When I was younger, I would always look forward to summer since it meant one sure thing: a full day of swimming on the beach! Now that I have kids of my own, I realize that I don’t need to wait every summer to enjoy some time at the beach.
Good thing that Donegal has several nearby beaches, my kids are looking forward to visiting one every month. Well, that’s the reason why we’re sunburnt all year round!
So if you want a quick beach escape, here’s your sign to do it soon! Continue reading this blog to discover the best beaches Donegal offers.
1. Ballymastocker Bay
Media credit: @conorcorbett
Website: https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/sight/ballymastocker-bay/
Address: R268, Magherawardan, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: 00353 749159108
If you want to be surrounded by rolling hills and cliffs while you’re enjoying your time at the beach then you should head to Ballymastocker Bay.
This beach has been recognized as the winner of the Blue Flag award, promising you a well-managed beach with excellent water quality.
This beach is quite peaceful so this is a great spot if you want to feel like you have the entire beach to yourself. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking as the beach waters are calm here.
If you’re more adventurous, you can hike up the Knockalla Coast Road and appreciate the view of the entire bay there.
After your day trip to this beach, you can consider visiting nearby attractions such as Fanad Head Lighthouse and Portsalon Golf Club.
Pro tip: If you want to see an old military barracks, consider heading to Dunree Head, a 3.7 kilometer away from Ballymastocker Bay.
2. Portnoo Beach
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Website: https://www.donegaldayout.ie/portnoo-beach
Address: Unnamed Road, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: 00353 749159108
Portnoo Beach has been one of the family-friendly beaches in Donegal. Its golden sandy shore is perfect for long afternoon walks, while your kids enjoy building sand castles.
For surfers out there, you can enjoy the great surfing conditions at this beach. If you’re a newbie, you’ll love that several surfing schools can guide you and will lend you some equipment.
If you want a more safe visit to Portnoo Beach, consider visiting from June to August as lifeguards will be on duty during this time.
During low tide, you can also walk out to the island. Here, you can explore some decorated stone slabs and old Churches.
Pro tip: Portnoo Beach has first aid kits available at the Beach Lifeguard Hut area. Make sure to secure what you need before 6:30 in the evening as the area will be closed by then.
3. Fintra Bay
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/donegal/fintra-beach
Address: Fintragh, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: 353 749 153900
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a beach with long golden shores and rock formations then Fintra Bay is the one for you.
This beach is also one of the go-to beach spots for families, especially during summer when they can play various beach games such as kite flying, frisbee, beach tennis, and volleyball.
You can pack your picnic basket and enjoy some afternoon snacks with the entire family. Restrooms are also available in the area, providing you with comfort during your stay.
You can also check out the lagoon area, where you can swim with a great view of the grassy hills and high cliffs. You can even see that the hills behind are filled with farmhouses and sheep, giving you a rural vibe.
For first-time surfers, you’ll love that you can get quick lessons and equipment rental from the local operators at Fintra Bay.
Meanwhile, you’re allowed to bring your furry pals with you. Just ensure they’re always on a leash while you’re on the grounds.
For those who are into fishing, this beach is just a 4-minute drive away from the fishing port at Killybegs.
Pro tip: For those who are into fishing and boating, Fintra Bay is just a 4-minute drive away from the fishing port at Killybegs.
4. Rossnowlagh Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/donegal/fintra-beach
Address: 11, Rossnowlagh, The Dunes, Co. Donegal, F94 X7X3
Contact Details: 353 749153900
Rossnowlagh Beach has been a go-to beach for local residents who want a quick escape. They also became a popular destination for tourists, so be ready for a larger crowd when you’re here during peak season!
This beach is also a great spot for surfing—it’s actually one of Ireland’s top surfing destinations! But if you’re new to the sport, don’t worry as the beach has various surfing schools around that offer daily surfing lessons and equipment rental.
Additionally, it’s also a spot for those who love kiteboarding and windsurfing. Sailors also love visiting this beach.
Meanwhile, if you’re bringing your kids, you may consider visiting the beach from June until September as lifeguards are present from noon until 6:30 in the evening.
Pro tip: If you see yellow flags at Rossnowlagh Beach, it’s your sign the lifeguards are on duty and it’s safe for you and family to swim. Otherwise, red flags are placed around the beach, indicating high hazard.
Moreover, if you’re a tourist, just save 999 in your contacts so you can have it handy during an emergency.
5. Marble Hill Beach
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Website: https://dunfanaghy.info/marble-hill
Address: Co. Donegal
Contact Details: 353 749 153900
Marble Hill Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag status which tells us that the beach is clean and has several facilities for visitors of all ages.
Once you’re here, you’ll be surrounded by sand dunes, making it a perfect spot for those who love birdwatching. If you love flora and fauna, you’ll appreciate the various wildflowers that you’ll see on this beach.
You’ll love that the waters here are calm, making it a perfect spot for swimming, especially if you have kids in tow. You can even teach them how to swim here!
If you crave some activity, you can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking in the area. Some visitors also love windsurfing at Marble Hill Beach.
Pro tip: More experienced swimmers love swimming at Marble Hill Beach during high tide. Since the waters are still calm, the management still allows swimming during this time.
6. Carrickfinn Beach
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Website: https://donegalbeaches.com/beaches/carrickfinn-beach/
Address: Braade, Carrickfinn, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: 353 749 153900
If you’re near Donegal Airport and need a quick escape, then you may consider dropping by Carrickfinn Beach. When you’re here, you’ll see planes flying over the beach frequently which adds to the whole vibe in the area.
This beach is known for its white sand and turquoise waters. And since this beach is awarded with a Blue Flag, you’ll see lots of people who enjoy swimming in the calm waters.
This beach also has long shores, making it a perfect spot for those who love walking along the beach. Additionally, you’ll have a great view of the Errigal Mountain and Gweedore Bay, making your walk a lot more interesting.
Pro tips: Since Carrickfinn Beach is facing west, consider watching the sunset here to catch the amazing views! The water at Carrickfinn Beach is still quite chilly even during summer, so make sure to bring wetsuits for swimming to make your adventure more bearable.
7. Culdaff Bay
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Website: https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/republic-of-ireland/county-donegal/culdaff.htm
Address: 2 Shore Rd, Culdaff, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: 353 749 153900
Culdaff Bay has two areas that you can explore—the “small beach” and the “big beach”, both separated by rocky headlands called the Black Rock.
This beach has been a go-to place for swimming and various watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
You can also visit the nearby Bunagee pier if you love to reel some fish!
Meanwhile, if you love walking, you may consider walking to Culdaff village. It was the site of an 8th-century monastery.
Here, you’ll get to have a more scenic walk along two stone bridges and greenery around.
Additionally, if you’re a fan of Star Wars, you can visit its filming location at Malin Head, making another exciting side trip during your visit.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for an exciting activity to welcome the new year, Culdaff Bay organizes swimming activities every January 1st.
8. Lisfannon Beach
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Website: https://www.govisitinishowen.com/directory/lisfannon/
Address: Lough Swilly, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: +353 (0)74 91 22787
Lisfannon Beach is located along the bay of Lough Swilly. This beach is actually part of a natural heritage area, making it home to several water birds.
Since this beach is found within the lough, it’s protected from very strong sea currents. Nonetheless, lifeguards are still in the area to ensure you’re safe and sound while you’re enjoying your water activities here.
What’s great about this beach is that you can also enjoy land-based activities such as football, go-karting, and even kite-flying!
You can also maximize the long and flat sandy shores and enjoy long walks in the morning or late afternoon.
If you would love to swing some clubs, you and your friends can visit the North West Golf Club (golf course donegal) which is found on the southern part of the beach.
Pro tip: You may consider visiting the beach during the Spring and Summer seasons so you can spot some wildflowers in the area.
9. Downings Beach
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Website: https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/republic-of-ireland/county-donegal/downings.htm
Address: Irska, Co. Donegal
Located along Sheephaven Bay, Downings Beach has been a popular spot for families who want to swim in calm waters and enjoy building golden castle sands.
Compared to the other beaches, you’ll love that you won’t have a hard time getting to this beach. Since it’s well-developed, you can easily access the beach via car.
The beach is also accessible for those in wheelchairs, and families with little kids on strollers!
If you want to do some easy water activities, you can enjoy windsurfing and paddleboarding. Don’t worry as there are several rentals around the beach if you don’t have your own equipment.
Additionally, there are also plenty of modern changing rooms and restrooms in the area, making your stay more comfortable.
If you want to explore the area, the beach is near the Atlantic Drive, which will give you a great view of the bays, and cliffs, including the Atlantic Ocean.
Pro tip: Consider going to Carrigart Riding Stables if you want to experience horseback riding by the seaside.
10. Murvagh Beach.
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/donegal/murvagh-beach
Address: Murvagh Lower, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: +353 (0)74 91 22787
Another beach that has been awarded with Blue Flag status is Murvagh Beach. This 4.5-kilometer-long beach has been a great spot for families who would love to spend an afternoon of swimming and walking.
This beach is protected from the strong sea currents too so it’s a great spot if you want to teach your kids how to swim.
If you love playing golf, you and your friends can visit Donegal Golf Club, located on the northern part of the beach.
Additionally, you’ll see amazing views in the area any time of the year as Murvagh Beach is part of the Murvagh Natural Reserve, which ensures the protection of its natural beauty.
If you’re bringing your own car, you can conveniently secure a parking slot the at car park behind the beach. You can also shower and change your clothes at the restrooms.
Pro tip: Murvagh Beach has great sandy shores that are perfect for land-based activities such as kite flying. Consider bringing a kite to enjoy the wide-open beach.