Glenties is isolated and the surrounding area is rugged, wild and beautiful, best explored by car or, for the fitter visitor, by bicycle. Bicycle hire is available in nearby Ardara (http://www.goireland.com/...).
Hillwalking
The GAP Trail follows the route of a former bogcutter's railway, 2kms outside Glenties, and is a nice short excursion.
The Bluestack Way is a more challenging route, coming over the Bluestack Mountains from Donegal Town and Lough Eske before coming through Glenties and following the River Owenea to Ardara.
Slà na Finne is a nearby loop route around Fintown Lake and Ballinamore, passing into the Bluestack Mountains and The Croaghs.
Another local scenic route is a walk by backroads from Doochary, on the Gweebarra Estuary to Fintown (http://www.donegaldirect....).
The Ardara Walking Festival takes place in March every year in nearby Ardara.
Information, advice and maps for all walks mentioned above and others can be obtained from Donegal Tourist Information