Inishowen Peninsula Mamore Gap Track

This centuries-old track follows ancient droving and smuggling routes across the Inishowen Peninsula’s spine, where cattle rustlers and poitín runners once evaded Crown forces. The route climbs from Buncrana through increasingly technical terrain to the 1,500-foot Mamore Gap, Ireland’s most dramatic mountain pass. Stone cairns mark the original track as it threads between peat hags and granite outcrops, with the ruins of Grianán of Aileach ringfort visible on clear days across Lough Swilly.

This is technical ground demanding experienced drivers and proper equipment—deep ruts, loose rock, and sudden bog holes catch the unprepared. Modified 4WD with good ground clearance, recovery points, and mud tires essential. Summer offers the most stable conditions, but even then expect challenging sections after rain. No formal permits but check with local farmers about access through private lands. The reward is standing at Ireland’s edge with views to Scotland’s Hebrides, plus access to some of Europe’s finest wild camping spots along the Atlantic clifftops.