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1-Day Carrick Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Carrick in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Carrick, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Carrick is a small village in southwest Donegal that serves as a gateway to some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal scenery, including the towering Slieve League sea cliffs. From here you can access hiking trails, coastal drives, and viewpoints over Donegal Bay and the surrounding mountains. The area has a strong Irish-language and traditional music culture, with nearby villages like Teelin and Glencolmcille offering historic sites, beaches, and local pubs. It’s a good base if you’re exploring the lesser-developed, wild landscapes of Donegal rather than large towns or cities.
With favorites like The Rusty Mackerel, Carrickabraghy Castle, and Slieve League, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like The Rusty Mackerel so you can get the best taste of Carrick while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Visiting Carrick? See our Carrick Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
  • Carrick in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Slieve League and Carrickabraghy Castle with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Carrick without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 4 hours of your day.
1

Slieve League

4.9
(1039)
•
4.8
(1783)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
Lookouts
Slieve League, also known as Sliabh Liag in Irish, is a must-visit destination in South Donegal, Ireland. Standing at 1,972 feet tall, these oceanfront cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and the sea. Unlike the popular Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League provides a more serene experience with fewer tourists.
Beautiful sights. Be sure to go on a clear day if you want good pictures😂. We went during some rain and fog so it was a wet hike.
Robert V — Google review
It's a beautiful trail, either starting from the visitor center including a free shuttle bus to the viewing platform, there's also a lower car park a bit further from where you can walk to the viewing platform (around 2km). From the viewing platform the trail starts, it's not very technical, mainly rock stairs and lots of wind.
Konec H — Google review
Great hike up to the top snd back down the Pilgrims path. Safer to do it clockwise- exposed and windy in parts.
Donal M — Google review
A must visit when in Northern Ireland. The visitor centre is easy to find and drive to. There are various walks you can do and the views are spectacular. Recommended to wear suitable outdoor clothing and walking boots. You can either drive yourself to the visitor centre or take an organised tour. It is well worth a visit.
Ollie1984a — Google review
We let the car down in the parking and we walk all the way up.But we so people opening the gate and pass with the car up, so we actually don't know if you are allowed with the car or not.But the walking is worthy as the views are amazing!
Gabriela B — Google review
It was a very nice hike, about 4 miles, but you don't even feel how long it is because of the absolutely stunning views all the way up. Me and my family had a great time, and got a little workout too 😁. And even if it doesn't feel like there is much wind, don't try to fly your drone here (it might shoot 1000 ft in the air and not co.e down til the battery is almost dead) but we got my drone back at the end when it was a few feet from the ground, and my father did a heroic Frisbee grab as it was about to shoot back up. And tons of friendly sheep road.ing around makes the experience even more adventurous.
Josh G — Google review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Slieve League is absolutely breathtaking — the views are unreal and worth every minute of the trip. You can either take a long but easy walk up or drive most of the way (there’s even parking at the top, complete with an ice cream truck waiting!). The cliffs are stunning, peaceful, and far less crowded than the Cliffs of Moher (went to the cliffs of Moher after this and they were UNDERWHELMING in comparison) which makes the experience feel even more special. An absolute must-see if you’re in Donegal.
Brianna F — Google review
I visited in July 2025 - weather did not get in the way of enjoying this spectacular coast and views. Highly, highly recommend. Visitor center was nice - friendly people and snack bar.
Lynette C — Google review
Shanbally, Co. Donegal, Ireland•Tips and more reviews for Slieve League
2 hr 37 min · 98.9 mi
2

Carrickabraghy Castle

4.6
(314)
•
4.4
(19)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Castles
Lovely free place to visit. We went on a blustery day and was still a great thing to do. The pebbled ‘beach’ round it and windswept and sea sculpted stones are lovely to see. Easy to spend 30 minutes just wandering about.
Mark M — Google review
Located a very short drive from Doagh Famine Village, this small castle along the coast offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding areas. Access to the inside of the castle is barred by a metal gate. However, this doesn't spoil the wonderful views nor the soothing sounds of the gentle, lapping waves present here. A worthy excursion.
Shane — Google review
The castle itself isn't anything particularly amazing, but the location is stunning on a sunny day. Lovely pebble beaches, rocks and turquoise sea.
Samuel K — Google review
Stunning and beautiful, like a film scene but giving it 4 stars as if youre a nervous driver i wouldn’t recommend driving to it as its also like a private lane. Just get outta the car, take pictures and leave. But stunning view of coast. Just take a left when you come to the doagh famine village
Corinne G — Google review
Beautiful spot with lots of history and stunning views. Park on the grass and after 20 meters you are in the castle grounds. Seek for the wave splash behind the castle but I think it's visible only on high tide waves.
Elena T — Google review
Not well known but a simply stunning view from there.
Tam I — Google review
Although there is not much left of the castle, what is left is wonderful to see and explore. The sights around the castle are amazing and we absolutely loved watching the ocean crash on the rocks. There is a small beach beside the castle which is great for getting a better angle of the powerful waves hitting the cliffsides. I would reccomend this to anyone in the area who is looking to see some history and some nature all in one.
Silvana M — Google review
Great place to visit at high tide 🌊. There is a small parking lot behind the buildings. If you proceed on the farm road after visiting the castle you will also end up on a beach.
Velin G — Google review
Unnamed Road, Carrickabraghy, Co. Donegal, Ireland•https://carrickabraghycastle.com/•Tips and more reviews for Carrickabraghy Castle
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Where to eat

Under a 5-minute drive from Slieve League, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.

The Rusty Mackerel

4.5
(1973)
•
4.3
(798)
Irish pub
Bar
The Rusty Mackerel is a well-known traditional Irish bar and restaurant located at the base of Sliabh Liag. It has gained fame for its lively atmosphere, traditional music, and warm hospitality. Recognized as an All Ireland Gastro Pub in 2022 and listed in the Top 20 in Ireland by Lonely Planet, it offers unique 5-star accommodation near the stunning Sliabh Liag.
Stopped in after our hike for pints & lunch. Great atmosphere & service, especially Megan. Fish & chips, salmon special, chicken burger & seafood chowder were amazing. Highly recommend!!
Jeffrey P — Google review
Went here for dinner and drinks after some light hiking. Ambiance was great and service was good with our meals showing up quickly. My starter of the goat cheese tart was excellent. The fish and chips were a bit excessively oily and the chips not so great, so a bit of a mixed bag. Would definitely return though.
N G — Google review
Cozy irish Pub with classical Pub food on the menu, even a few vegetarian options. The curry I had wasn‘t the best (especially for the price) but the staff was very friendly. We were delighted that our dog was allowed there, however we were placed in the winter garden. Overall, the experience was okay.
Corinna G — Google review
A GEM in the countryside. Visited for a late lunch after a wet hike. 6 of us seated quickly. The Guinness was cold and the Chowder was plentiful and warm. Probably the best chowder I've had in some time. Would love to come back.
Don Z — Google review
Staff were lovely and the pub is charming but I feel that this is a bit of a tourist trap, the menu is drastically reduced out of season, fish and chips were ok the batter wasn't very crispy. Husband had fish pie and that was ok. Not as good as we expected it to be
J S — Google review
Having frequented the rusty mackerel for years without an issue i feel it has changed somewhat & not for the best. The food was mediocre at best and priced way above average. The Guinness used to be the best around even that standard has gone. Cmon lads get it together need to do better .
Robert N — Google review
We had a great meal here. On hearing it was my sister's birthday they produced a dessert with candle free if charge. Staff were friendly and efficient. Good value for money.
Ruth F — Google review
So let down by the menu and service!! A little over priced for what was served!!! Chowder was thickened with cornstarch two bites of fish rest was celery!! Chicken burger was fresh couldn’t fault the flavour , chicken wings none enjoyable spice, no balance ! Was served with greens! Fish& chip okay! Staff not great! Personal opinion they need a little training!! Heard one member staff asking for a review very unprofessional..she even spelt her name out while he was walking away… staff seem to focus on the tourist! Bad move … live in the moment
Carolann M — Google review
Teelin Rd, Croaghlin, Carrick, Co. Donegal, F94 VP99, Ireland•http://www.therustymackerel.com/•+353 74 973 9101•Tips and more reviews for The Rusty Mackerel
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Popular road trips from Carrick

Slide 1 of 10
Carrick to
Dublin
Carrick to
Belfast
Carrick to
Galway
Carrick to
Sligo
Carrick to
Waterford
Carrick to
Middlesbrough
Carrick to
Athlone
Carrick to
Launceston
Carrick to
Boyle
Carrick to
Clonmel

What's the weather like in Carrick?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Carrick for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Carrick in January
  • Weather in Carrick in February
  • Weather in Carrick in March
  • Weather in Carrick in April
  • Weather in Carrick in May
  • Weather in Carrick in June
  • Weather in Carrick in July
  • Weather in Carrick in August
  • Weather in Carrick in September
  • Weather in Carrick in October
  • Weather in Carrick in November
  • Weather in Carrick in December

All road trips from Carrick

  • Carrick to Dublin drive
  • Carrick to Belfast drive
  • Carrick to Galway drive
  • Carrick to Sligo drive
  • Carrick to Waterford drive
  • Carrick to Middlesbrough drive
  • Carrick to Athlone drive
  • Carrick to Launceston drive
  • Carrick to Boyle drive
  • Carrick to Clonmel drive

Explore nearby places

  • Carrick
  • Ardara
  • Donegal Town
  • Drumcliff
  • Strandhill
  • Sligo
  • Enniscrone
  • Letterkenny
  • Ballina
  • Dunfanaghy
  • Enniskillen
  • Boyle
  • Foxford
  • Leitrim
  • Omagh
  • Carrick-on-Shannon
  • Derry
  • Buncrana
  • Castlebar
  • Clonmany
  • Westport
  • Dublin
  • Roscommon
  • Dungannon
  • Castlerock
  • Cong
  • Armagh
  • Portstewart
  • Leenane
  • Portrush
  • Ballymoney

All related maps of Carrick

  • Map of Carrick
  • Map of Ardara
  • Map of Donegal Town
  • Map of Drumcliff
  • Map of Strandhill
  • Map of Sligo
  • Map of Enniscrone
  • Map of Letterkenny
  • Map of Ballina
  • Map of Dunfanaghy
  • Map of Enniskillen
  • Map of Boyle
  • Map of Foxford
  • Map of Leitrim
  • Map of Omagh
  • Map of Carrick-on-Shannon
  • Map of Derry
  • Map of Buncrana
  • Map of Castlebar
  • Map of Clonmany
  • Map of Westport
  • Map of Dublin
  • Map of Roscommon
  • Map of Dungannon
  • Map of Castlerock
  • Map of Cong
  • Map of Armagh
  • Map of Portstewart
  • Map of Leenane
  • Map of Portrush
  • Map of Ballymoney

Carrick throughout the year

  • Carrick in January
  • Carrick in February
  • Carrick in March
  • Carrick in April
  • Carrick in May
  • Carrick in June
  • Carrick in July
  • Carrick in August
  • Carrick in September
  • Carrick in October
  • Carrick in November
  • Carrick in December

Day itineraries for nearby cities

  • 1-Day Derry Itinerary
  • 1-Day Sligo Itinerary
  • 1-Day Westport Itinerary
  • 1-Day Donegal Town Itinerary
  • 1-Day Letterkenny Itinerary
  • 1-Day Enniskillen Itinerary
  • 1-Day Carrick-on-Shannon Itinerary
  • 1-Day Armagh Itinerary
  • 1-Day Ballina Itinerary
  • 1-Day Buncrana Itinerary
  • 1-Day Portrush Itinerary
  • 1-Day Omagh Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cong Itinerary
  • 1-Day Dungannon Itinerary
  • 1-Day Castlebar Itinerary
  • 1-Day Roscommon Itinerary
  • 1-Day Ardara Itinerary
  • 1-Day Boyle Itinerary
  • 1-Day Dunfanaghy Itinerary
  • 1-Day Enniscrone Itinerary
  • 1-Day Ballymoney Itinerary
  • 1-Day Portstewart Itinerary
  • 1-Day Castlerock Itinerary
  • 1-Day Foxford Itinerary
  • 1-Day Clonmany Itinerary
  • 1-Day Leenane Itinerary
  • 1-Day Drumcliff Itinerary
  • 1-Day Ranelagh Itinerary
  • 1-Day Strandhill Itinerary
  • 1-Day Leitrim Itinerary
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