Sliabh Liag - Slieve League

Slieve League (Grey Mountain) is a mountain located in the southwest of County Donegal and claims to have the country's highest sea cliffs. They are frequently also quoted as being the highest sea cliffs in Europe, however both claims are apparently incorrect. Slieve League is 601 meters in height, but Ireland's highest sea cliffs are actually on Achill Island (Cliffs of Croaghaun) and Europe's highest are in Norway or the Faroe Islands.

The Cliffs of Moher are clearly much more famous, but for just as good a site, I'd recommend Slieve League over The Cliffs any day. You will run into very few people, if any, at the overlook, and in my opinion these cliffs are a bit more attractive than those Cliffs of Moher.

To get to the cliffs you drive through some really beautiful country and at the end some rather narrow roads. There is a small car park about a mile down the road from the overlook, but you can drive up to the top, you just have to make sure to shut the gate behind you as sheep herds are actively grazed on the land. I would recommend the walk to the top though as you can more enjoy the scenery on the walk up and you get to walk among the sheep.

There is also a path up to the summit of the mountain from the overlook. Unfortunately it was really windy the day I visited so I was unable to make the hike up. Apparently there are the ruins of a church right near the mountain pass, and on the round trip back you will pass an old watch tower used during the early 1800s to defend against any attack by Napoleon. You can also see the tower from the road to the overlook though. You can also take a boat tour of the cliffs from Teelin. The tour looks amazing and one should really look into it if visiting the area. If you're into fishing, they also operate fishing trips in Donegal Bay.

On the drive to and from the cliffs there are multiple little stores where you can pick up some authentic Donegal Tweed clothing and blankets. Studio Donegal in Kilcar has some really nice handiwork, and you can even see some of the wool weaving being done.

If you happen to visit the cliffs and wish to spend the night in or near Donegal, there is a fantastic family run hostel right outside of the town, called Donegal Town Independent Hostel. The proprietress and her daughter are rather friendly and they have two adorable pet sheep, the fees are quite reasonable, and it has a really nice family home feel. It was definitely the best hostel I stayed in while in Ireland.

Sliabh Liag Boat Trips: http://www.sliabhleagueboattrips.com/

Donegal Town Independent Hostel: http://www.donegaltownhostel.com/recommendations.htm