Please be aware specific local sites of interest are not included for editing purposes. Some "unusual" towns mentioned are for mapping purposes only. We're looking to trim this long awaited Donegal return of what may seem possibly redundant in nature. Any trimming, alternatives or other ideas are most welcome.
1) mid September Saturday: Leave Ballycastle, County Antrim 9/9 (parts of Inishowen100) Grinian of Aileach/ Buncrana/ Dunree/ Mamore Gap/ Doagh Famine Village/ Cardonagh/ Malin Head/ Moville/ Muff/ Arrive for week at Lough Errig, Donegal 294.5km/183miles 5 hrs+
From here all itinerary days(#s 2-7) departure begin and end in our Lough Errig self cater
2) LOUGH ERRIG Killybegs/ Kilcar/ Teelin /Carrick/ Slieve League /Malin Beg/ Glencolumbkille/ Glengesh Pass /Ardara for dinner only 141km 3hr2m
3) LOUGH ERRIG (Poisonea Lake and Glen) Doochary/ Glendowan (Glenveagh Nat. Park) / Gweedore/ Dunlewy (Errigal Mt.)/ Annagry/ Bunbeg/ Derybeg/ Bloody Foreland / Dunfanaghy/ Horn Head/ Creeslough Doe Cottage (We have National Heritage Passes) 194k 3h 45m
4) LOUGH ERRIG ~Note: We want a"HALFISH/SHORTER" day. As currently it's constructed: Burtonport /Dungloe / Portnoo/ Ardara revisit 112 km 2 hr 9 min -as currently constructed. If this gets too lengthy for a shorter day, besides Ardara, what changes/cut(s) first?
Or among (#2,#3,#4 days with an especially busy days #2 and #3, where to perhaps better fit (as in thin out and not overload) or- if better served- simply drop some from among places like Annagry/ Burtonport/ Dungloe/ Dunbeg ?
Welcome across Preglad
Unfortunately I can only offer the same answer given elsewhere
"You know how much I love timetable itineraries. :(
Fintown is fairly isolated 15 miles from Ardara so 30 minutes on a Donegal "R" road.
Day 2 you are right with about 3 hours.. Provided you don't get out of the car because that loop in south west Donegal is probably about 80 miles and some of those roads are like those we have round here. I know you are an old hand at Irish roads so you should know your timings are, ambitious? Put the little yellow man on the R230 then convince me you want to drive that at the 80 Kph speed route finder software uses to calculate times.
That's the general run and without mapping out every day factoring in possible weather and unknown personal taste that's about the best I can offer via the forums. Everything you have is possible I'm sure you have mapped each day out but unfortunately your timings are letting the itinerary down a little."
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
It's been (Co Donegal roads size combo) my single biggest planning dilemma. Many years ago, I camped out on the Bloody Foreland for awhile and recall both Donegal's unique beauties and especially difficult negotiation. There seem but three alternate strategies, none of which I like. Attempt less, drive more, or take a split base for at least two nights north in a new one.
Deciding among those options seems to be staring me in the face! I am a stubborn one, so may find early starts and a brisker pace-however frustrating and enervating-and possibly the least wise of all possibilities - this fool's choice.
Unless you or others equally knowing wish to suggest a few key trimming modifications I'd welcome and be willing to study hard before trapping myself :)