Hotels in An Charraig: Hiking and the Gaeltacht

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

An Charraig (Carrick) is a Gaeltacht village in southwest Donegal. Irish is spoken quite naturally in everyday life among the neighbours. When choosing where to stay, two distinct perspectives come together here: the village’s cultural life and the Slí Cholmcille, a route through Carrick and other places in southwest Donegal.

Language, history and landscape

The construction of Carrick Bridge in 1824 contributed to the growth of the village. At Lunniagh/Carrick, the West Donegal Coast SPA includes areas of sand dunes and machair. These specific landscape features give the surrounding area a distinctive connection to nature. In October 2004, a flock of 76 choughs was recorded near Carrick. Carrick also has a Riverside Walk described as a nature trail.

Hiking and accommodation along the Slí Cholmcille

The Slí Cholmcille connects important places and villages in southwest Donegal over 65 kilometres. In Carrick, it runs as a circular walking route. It passes along country roads, open bogland and coastal paths; most sections run along paved roads, bog roads and open bogland. Remote bogland sections can be very wet, and care is needed on narrow, busy paved roads. Planning therefore involves considering both the distance and the changing route. The Riverside Walk is described as a nature trail; by contrast, the Slí Cholmcille connects several places and villages in the region.

Other perspectives in County Donegal

County Donegal also offers its own cultural and nature-related themes. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Tours trace its history from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration; check tour availability before your trip. The castle also offers illustrated treasure hunts for children. Another historic site in County Donegal is Doe Castle, a medieval stronghold of the MacSweeneys. For nature and hiking, visitors to County Donegal can hike the cliffs of Sliabh Liag. A boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour reaches the base of the sea cliffs; check in advance whether it operates on your travel dates.

Fanad Lighthouse, between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, offers another, differently structured visit in County Donegal. The tour there lasts 45 minutes; the lighthouse also offers the virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha”. Check the availability of the tour and experience before your trip. For planning purposes, this visit with its defined duration differs considerably from hiking at Sliabh Liag or taking a boat trip from Teelin Harbour.

Discover more destinations: Teelin, Bundoran, Darney, Kindrohid, Bunbeg, Burtonport, Greencastle, Inishowen

For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.

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