Bloody Foreland
Type: Sea Cliffs ~ Walking and Hiking
(Local Name: Cnoc Fola) Bloody Foreland (Cnoc Fola) is a broad headland at the northwest corner of Ireland, between Ballyness Bay to the north and Gweedore to the south.
Bloody Foreland is so called because the sun, particularly at evening, lights up the rocks to a reddish hue. In the autumn ferns turns russet redish brown. The name has no background of history to warrant the title bloody. The views from here of Árainn Mór, Gabhla to Tory Island and Horn Head and the play of light on coast, on water and the wild beauty of the place is a handsome reward for visiting.
Legend states that Balor of the Evil Eye was eventually slain by his grandson Lugh Lámh Fhada on the slopes of Cnoc Fola. Some people believe that the blood which came from Balor's evil eye gave the hill its name.
Walking Route
Walk Details
Walk Details
A coastal walk against the back drop of one of Donegal's iconic landmarks - Bloody Foreland. The route is signposted as part of the Bealach na Gaeltachta - Sli an Earagail.
Distance: Approximately 13 kms
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Terrain: Quiet roads, bog road/rough track.
Grading: Moderate - although there is no climbing involved, the route underfoot can be rough in places and sections of the walk can feel remote, particularly in poor weather.
Getting There
The walk can start/end at either its northern end at Bunaninver (approx 2kms west of Falcarragh) or its southern end at Lough Aninver (approx 4.5 kms north of Derrybeg).
Parking is limited at both locations and visitors are asked to park sen-sitively and to ensure that parked vehicles do not obstruct access for local people or work activities.
