Plenty more attractions (25-minute-plus drive)
There’s Glencolumbkille Folk Village (20-minute drive), the beautiful Malin Beg Beach (35-minute drive) and the Slieve League Cliffs (30-minute drive).
FAQs about visiting Glengesh Pass in Donegal
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to park at Glengesh Pass to what to do nearby.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
Is Glengesh Pass worth visiting?
Yes, for several reasons. The views are incredible, the road is beautifully unique and, and I’m basing this on the last 3 times I’ve visited, the chances are you’ll have the place all to yourself.
Where do I park at Glengesh?
There’s a little parking area at the top of the hill on the Ardara side. You can hop out here and sit on the wall. There’s also a little picnic table.
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.
Michael Sheehan
Wednesday 2nd of February 2022
Great tips. Thank you.