The Inch Island walk is one of the finest wetland walks in County Donegal. The 8km looped trail around the Inch Wildfowl Reserve offers flat, accessible paths through internationally important bird habitat, with stunning views across Lough Swilly to the ancient Grianán of Áileach ringfort.

Whether you're a serious birdwatcher, a family looking for an easy day out, or simply wanting a peaceful walk in beautiful surroundings, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Inch Wildfowl Reserve Loop – Trail Details

The main walking route on Inch Island is the Inch Wildfowl Reserve looped path, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Detail	Information
Distance	8 km (5 miles)
Time	1.5 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty	Easy
Height gain	Negligible
Trail surface	Concrete, tarmac, gravel
Grid reference	C355 228
Open	365 days a year
Admission	Free

The trail follows part of the old Derry to Letterkenny railway line, which closed in 1953. Walking along the old embankment, you can imagine the spectacle passengers once enjoyed viewing this landscape from their carriage windows.

A Brief History

If you were standing at the Pump House car park 200 years ago, you'd be either stuck in mud or under the waters of Lough Swilly. The farmland around the reserve was reclaimed from the sea over 160 years ago through an ambitious Victorian engineering project.

Three embankments were constructed in the mid-19th century:

The Tready embankment
The Farland embankment
The Inch embankment

This reclaimed land – now known as Grianan Farm – became some of the richest agricultural land in the country, while the sheltered waters behind the embankments created perfect wetland habitat for birds.

Car Parks and Starting Points

There are three car parks around the reserve, all free to use:

1. Pump House Car Park (Recommended start)

The main starting point with the best facilities. Features a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform, portaloo, and information boards.

How to get there: Take the signposted left turn off the N13 at Burt Church. Continue straight on at the next right-angled bend for about 600m.

2. Farland Car Park

Located on Inch Island itself, at Farland Point. Good access to the Farland Bank Hide.

3. McGrath's Car Park

On the Inch Island side, named after a local family. This area has been a busy crossing point for hundreds, possibly thousands, of years – it's where the old public road connected Inch Island to the mainland, accessible only at low tide before the causeway was built.

Bird Hides and Viewpoints

The reserve has three bird hides open to the public, plus the accessible viewing platform:

Tready Hide

As you walk from the Pump House along the old railway embankment, you'll reach Tready Hide. This offers views north and west across the lake.

Farland Bank Hide

Located on Inch Island, connected to the mainland by the mid-19th century reclamation project. Excellent views of waterfowl on the lake.

Tooban Hide

On the return leg towards the Pump House. As you walk back from Inch Island, you're following the old Buncrana to Derry railway line.

Bank End Boardwalk

A section through wet woodland habitat. Listen for singing birds in the trees and from the reeds and sedges along the lake edge.

Wildlife and Birds

Inch Wildfowl Reserve is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under EU law, recognising its international importance. It's one of the most important wetland sites in Ireland for wintering waterfowl.

Best Time for Birdwatching

Tides affect birdwatching significantly. The rising tide (1–2 hours before high water) is generally best, as birds are pushed closer to the hides and shore. Check our Inch Island tide times page before visiting.

Why This Site Matters

Three species occur here in numbers of international importance:

Whooper Swans – This is where these magnificent birds make their Irish landfall in autumn, returning from breeding grounds in Iceland
Greenland White-fronted Geese
Greylag Geese

What You'll See

Winter (October – March):

Whooper swans arriving from Iceland
Greenland white-fronted geese
Greylag geese
Wigeon, teal, and other ducks
Brent geese on the causeway mudflats

Breeding Season (April – July):

Terns
Lapwings
Redshanks
Snipe
Various duck species

Year-round:

Mute swans
Herons
Little egrets
Curlews
Farmland birds
Birds of prey

Being on the westernmost part of Europe, Inch also attracts its fair share of rare and unusual birds throughout the year – always worth keeping your eyes open.

The reserve is part of the larger Lough Swilly wetland system, which includes Blanket Nook and Big Isle to the southwest.

The Walk Route

Starting from the Pump House Car Park, the route takes you:

Pump House to Tready Hide – Along the old railway embankment with views across Grianan Farm
Tready Hide to Farland – Continue along the embankment, crossing onto Inch Island
Farland Car Park and Hide – Stop for birdwatching
McGrath's – The old crossing point to the island
Bank End Boardwalk – Through wet woodland
Fowler's – Named after a family who settled here when the embankments were built
Tooban Hide – Final hide before returning to start
Return to Pump House – Complete the loop

Picnic benches are located at various points around the trail.

The Views

One of the highlights of the Inch Island walk is the view south towards Grianán of Áileach, the ancient stone ringfort perched on a hilltop. This Iron Age structure, rebuilt in the 1870s, was the royal seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and offers a dramatic backdrop to your walk.

To the east, Scalp Mountain rises behind the reserve. Across Lough Swilly, you can see the Inishowen hills stretching north towards Malin Head.

Practical Information

Facilities

Parking: Free at all three car parks
Toilets: Portaloo near Pump House car park
Seating: Picnic benches throughout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible viewing platform at Pump House

Dogs

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leads, especially during bird breeding season (April–July) and when livestock are present.

Cycling and Running

The path can be used for walking, running, and cycling. The flat, surfaced trail makes it suitable for all abilities.

Weather Considerations

Some sections can be slippery when wet – wear appropriate footwear
The reserve is exposed to coastal weather – bring waterproofs
Wind can be strong along the embankments

What to Bring

Binoculars (essential for birdwatching)
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water and snacks

Getting to Inch Island

By Car

From Derry/Londonderry: 25 minutes via N13 and R238
From Letterkenny: 30 minutes via N13
From Buncrana: 20 minutes via R238

Directions to Pump House Car Park: Turn left off the N13 at Burt Church (signposted). Continue straight at the next bend for 600m to reach the car park.

Public Transport

There is currently no public transport to Inch Island.

Future: North West Greenway

The walk will eventually be connected to Buncrana, Newtowncunningham, and Derry via the North West Greenway, currently under development. This will make car-free access possible in the future.

Part of the Wild Atlantic Way

Inch Island is on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's spectacular coastal touring route. The reserve makes an excellent stop when exploring this stretch of the Donegal coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Inch Island walk suitable for beginners?

Yes. The 8km loop is flat, well-surfaced, and suitable for walkers of all abilities. It's graded as "easy" with negligible height gain.

Can I do a shorter walk?

Yes. You don't have to complete the full 8km loop. Walking from Pump House to Tready Hide and back is about 3km.

Is the walk wheelchair accessible?

The viewing platform at Pump House car park is wheelchair accessible. Much of the trail is flat and surfaced, though some sections may be challenging for wheelchairs, especially in wet conditions.

Are there toilets on the walk?

A portaloo is located near the Pump House car park. There are no other toilet facilities on the route.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times.

What's the best time of year to visit?

For birdwatching, October to March is peak season when thousands of wintering swans and geese are present. For walking in good weather, April to October offers longer days and usually drier conditions.

Is the causeway to Inch Island affected by tides?

No. The modern causeway is a permanent raised road accessible at all times. Unlike some tidal causeways, there's no risk of being cut off.

Do I need to pay?

No. The reserve is free to visit and open 365 days a year.

Contact Information

Inch Wildfowl Reserve Grianan Farm, Speenogue, Burt, County Donegal

Phone: +353 1 888 3200
Email: [email protected]
Website: inchwildfowlreserve.ie

The reserve is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage).

More Information

Inch Wildfowl Reserve Official Website – Maps, guided tour info, and more
Go Visit Donegal – Inch Wildfowl Reserve – Tourism information
BirdWatch Ireland – Bird identification and conservation

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