An Port, Drum Loop, and the Tower Loop

Wild, ridged, and astonishing coastline views

An Port, where we started.

We started our adventure from Letterkenny, and it is a 40 mins drive to An Port, one of the most remote and wild parts of county Donegal. We parked on a small 3-4 car parking located 50-100 meters before the pier, but there is enough space to park on the dock. I felt terrific looking at the view from the pier. Ridged, high cliffs with small waterfalls pouring down the ocean. They look much like the Slieve League cliffs, as they are probably part of the same cliffs chain.

We started the climb, passing through a small bridge on the south and going up the rocky path. We stopped at the 'The Sydney' Memorial to enjoy the views. There was sunshine pouring through the sky and waves smashing the cliffs below, just a stunning sight to watch from the top.

We joined the Drum Loop

We were moving slowly our way up the steep, rocky road when we joined the Drum Loop. The loop walk climbs around the eastern summit of Beefin and Gaveross Mountain. Then, it goes down again towards the Glencolmcille village, passing by a telecommunication tower and rejoining the Tower Loop.

The Glencolmcille Tower Loop

We headed towards the Tower on the Tower Loop, leaving the Drum Loop behind. After taking twenty minutes of a steep climb, we could see the old Tower peacefully waiting for us on the edge of the cliffs, the edge of the world. We then headed on the descent towards the Tower, and there was turf and some quite wet areas. So you might get waterproof boots just in case the weather is not with you. Finally, we reached the Tower, and the view from there was wild, raw, and magnetic!

The Sturrall cliffs are a place from another planet.

We left the Tower Loop following the cliff's coastline on the north. The path doesn't seem officially maintained but more like a path created by adventurous souls like us. We stopped at The Sturrall cliffs, and I can tell I have never been mesmerized by cliffs as the views there. I could spend eternity watching the waves hitting the enormous monoliths.

Going back through the turf (bogs)

We headed back to the An Post through the turf. There isn't a path, meaning you pick the best for you. You can skip this part and get back on the Tower Loop if you don't want to get some mud on your legs. We crossed the An Port path, moving on the coastline and turning northeast.

We did it on bikes. Is it difficult?

You can, but it is hard work to get to the telecommunication tower on the Drum Loop. The path has big bumps and stones, so a mountain bike would be required. However, I wouldn't ride just beside the cliffs on a windy day, and we got lucky with a perfect sunny day. Also, going through the turf as we did might require a tire with more grip.

⚠️ Be careful if you are going north from the Tower towards Sturrall cliffs. There is a blind spot with a vertical cliff just after the blind spot and no safety fence or signs. If you are running or riding a bike, be cautious.

Ready for a bigger adventure, try the Appalachian Trail (IAT)?

It is worth mentioning that the paths mentioned above are part of a more significant trekking path named the Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster Ireland. I will personally do the entire way in the coming years. Here is the official site for more info.

Additional sources:

Glencolmcille

Drum Loop

Tower Loop

The Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster Ireland

Pictures by Velin Georgiev.