Burnfoot: Rainforest, Wildlife and Outdoor Karting

Burnfoot combines an unusual woodland theme with active experiences: Wild Ireland is set in an ancient Celtic rainforest, and Halfway Karting is an outdoor karting track in the village. There is also a hiking route in the hills of Scalp Mountain and the landscape of the Slablands. If you are looking for a holiday rental, consider whether you want to focus mainly on Burnfoot’s own nature and leisure activities or on a broader programme in County Donegal.

Rainforest, Hills and the Slablands

Wild Ireland’s description names wolves, bears, lynxes and wild boar in the ancient forest. The animal populations may change over time. A fairy trail through the rainforest is also part of the offering; check the latest information before visiting. Alongside seeing the animals, the forest trail offers an experience in its own right.

A historic hiking festival programme described the route in the hills of Scalp Mountain as offering panoramic views across the peninsula. One ecological feature of the route is its hidden vegetation, which, because of the area’s geology, supports wildlife as well as rare flora and fauna; this ecological description dates from 2022. The views and ecological features give the hike different points of interest.

A 6 km hike to Scalp Mountain was scheduled in Burnfoot for Friday, 16 September 2022, with a duration of 4 to 5 hours. This time span applies to that specific historic event date and indicates that it was a multi-hour activity. It is not a general walking-time estimate for the route.

The drive along the road from Burt to Burnfoot also passes through an area locally known as the Slablands. This unusually flat land was reclaimed from Lough Swilly in the late 19th century. The landscape along this road thus combines a distinctive landform with its history. Inch Wildfowl Reserve is another nearby destination to consider from Burnfoot.

Active Experiences in Burnfoot

Halfway Karting is an outdoor karting track in Burnfoot and offers a racing experience. As operator information can change, it is best to check the latest details before your visit. Together with the fairy trail and Wild Ireland, it creates a contrast between the woodland and nature theme and an activity on the karting track, without suggesting that they have the same pace or focus.

When planning your days, you can choose between a rainforest excursion, a multi-hour hike and the racing experience of karting. Inch Wildfowl Reserve is another nearby destination. If you plan the hike, keep in mind that the 2022 information is a dated event notice.

More Things to Explore in County Donegal

County Donegal also offers historic and scenic destinations, each with its own focus. Donegal Castle in County Donegal was the personal fortress of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Guided tours tell its story, from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. Illustrated treasure hunts are available for children. Check the availability of tours before your trip.

The scenic destinations of County Donegal also differ in character. Glenveagh National Park and Castle combines mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and native oak forests with a castle featuring original interiors. Visitors may see red deer and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. This offers a different nature focus from the rainforest at Wild Ireland.

Fanad Lighthouse is in County Donegal, between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The guided tour lasts 45 minutes; a virtual reality experience, “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha,” is also offered there. Check availability and tour details before your trip. At Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, a circular walk follows the coast to Banba’s Crown. A lighthouse tour with a stated duration and a coastal walk with a named destination thus offer two different kinds of outing.

When choosing a holiday rental in Burnfoot, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: Burnfoot itself, with Wild Ireland, Halfway Karting and its local landscapes, or several destinations across County Donegal. If your plans include other places in the county, take their respective locations into account when choosing your base.

Discover More Destinations

Lettermacaward, Glendowan, Carrowkeel, Raphoe, Moville, Kincasslagh, Donegal, Stranorlar

Return to the main travel overview: County Donegal.