Start : Sliabh Liag Car Park, Sliabh Liag Rd, Croaghlin, Co. Donegal. The IAT begins at the Bunglass car park where information signs, wooden tables and are provided. Excellent views along the jagged coastline and cliffs can be enjoyed from here.
(S) From Bunglass car park, climb the steep stone steps West to the high point. Continue on the same path for around 1.4 Km and walk along Lough O'Mulligon.
(1) From here you can see the trail hugging the cliff edge winding up to The Eagles Nest. The trail now moves slightly away from the coast where one trail becomes many routes in a heavily used area with several paths leading to the same place.
(2) Choose one and continue climbing (North) where the trail traverses a knife-edge heading towards The Eagles Nest. This trail is very exposed, tricky to follow and has dangerous footing, so care is needed. The views are incredible looking straight down to the sea and along the coastline. The trail then goes up and down before reaching a highpoint and levelling out.
An alternative trail skirts around the knife-edge of The Eagles Nest, which is far less exposed and easier to follow. The path can be boggy and the footing difficult in some places, but this is considered the safest way up the ridge.
The trail intersects with the pilgrim path leading from Teelin, which is marked with yellow blazes/markings painted on the stones.
(3) Follow the yellow blazes down a few hundred meters to Ade McBric’s church ruins and holy wells, where views looking north east can be enjoyed. Make your way back up to the trail and continue along the level terrain West towards Slieve League. The trail follows a short knife-edge finally reaching the 595-meter summit of Slieve League, from where there are 360-degree panoramic views.
(4) Walk off the summit and continue West down the steep grassy trail.
Please note that this section of trail from Slieve League summit to Malin Beg is not waymarked due to being an environmentally sensitive area. It is recommended that only experienced hikers with a map, compass and appropriate equipment should attempt this section of trail.
There are excellent views looking back along the cliffs and rugged coastline back towards the car park.
Cross a fence and stay on the ocean side of the fence for a couple of hundred meters, where you then cross back through the fence and continue steeply downhill towards the creek. Stay close to the coast when meandering down the steep terrain.
(6) You then cross the creek and climb a hill, from where there are incredible views looking back up towards the summit. Cross another creek and climb the side of Leahan near the coastline, from where the best views of the day can be enjoyed. Continue along the side of Leahan and begin descending towards the town of Malin Beg. Views of the town and beautiful coastal areas come into view here.
(7) You then reach a dirt road and follow it into town, where you walk behind a few houses and farms before reaching a gate.
(8) Go through the gate and follow the paved road through part of town.
(9) At the T-junction take a right and continue 3 Km (or so) to the town of Malinmore. There are great views during the road walk of Leahan and Malin Bay. As you reach the town along R263 road, you reach a junction with L1025 where you turn right. This section of the trek stops at the Aras Ghleann Cholm Cille Hostel along the road (L1025). (E)
