Exploring the area
Beaches
Magheraroarty Beach
(30 mins)
(Also known as Bunbeg beach) This is the final resting place of famous shipwreck, Bád Eddie. It is a beautiful and remote beach in County Donegal known for its stunning scenery. A popular spot for surfers, beachcombers, and those seeking tranquility.
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Head east on the local road toward R251.
Turn left onto R251.
Continue on R251 for approximately 11 miles (18 km).
Turn right onto R259 (signs for Magheraroarty).
Follow R259 for around 3.5 miles (5.5 km).
At Magheraroarty Pier, you'll find access to the beach and parking facilities.
Falcarragh Beach
(20 mins)
Named after Falcarragh town which is just 3 km away, the beach here also goes by the names of Drumnatinny Beach and Black Strand. The last name is a little contradictory as the sand here is pretty close to white.
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* Head east on the local road toward R251.
* Turn left onto R251.
* Continue on R251 for approximately 5 miles (8 km).
* At the junction, turn left onto the N56.
* Stay on the N56 for about 9 miles (14.5 km).
* Then, turn right onto the R257 (signs for Falcarragh).
* Follow the R257 for around 3 miles (5 km).
* You'll find signs leading to Falcarragh Beach and nearby parking areas.
Killahoey Beach
(40 mins)
Situated near Dunfanaghy, this is a stunning Blue Flag beach known for its golden sands, clear waters, and picturesque setting against the backdrop of Muckish Mountain.
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* Head east on the local road toward R251.
* Turn left onto R251.
* Continue on R251 for about 11 miles (18 km) until you reach the N56.
* Turn right onto the N56 and continue for approximately 7 miles (11 km).
* In Dunfanaghy, follow the signs to Killahoey Beach. The beach is easily accessible from the town and is well signposted.
Parking is available near the beach, and it's a short walk from the car park to the beautiful sands of Killahoey.
facilities.
Tramore Strand Beach
(45 mins)
All over Ireland you will find beaches called “Tramore”! It is Irish and it means literally “Big Beach”, and this is no exception, as it stretches for 2 miles.
Please note that because of very dangerous currents and rip tides, swimming from Tramore beach is NOT recommended.
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* Start by heading northeast on the local road toward R251.
* Turn left onto R251 and continue for approximately 11 miles (18 km) until you reach the N56.
* Turn right onto the N56 and continue for about 8 miles (13 km) toward the village of Downings.
* After reaching Downings, you'll see signposts for Tramore Strand Beach. Follow these signs, usually indicating a left turn or directions to the beach.facilities.
Carrickfinn Beach
(45 mins)
A stunning sandy beach, Carrickfinn has received blue flag status for its cleanliness and the quality of its water.
The beach is backed by some extensive sand dunes and machair grasslands, both of which attract stunning wild flowers during the warmer months of the year along with unique plants.
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* Begin by heading southwest on the local road toward R251.
* Turn left onto R251 and continue for approximately 10 miles (16 km) until you reach the N56.
* Turn right onto the N56 and continue for about 10 miles (16 km) toward the town of Annagry.
* Follow the signs for Carrickfinn Beach or Donegal Airport. The beach is situated close to the airport.
Portsalon Beach
(1 hour)
A very extensive sandy beach located on the western side of Lough Swilly between Rathmullan and Fanad Head and has fabulous views towards the Inishowen Peninsula.
This is a truly spectacular Blue Flag beach located on the Fanad Peninsula in north county Donegal. It was once voted the second most beautiful in the World by readers of the Observer Magazine
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* Begin by heading northeast on the local road toward R251.
* Turn left onto R251 and continue for approximately 15 miles (24 km) until you reach the N56.
* Turn right onto the N56 and continue for about 8 miles (13 km) toward Kerrykeel.
* In Kerrykeel, take the R246 road and continue for approximately 5 miles (8 km) until you reach Portsalon.
Dooey Beach
(1 hour)
Dooey Beach - a hidden gem located in West Donegal - is a long, sandy beach that stretches for over three kilometres along the coast. The water at Dooey Beach is crystal clear, and the waves are perfect for surfing, making it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. Dooey Beach has been awarded many times as Green Coast Award, which recognizes beaches that are clean, well-managed, and have excellent water quality.
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* Start by heading northwest on the local road toward the R251.
* Turn left onto R251 and continue for approximately 10 miles (16 km) until you reach the N56.
* Turn right onto the N56 and continue for around 4 miles (6.5 km) toward Dungloe.
* In Dungloe, take the R261 road and follow it for approximately 8 miles (13 km) toward Lettermacaward.
* Once in Lettermacaward, follow the signs for Dooey Beach.
Ballymastocker Bay
(1 hour)
Ballymastocker Bay, located near Portsalon in County Donegal, is known for its stunning scenery and pristine sands. It is often voted as one of the most beautiful beaches globally, it's known for its sweeping crescent-shaped shoreline.
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* Begin by heading northeast on the local road toward the R251.
* Turn left onto the R251 and continue for approximately 5 miles (8 km).
* Then, turn right onto the R246 and follow it for about 8 miles (13 km) toward Kerrykeel.
* In Kerrykeel, turn left onto the R268 and continue for approximately 7 miles (11 km) toward Portsalon.
* Follow the signs for Ballymastocker Bay.
Ballyhiernan Bay
(50 mins)
Ballyhiernan Beach is a long sandy beach, backed by sand dunes. The beach is popular with surfers and great for beach walks. This entire sandy beach is over 2.5km long.
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Head north-west towards R251
Drive along L1003 and R245 for
47 min
Turn left
Lucky Shell Beach
(35 mins)
Binnagorm Beach, also known as the Lucky Shell beach or Monks beach, is a small quiet beach located in the heart of Ards Forest Park, Donegal.
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From Seoidin, take the R257 road towards Creeslough. Continue onto the R248, and then follow the signs for Ards Forest Park. The park is located near the town of Creeslough in County Donegal.
