Donegal Camino reveals brand new route for 2026

The Donegal Camino 2026 will feature seven walks, six of which are brand new to the itinerary, from Camino Sunday, August 30, to Saturday, September 5.

Organizers said this week that while bringing people together to walk, enjoy nature, and share stories is always at the heart of this unique seven-day walking festival, the ultimate goal is raising much-needed funds for Cancer Care West Support Centre, Donegal. 

This year, the committee has set a fundraising target of €165,000 to again support the Cancer Care West Support Centre, Donegal.

John Mc Namara, Donegal Businessman and CEO of Sendmode, is the new incoming chairperson of the Donegal Camino committee.

“I’m honoured to be part of this inspiring walking festival with founders Peggy Stringer, Deirdre Mc Glone, Noel Cunningham, and a dynamic and progressive committee who enjoy walking, but above all, the continued development of a sustainable walking festival which is contributing to both the Donegal tourism sector and to Cancer Care West Support Centre, Donegal,” Mc Namara commented.

“Annually, we strive to innovate the Donegal Camino offering while staying true to its personality of friendship and fun, and of course increasing our net target for the vital services of Cancer Care West across Donegal.”

John Mc Namara, incoming chairperson of the Donegal Camino committee. (Colm Canny)

Donegal Camino 2026 route

The 2026 Donegal Camino will once again start its route in the beautiful peninsula of Inishowen, the birthplace of founder Peggy Stringer, who has recently been elected President of the Donegal Association in Dublin.

Opening with a magical walk of the Isle of Doagh and a visit to the Isle of Doagh Famine Village, Donegal Camino will continue to walk in Inishowen for Day 2.

Isle of Doagh, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)

New to the itinerary for 2026 is Inishowen’s highest peak, Slieve Sneacht, which will be a rigorous yet rewarding climb. Organizers noted that Slieve Sneacht is very weather dependent and that a 'Plan B' will be in place should it be required. 

For Day 3, the Donegal Camino will move west to the Rosguil Peninsula, staying two nights in the Carrigart area. Featuring in this region is the beautiful, moderate walk of Termon in Lough Salt, which boasts stunning views and interesting points of history.

Rainbow over Lough Salt, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool / Tourism Ireland)

Day 4 will see participants take on the Old Railway Walk while taking in views of Muckish. Starting out from the renowned Donegal Gaeltacht venue of Ionad Chois Locha, walkers will then take in 22km on road and track, learning about the unique history of the railway that formed part of the landscape from Burtonport to Letterkenny. 

Muckish Mountain, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool / Tourism Ireland)

Moving to the south of Donegal for the latter half of the week, Donegal Camino will stay overnight in Donegal Town, and Day 5 will take in the Bluestack Way, Glenties to O’Neill’s in Letterbarrow near Donegal Town on an 18km walk amidst the Bluestack peaks and valleys.

Glenties, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool / Gareth Wray)

Day 6 of the Donegal Camino will bring walkers further south to the Cashelard area, close to Ballyshannon, to enjoy the Breezy Hill before the annual finale on Europe’s Highest Seacliffs, Sliabh Liag. Organizers are also offering an alternative to climbing Sliabh Liag, with the option to view the cliffs and walkers from the Sliabh Liag Boat Trip, with Paddy Byrne set to donate the ticket price to the fundraising initiative for Cancer Care West Support Centre, Donegal. 

Sliab Liag. (Ireland's Content Pool)

The choice of walks for the 2026 Donegal Camino, which will each be led by a professional team of guides, will showcase Donegal's wealth of scenery and natural beauty, along with the county's world-class walking and hiking trails.

The full details of the Donegal Camino 2026 route and itinerary are available on the group's website here. 

Donegal Camino fundraising

The Donegal Camino continues to be the flagship fundraiser for Cancer Care West, Donegal.

Since its foundation, Donegal Camino has raised an incredible €432,552.82 for the charity. Annually, the funds contribute to the support of 350 Donegal people on a cancer journey, 650 hours of counselling, and the delivery of essential Cancer Care West Donegal services.

Richard Flaherty, CEO of Cancer Care West, added: “The financial support of the Donegal Camino fundraising brings our total counselling hours to over 5,000 hours since we opened in 2017.

“Importantly, the event not only raises vital funds but also greatly increases awareness of the organisation and the free cancer support services available across the region, helping them to reach people who may not otherwise know where to turn.”

Donegal Camino 2026 registration

Registration for the Donegal Camino 2026 is now open, with options to participate in one, two, three, or all seven days.

The registration fee of €50 per day, which covers fixed operational costs of guides, insurance, support and safety cars, and vital operational costs.

Each walker is required to fundraise €100 per day for each day they walk, all of which goes directly to Cancer Care West Donegal.

Businesses and organisations across Donegal are invited to fundraise, support, or donate to the Donegal Camino fundraising initiative for Cancer Care West Support Centre Donegal.

You can learn more about the Donegal Camino on its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.