Overview
Bunglass Point gives you the Slieve League cliffs without the queue. It sits at the eastern edge of the cliff complex in southwest County Donegal, where the plateau breaks off and drops sheer into the Atlantic. The main visitor centre pulls the bigger crowds; Bunglass is the quieter perch, and the one photographers and walkers tend to prefer for the serrated skyline of cliff faces falling away to the water.
History and heritage
Two layers of Irish history sit on the headland. Around 1804 the British built a small watchtower here to watch the Atlantic for French invasion fleets during the Napoleonic Wars. The stone structure is still standing and still crowns the point, so you get a sturdy vantage spot thrown in with the view. Much later, during the Second World War, two stone slabs spelling the word Éire were laid along the cliff edge – quiet markers of the island’s strategic awkwardness during the conflict, and worth a moment on the walk up.
Walking the cliffs
Bunglass Point is the high point of the main Slieve League coastal walk, and it doubles as a gateway to harder inland routes.
The coastal walk (easy to moderate)
From the lower Slieve League car park, a marked 1.5 km trail climbs steadily to the Bunglass viewing platform. Reckon on 30 to 45 minutes, with viewpoints opening onto the ocean along the way. It’s well-trodden and fine for families and casual walkers, but the ground is uneven and rocky in places. Wear sturdy footwear – it gets slippery when wet.
The Pilgrim’s Path (strenuous)
The Pilgrim’s Path is a different proposition, starting from a separate inland car park near Teelin. This 6 km route takes roughly three hours round-trip, climbing steeply through heather and loose stone to the summit. It crosses a stretch known locally as One Man’s Pass, where the cliff edge narrows hard. Strong winds or low cloud make this section genuinely dangerous, so only attempt it in clear, calm conditions and only if you’re comfortable with exposed ridge walking. Dogs are not permitted on the Pilgrim’s Path.
Getting there and parking
By car – From the Slieve League visitor centre, follow the signposted road towards Bunglass. After about 1.5 km the road narrows and winds along the clifftop, climbing with a couple of hairpin bends, then ends at a small car park beside the viewing platform. A metal gate near the end of the access road may look closed; it’s only there to keep sheep off the road, so open it, drive through and close it behind you. Parking is free all year.
On foot – The 1.5 km walk from the lower car park is the most popular approach, marked with blue arrows on black backgrounds.
Public transport – The nearest bus stop is in the village of Teelin. A local taxi covers the 15-minute drive from there to the point, usually €15 to €20.
Practical information
- Facilities: there are no toilets, cafés or visitor centres at Bunglass Point itself. The nearby Slieve League visitor centre (open daily 10am–5pm) has the Ti Linn Café, a gift shop and toilets. Bring water, snacks and a picnic if you plan to linger.
- Weather and safety: Atlantic weather turns fast. Fog, mist or strong wind can drop visibility to near zero and the cliff edge gets hard to see. Stay behind the safety railings, keep well back from the drop, and check the forecast before you set out.
- Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome on the main coastal trail but keep them on a short lead – steep drops and livestock both. Not permitted on the Pilgrim’s Path.
- Accessibility: the viewing platform and trails are uneven and steep in sections, not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Nearby
- Assaranca Waterfall – a short detour on the way back from Bunglass, good for a quick walk and a photo. (Assaranca Waterfall)
- Slieve League Visitor Centre – a few minutes’ drive away, with trail maps, a shuttle service and the Ti Linn Café for a warm drink afterwards. (Slieve League)
- Maghera Caves – sea caves near the beach below the cliffs. Access is strictly tide-dependent, so check a local tide table and wear wellingtons before heading down.
Come early. Morning gets you parking and catches the light on the cliff faces before the midday haze sets in; if the caves and beaches below are the plan, time it for low tide instead.