Burtonport: Walks, Railway History and Blueway

Explore Burtonport through walks with a railway history, various loop walks, and activities on land and water. The Old Railway Walk reveals remnants of the former railway; the Kinballycrowie and Crickamore routes each form a loop through landscapes described in different ways. The Árainn Mhór–Ailt an Chorráin Blueway is another option. This selection can help you decide, before looking for a holiday apartment, whether you would like to include a historic walk, nature experiences, cycling or water-based activities in your trip.

Railway traces on the Old Railway Walk

The Old Railway Walk is a walking trail associated with Burtonport and is about 5.3 kilometres long; the out-and-back distance is given as about 10.6 kilometres. From 1903 to 1940, the former railway connected Ailt an Chorráin (Burtonport) with Letterkenny. Numerous remnants are visible along the Walk, including railway stations, gatehouses and level crossings, as well as piers, cuttings and embankments. A bridge and rusty gates are also among the visible traces. This means you encounter the former railway not only as a connection between places and a period in time, but also through various relics along the way. If you are travelling with children, you can discover these different kinds of remnants together as you go.

Two loops with their own distinctive features

The Kinballycrowie Loop starts at Burtonport Harbour. It follows the corridor of the former railway line and returns to the starting point via quiet country roads and paths. Its landscape features include sweeping views, diverse flora and fauna, and an ash wood. The Crickamore Loop follows a section of the Burtonport railway corridor described as scenic and returns to St Columba’s Community Centre via quiet country roads. So, Kinballycrowie is described as starting at the harbour, while the Community Centre is given as the return point for Crickamore.

The descriptions of the two loops also differ in their nature features. On the Crickamore Loop, the colours and sounds along the way change regularly with the seasons; it also has diverse flora and fauna. On the Kinballycrowie Loop, the sweeping views and ash wood are highlighted. When comparing the routes, you can consider which of these described experiences particularly interest you.

Blueway and ferry departure

The Árainn Mhór–Ailt an Chorráin Blueway includes land- and water-based routes in the area of Burtonport (Ailt an Chorráin) and Árainn Mhór. Walking and cycling are possible on the Blueway, as is snorkelling. This offers activities on foot, by bike and in the water. The Arranmore ferry also departs from Burtonport (Áilt an Chorráin). These different options may be relevant when planning your trip: railway relics and loop walks, activities on the Blueway, or a ferry departure from Burtonport.

A holiday apartment in Burtonport is worth considering if you would like to plan your stay around the experiences of the area described here.

More destination pages: Clonmany, Burt, Bunbeg, Dunfanaghy, Donegal, Rossnowlagh, Bridge End and Bun Cranncha.

Return to the main travel overview: County Donegal.