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Donegal's Slieve League cliffs see record tourist numbers

The spectacular cliffs of Slieve League in County Donegal.
The spectacular cliffs of Slieve League in County Donegal. The spectacular cliffs of Slieve League in County Donegal.

THE spectacular cliffs of Slieve League in south west Donegal have proved one of the big tourism success stories of 2016.

In a county famed for its rugged beauty, Slieve League drew record numbers of visitors over the last year as one of the highlights of the new 'Wild Atlantic Way' path along Ireland’s west coast.

Standing at almost 2,000ft, Slieve League dwarfs the more famous Cliffs of Moher (390ft) and is among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Considered one of Donegal’s hidden jewels, the cliffs have received a much higher marketing profile over the last year as part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

New figures show that more than 187,000 people visited the cliffs over the last year.

The record numbers are expected to increase further in 2017 with the opening of a new visitor centre.

Killybegs councillor Niamh Kennedy said the development of tourism at Slieve League was a major boost for the areas of Kilcar, Carrick and Ardara.

“It’s a great natural asset to the area and everybody’s very pleased,” she said.

Ms Kennedy said the opening of the visitor centre would further enhance the area as well as the development of “One Man’s Path” along the top of the cliffs.

“It’s not for the faint hearted and there’s fantastic, spectacular scenery there as well,” Ms Kennedy said.