Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
Tuesday 18°CWednesday 15°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

sponsor banner
sponsor banner
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
FeaturesLifestyleNews

What it’s like to… trek the Wild Alpaca Way

written by Rachel McLaughlin November 1, 2019
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

If you’re a fan of the fluffy alpaca, then there’s a brand new experience you have to try in the hills of Donegal.

The Wild Alpaca Way on Malin Head is a fun new trek for young and old to spend time with lovable animals in the great outdoors.

Local man John McGonagle and his family have been sharing their passion for alpacas with visitors all summer through their tours on the Knockamany Bends.

But what makes this tour really special is the location. The trekking path offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Five Finger Strand and far beyond. You’ll be amazed by Donegal’s scenery from this point – if you can stop admiring the cute little alpacas that is!

Ollie the Alpaca on the Wild Alpaca Way, Malin Head, Donegal

John McGonagle and Bounce on the Wild Alpaca Way, Malin Head, Donegal

Mojo, Badger, Chestnut, Bounce and the beautiful little newcomer Ollie are the stars of the show. I had Ollie for my trek on Monday, and even though he was quite new to Donegal, he took everything in his stride.

Alpacas are great animals for children to be around, they are quiet, gentle and love company. John and his son Sean are full of knowledge about the group and we soon learned that each alpaca has his own personality, Badger is the leader, Bounce is the lively one and my wee Ollie was the shy one of the group. You can’t help but laugh at their habits and their humming.

The one-hour trek is very easy going and John makes sure everyone is comfortable with their alpaca. We took plenty of photo stops and treat stops for the animals. 

Wild Alpaca Way, Malin Head, Donegal

Myself and the lads enjoying a break stop on the Wild Alpaca Way, Malin Head, Donegal

The field trail is not mucky and they have a great new shelter on-site to stand in with the alpacas and to ask John and Sean plenty of questions about them.

This is a new venture for John, who switched from work as a plasterer to an alpaca trekker. Since starting the tours in June, he has welcomed visitors from all over the world who come to do something a little different on the Wild Atlantic Way. People from as far Canada, China, Singapore, New Zealand, Tasmania and closer to home have already enjoyed the Wild Alpaca Way this summer.

The famous Donegal welcome awaits everyone on the hills. 

“We have a way of treating every customer like they’re the first,” John said.

Wild Alpaca Way, Malin Head, Donegal

And John will be open all year round, as well as hosting hen party mornings, team building days and bringing the alpacas out and about. If you are looking for some very special wedding guests, then this Malin crew would be delighted to get a day out!

Check out wildalpacaway.com for details on these alpaca treks. To book, call John on 087 666 5106

 

What it’s like to… trek the Wild Alpaca Way was last modified: November 1st, 2019 by Rachel McLaughlin
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
InishowenJohn McGonagleMalin HeadThings to dotourismwild alpaca wayWild Atlantic Way
Rachel McLaughlin

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Nora’s Rose Garden to again raise funds...

10 hours ago

Two cars seized from uninsured drivers in...

10 hours ago

Specsavers Donegal highlights simple steps to protect...

12 hours ago

Donegal confirmed to play Louth next Sunday...

13 hours ago

Car in Derry hit-and-run fled over Donegal...

13 hours ago

Busy week for Killybegs as first of...

14 hours ago

Donegal Senator calls on ETB to provide...

14 hours ago

Some parts of Mayo as far from...

16 hours ago

Dangerous driving or anti-social behaviour will not...

17 hours ago

National: Pre-excavation work to begin today at...

17 hours ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

Donegal County Council

Facebook
Donegal County Council
Advertisement
Advertisement
Donegal Daily Jobs

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Sales & Services
  • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Council News

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Our Sites

Donegal Woman
Donegal Woman
Donegal Daily

© 2025 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
Website by owenod


Back To Top.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy