At Leabgarrow Beach, two Blueway offerings differ significantly: Blueway Trail 5 is aimed at beginners and advanced paddlers, while the Carricklea-More Blueway is for advanced paddlers. The information on distance and water depth also differs. So when planning, consider not only the distance but also the activity profile and conditions on the water.
Blueway routes with different profiles
Blueway Trail 5 at Leabgarrow Beach is suitable for beginners and advanced paddlers; beginners must be accompanied by an approved provider. The waters are moderately challenging to challenging, and the tidal range in this area is moderate. Conditions depend on the tides and weather. If you plan to take this route, bear in mind both the requirement for beginners to be accompanied and the changing conditions.
The Carricklea-More Blueway starts and ends at Leabgarrow Beach, follows the coast and is less than one kilometre long. It is suitable for advanced paddlers; the stated water depths are two to five metres, and the waters are moderately challenging. Conditions at sea also vary here. In comparison, Trail 5 is rated for beginners and advanced paddlers, with beginners required to be accompanied, while Carricklea-More is specifically designated for advanced paddlers.
The Árainn Mhór–Ailt an Chorráin Blueway offers opportunities for walking, cycling, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking; Leabgarrow Beach is a start and end point. This means the options include walking and cycling as well as water-based activities. You can decide which of these options to focus on based on your interests and the conditions at the time.
Distinguishing coastal routes from island trails
For a longer route in an island setting, there is the Slí Árainn Mhór – Arranmore Island Loop: the circular route is 17.8 kilometres long and leads into the wild, uninhabited interior of the island and to the west side of Arranmore. A two-kilometre detour from the route leads to the remote lighthouse at Binrawros Point. These details describe an island route in the wider area, not an additional section of the Carricklea-More Blueway.
These different scales can be considered side by side: on one hand, the Carricklea-More Blueway, which is less than one kilometre long and follows the coast; on the other, the 17.8-kilometre island loop with a detour to the lighthouse. This comparison helps you choose between a short, advanced Blueway route and a longer walk through the island interior and along its west side.
Ferry information and a local stop
Leabgarrow is home to Arranmore’s ferry terminal and Leadhb Gharbh Pier. Regular, reliable passenger and vehicle ferries from Burtonport make Árainn Mhór accessible year-round. Check the latest ferry services before you travel so that your journey matches the current departure times.
Boathouse Beach Bites is just above Leabgarrow Pier and is the first and last stop before the Arranmore ferry. Visitors can get local information and ferry times there; hot and cold drinks, ice cream and takeaway food are also available. The ferry information and services at this location give you a convenient place to get information and refreshments. As service details may change, check them before your visit.
More to explore in County Donegal
County Donegal, the wider destination, also offers its own cultural and landscape highlights. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell. Guided tours tell its story from the time of the Gaelic lords, through the Plantation and its long years as a ruin, to its recent restoration. Fanad Lighthouse is also in County Donegal, between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. A tour there lasts 45 minutes, and the virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha” is also offered. Check the availability of tours and the experience before your trip.
Glenveagh National Park offers a different perspective on the landscape, with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys, native oak woodlands and a castle with original interiors. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. These examples add cultural and natural highlights in County Donegal to Leabgarrow’s Blueway and island trails.
Discover more destinations: Baylet, Darney, Burnfoot, Termon, Rosnakill, Convoy, Dunkineely, Treantagh.
For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.
