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Slieve League Cliffs

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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The Slieve League Cliffs (Irish: Sliabh Liag) in County Donegal are among the highest sea cliffs in Ireland and all of Europe, reaching an elevation of 601 meters. Unlike the more famous Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League is nearly three times higher and gives a far more rugged and less commercialized experience. The cliffs were formed by tectonic forces and the erosive power of the Atlantic, resulting in vertical drops that plunge dramatically into the ocean. Historically, the mountain was a significant site of Christian pilgrimage, evidenced by the ruins of an early Christian hermitage near the summit. The notorious One Man's Pass is an extremely narrow ridge along the top, suitable only for experienced hikers, providing wide vistas of the coastline. Today, the area is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to protect its unique alpine-arctic flora and important seabird colonies. Geologically, the cliffs consist mainly of quartzite and metamorphic rocks.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Slieve League · Crockrawer
Nearby: Kilcar (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	7	7	9	11	13	15	15	14	12	9	8
Rain mm	141	109	99	76	92	94	107	118	102	129	151	149

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Slieve League Cliffs are a natural landmark freely accessible year-round. Several viewing points and hiking trails exist along the cliffs.

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Typical hours

As there are no controlled opening hours, you can visit anytime. Best during daylight, especially at sunset.

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Photography

Photography is allowed everywhere, but drones are restricted for safety. A tripod is useful at viewpoints but awkward on narrow trails.

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Time needed

A quick visit to the viewpoints takes about 30 minutes. For a cliff walk, allow 2 to 3 hours.

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Combine with

Combine the cliffs with a visit to nearby Glenveagh National Park. Donegal town also serves as a good base.

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Getting there

Main car park (Bunglass) is off the R263, then a short walk to viewpoints. A shuttle bus runs in season.

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Insider tip

Visit in good weather - fog can severely limit views. Bring a windbreaker as it gets very windy at the top.

Geography

Coordinates

54.63330, -8.68330

Facts

At 601 meters, these are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Ireland.
The cliffs are nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher.
Ruins of Saint Aodh's chapel can be found near the summit.
One Man's Pass is only a few feet wide at its narrowest point.
Bunglass is the most popular viewpoint for looking at the cliffs.
The rock is over 600 million years old and primarily quartzite.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Slieve League Peak<1 km · SEExplore →

Kilcar6 km · EExplore →

Malin Beg7 km · NWExplore →

Glencolmcille9 km · NExplore →

Killybegs15 km · EExplore →

Mount Eric22 km · SExplore →

Mullaghmore24 km · SEExplore →

Ardara25 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Slieve League Cliffs (2)

Slieve League 📍 landmark

One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, located in Ireland, dropping spectacularly into the Atlantic.

Crockrawer 📍 landmark

A mountain peak near the Slieve League cliffs, offering a wide view over Donegal's wild coast.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high are the Slieve League cliffs?

They are 601 metres high, nearly three times higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher.

Is entry free?

Access on foot is free, though parking at the visitor centre may incur a fee.

Can you drive to the viewing point?

Yes, there is an upper car park, but in peak season access is often by shuttle bus only.

What is "One Man's Pass"?

A very narrow ridge path at the summit, suitable only for experienced hikers with a head for heights.

Is there a visitor centre?

Yes, the Slieve League Cliffs Centre in Teelin gives info, a cafe, and local crafts.

Slieve League Cliffs: where is it located?

Slieve League Cliffs is located in Ireland.

Slieve League Cliffs: what is there to see?

Highlights include Slieve League, Crockrawer.

Slieve League Cliffs: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Slieve League Cliffs: why is it worth visiting?

The Slieve League Cliffs (Irish: Sliabh Liag) in County Donegal are among the highest sea cliffs in Ireland and all of Europe, reaching an elevation of 601 meters.

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