E-bike tour Donegal's hidden valleys from Carrick

Glacial valleys drop steeply enough that the e-bike does the work on the way down.

A self-guided e-bike tour from Carrick that cycles through two of Donegal's glacial valleys, stopping at Maghera Beach and Assarancagh Waterfall before reaching the heritage weaving town of Ardara and returning via Glengesh Valley. The tour runs 4 to 7 hours depending on pace. You ride a high-quality e-bike with printed maps, directions and a guide booklet. Minimum age is 13, and you'll need to be a competent cyclist familiar with Irish road rules.

The experience

You've got an afternoon free in Donegal and want to see the landscape without a car. This self-guided e-bike tour leaves from Carrick and takes you through terrain most visitors miss: two remote glacial valleys carved deep into the county. The e-bike handles the climbs, so the ride focuses on the route itself rather than the effort of getting there.

The day moves through Granny Valley first, then drops to Maghera Beach (a stretch of white sand backed by cliffs), and Assarancagh Waterfall before you follow Loughros Beg Bay into Ardara. The town sits in a valley and has held onto its weaving tradition. You can stop and walk around if the pace suits you. The return route climbs through Glengesh Valley, where the road winds between steep sides. You navigate using printed maps and a guide booklet. There's no guide riding with you, so timing and stops are yours to set.

The ride demands moderate fitness and real cycling skill. You need to be comfortable on a bike and know the rules of Irish roads. The e-bike is high-quality and takes the strain out of climbs, but the terrain is rural and hilly. Public transport runs near Carrick if you need an alternative way back.

What’s included

• High-quality e-bike.
• printed maps, written directions and guide booklet.
• access to the full route through Granny Valley, Maghera Beach, Assarancagh Waterfall, Ardara and Glengesh Valley.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ireland By Bike

Is this one for you?Because this is self-guided with no commentary, you'll need to read the maps and navigate independently: ideal if you prefer to move at your own pace and set your own stops, but not suited to travelers who want a guide explaining the landscape as you ride.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How fit do I need to be for this e-bike tour?

You'll need at least moderate physical fitness and must be a competent, confident cyclist. The e-bike assists on climbs, but the route covers hilly terrain and runs 4 to 7 hours depending on your pace and stops.

What's included with the e-bike rental?

The high-quality e-bike comes with printed maps, written directions and a guide booklet so you can navigate the route at your own speed without a guide.

Can I stop and explore Ardara on the way?

Yes, Ardara is built into the route and you set your own pace, so you can spend as long as you want in the town exploring its weaving heritage and walking around before continuing.

What makes Maghera Beach and Assarancagh Waterfall worth the ride?

Maghera Beach is a pristine white sandy beach backed by high cliffs, and Assarancagh Waterfall sits at the base of the valley. Both are remote enough that most visitors don't reach them without a bike or car.

Do I need to book a guide, or is this truly self-guided?

This is self-guided. You navigate using the printed maps and guide booklet provided, so you choose when to start, where to stop and how long to spend at each site.