It’s the 2 month countdown to the opening of Donegal Camino 2024 on the 1st September in Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point! The 7 day walking festival, now in its 4th official year, will run until the 7th of September finishing on Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Sliabh Liag.
Now the flagship fundraising event for Cancer Care West Services in Donegal, the Donegal Camino is attracting walkers from all over the world to enjoy some or all of the 7 splendid days of walking and hiking across beautiful Donegal, now Lonely Planet’s fourth best region in the world to visit!
From humble beginnings by business woman and Donegal born Peggy Stringer, the Donegal Camino is now set to attract over 500 walkers to Donegal this September, making it one of the fastest growing walking festivals in Ireland and on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Route
Interested walkers can choose to walk a day, 2, 3 or all 7 days or dip in and out as the week progresses.
Opening on what is now affectionately known as Donegal’s ‘Camino Sunday’, the first Sunday of September, walkers will once again kick off at Ireland’s highest point, Malin Head reaching Banba’s Crown on the Inishowen peninsula. A welcome BBQ will take place in Nancy’s Barn for all walkers and Donegal Camino Partners on Saturday 31st August 2024. Day 2 will take walkers to the tranquil space of the picturesque Ards Forest Park on Monday 2nd of September. Donegal’s highest peak and Errigal at Sunrise awaits on Tuesday 3rd September, however this hike will be weather permitting. Walkers are advised to stay tuned to Donegal Camino social media and www.donegalcamino.ie for all updates on this.
New to Donegal Camino in 2024 is the Gaeltacht island of Cruit or Oileáin na Crúite. As its name suggests, the island is formed in the natural shape of the Irish musical instrument the Harp or Cruit and this is the midweek walk on Wednesday 4th September. This will be followed on Day 5 by another new walk, the Gay Byrne Trail or Cosán Gay Byrne, where renowned Irish broadcaster, Gay Byrne loved to walk on his many summer holidays in Donegal.
Donegal Town marks its historic celebration of 550 years and Donegal Camino 2024 will spend Friday 6th September on the gorgeous Bluestack Way, finishing on the newly refurbished Diamond in Donegal Town, followed by High Tea celebration, courtesy of Simple Simons, Donegal Town.
The traditional Donegal Camino Finalé on Camino Saturday, 7th September is on Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Sliabh Liag combining a traditional route of the Pilgrim’s Path and the unique One Man’s Path. An alternative to the Sliabh Liag climb is an enjoyable Sliabh Liag Boat Trip with ticket donations going to Cancer Care West Donegal. The Finalé celebration will take place in Teach John Joe Kilcar with a rousing sing song and applause for all walkers who take part and fundraise.
Registration & Cost
Registration is €35 per walker per day and each walker is invited to raise €100 per day walked or as close to it as possible. Registration fees cover direct costs of excellent registered guides, insurance, back up and safety cars along with such fixed operational costs to ensure the safety of all walkers. Last years donation was €82,155 and for this year, the Donegal Camino committee has set a target of €100,000 for Cancer Care West Services in Donegal.
All details of the Donegal Camino 2024 itinerary and suggested accommodation and dining options along with how to register and fundraise are on www.donegalcamino.ie. Regular updates will feature across social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All those who register for the Donegal Camino are strongly advised to book their accommodation and dining early as spaces will fill up fast.
