Ultimate guide to the best beaches in Donegal

The Wild Atlantic Way Ireland has no limits when it comes to fabulous beaches. Some of the best Irish beaches can be found in Donegal. From Blue Flag swimming and surfing beaches at Tullan Strand to wild surfing and yes scuba diving. Donegal’s gorgeous beaches are a sight to behold. The wild rawness of the crashing Atlantic surf on rocky shores often hides beautiful stretches of golden sand that rival anything in the Caribbean or other shores.

County Donegal is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and its beaches are among the most breathtaking in the country. With dramatic cliffs, sweeping sands, and crystal-clear waters, Donegal’s coastline offers a stunning backdrop for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax, a family-friendly destination for a day of fun, or an exhilarating location for water sports, Donegal has it all.

From the sprawling sands of Bundoran, known for its excellent surfing conditions, to the tranquil shores of Portsalon, where the scenery is absolutely captivating each beach in Donegal has its own charm. The region boasts a unique blend of rugged landscapes and vibrant local culture, making it a perfect escape for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Not to mention, the pristine beaches are often less crowded than those in more tourist-heavy areas, allowing visitors to truly connect with the unspoiled beauty of nature.

The lack of tourist bustle, sunbeds and bars give you a feeling of being alone in the world and the raw natural beauty binds your heart to this stunning shore. These are my favourite Irish beaches, but there are many more for you to explore when you tour the WAW.

Planning your first dream trip to Ireland you need to read this, everything you need to know 

You can discover why National Geographic proclaimed the Wild Atlantic Way’s Donegal region to be the coolest place to visit in 2017. If you want a beautiful romantic experience book a stay at a Castle hotel the Solis Lough Eske is one of the best in the area.

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FAQs on the best beaches in County Donegal

What are the best beaches in Donegal?

County Donegal is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and variety of beaches. Some of the best beaches in Donegal include Portsalon Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters; Culdaff Beach, which is perfect for families; and Marble Hill, famous for its breathtaking views and excellent surf conditions. Other notable mentions are Carrickfinn Beach, Malin, and Rossnowlagh, which all offer unique experiences for beachgoers.

Are there any Blue Flag beaches in Donegal?

Yes, the Donegal Coastline boasts several Blue Flag beaches, which are recognized for their high standards of water quality, safety, and environmental management. Notable Donegal beaches that hold the Blue Flag status include Portsalon Beach and Marble Hill. These beaches provide excellent facilities and are ideal for both relaxation and recreational activities.

What activities can I do on Donegal beaches?

There’s plenty to do when you’re visiting the beaches in Donegal that offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks along the stunning coastline. For those seeking adventure, surfers often flock to Rossnowlagh and Malin Beg for their excellent surf conditions. Additionally, many hidden beaches feature scenic walking trails, making them perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Is it safe to swim at the beaches in Donegal?

Swimming is generally safe at the beaches in Donegal that have lifeguard services and Blue Flag status. Always pay attention to local safety signs and flag warnings. Be mindful of your swimming abilities and the conditions of the sea, especially at more remote beaches like Murder Hole, which can have strong currents.

Which beach is best for families in Donegal?

Culdaff Beach is often said to be one of the best family-friendly beaches in Donegal. With its shallow waters, soft white sand, and plenty of space for kids to play, it provides a safe and enjoyable environment for families. Additionally, the beach has facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas, making it a comfortable choice for a family day out.

What is the most beautiful beach in Donegal?

Choosing the most beautiful beach in Donegal is no easy task, as the county is home to some of Ireland’s most stunning coastlines. However, Silver Strand Beach (An Trá Bhán) in Malin Beg is a real hidden gem of a beach and often takes the crown for one of the most beautiful beaches in Donegal. Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped bay and surrounded by dramatic cliffs, this secluded beach is a true hidden gem. The pristine golden sands, turquoise waters, and breathtaking views make it a favorite for both locals and visitors. 

Donegal surf spots

In the southern part of Donegal County, you will find Donegal Bay, this is where surfing in Ireland was born and the main surf area in the County. The best time to surf Donegal Bay is from November to April. The best surf spots in Donegal County are Rossnowlagh, Bundoran, Culdaff, Magheroaty, Gweebarra, Bloody Foreland, North Malin, Pollan Bay, Rosapenna, and Loughros Beg.

Donegal’s Best Beaches

Tra Na Rossan Beach – Rosguill Peninsula

Tra Na Rossan Beach is located on the Rosguill Peninsula, near the village of Downings. It’s a 10-minute drive from Downings. There’s an adequate parking area at the end of the nearest road leading up to the beach, but it can fill up quickly during the summer months. There is plenty of camping in the area from glamping to campgrounds you can find it all here.

Five Fingers Strand – Inishowen Peninsula

Five Fingers Strand, on the Inishowen Peninsula is a breathtaking beach known for its vast expanse of golden sands and towering dunes, some of the highest in Europe. This beach is ideal for scenic walks, photography, and soaking in the dramatic coastal views, especially as it overlooks the turbulent waters of the North Atlantic.

Due to strong currents, swimming is not recommended, but it’s a favorite spot for those seeking peace and natural beauty. The area is steeped in history, with the ruins of Carrickabraghey Castle nearby. Bordered by dunes up to 30 metres high (some of the highest Miram grass dunes in Europe, as it happens), Five Fingers Strand is named after the 5 sea stacks just offshore.

Silver Strand – Malin Beg

The Silver Strand (An Tra Bhan in Irish) is a horse shoe shaped beach situated at Malin Beg, near Glencolmcille, and the Slieve League Cliffs in south west of the County.

Tramore Beach

Located near Rosbeg in southwest Donegal, Tramore Beach is a secluded gem surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dunes. Accessible by a scenic walking trail, this unspoiled beach is ideal for hiking, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking solitude. Due to strong currents, it’s not recommended for swimming, but it’s perfect for beachcombing, picnicking, and taking in the rugged beauty of Donegal’s coastline.

Murvagh Beach

Situated just outside Donegal Town, Murvagh Beach is a long, sandy beach backed by dunes and forests. It’s a favorite spot for families due to its shallow waters, which are great for paddling and swimming. The beach is also popular with walkers and birdwatchers, as the nearby sand dunes provide a habitat for various species of wildlife. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind.

Kinnagoe Bay

Nestled in the Inishowen Peninsula, Kinnagoe Bay is a breathtaking, crescent-shaped beach surrounded by steep cliffs. This beach is perfect for quiet getaways, photography, and exploring the natural beauty of Donegal. The bay is historically significant, as it was near here that the Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera sank in 1588. The calm waters make it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, though it’s primarily known for its serene, untouched atmosphere.

Portnoo Beach (Narin-Portnoo)

Located near the village of Portnoo in west Donegal, this beach is a pristine stretch of golden sand with shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and family outings. It’s also popular for beach walks, as the nearby views of Inishkeel Island add to its charm. The beach is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, offering excellent conditions for paddleboarding and sunbathing during warmer months Narin Beach

It’s also a fantastic spot for beach walks and enjoying views of Inishkeel Island. The Blue Flag status ensures a clean and safe environment, making it one of Donegal’s most beloved beaches for locals and visitors alike.

Dunfanaghy Beach

Situated near the village of Dunfanaghy in north Donegal, this beach is a long, sandy expanse surrounded by rolling dunes. It’s popular for a variety of activities, including swimming, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The nearby Horn Head cliffs provide a stunning backdrop, and the beach’s proximity to Dunfanaghy village makes it a convenient spot for families and those looking for a mix of natural beauty and local amenities.

Inishkeel Beach (Inishkeel Island)

Accessible during low tide, Inishkeel Beach connects the mainland to the small, uninhabited Inishkeel Island near Portnoo. This unique beach offers visitors the chance to explore the island, which is home to ancient church ruins and stunning views. The shallow waters make it ideal for wading and paddling, while the tranquil surroundings provide a peaceful escape. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Downings Beach

Situated on the Rosguill Peninsula in north Donegal, Downings Beach is a hub for water sports, including swimming, kayaking, and sailing. Its sheltered bay offers calm waters, making it perfect for families and beginners trying out water activities. The nearby village of Downings provides a lively atmosphere, with traditional pubs and restaurants to enjoy after a day at the beach.

Boyeeghter Bay (Murder Hole Beach)

Tucked away near Melmore Head in north Donegal, Boyeeghter Bay is famously known as Murder Hole Beach. Despite its ominous name, this hidden beach is a stunning and remote location, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Strong currents make swimming unsafe, but the beach is ideal for photography, picnicking, and exploring the rugged beauty of Donegal. The secluded nature of the beach adds to its mysterious charm.

Malin Head Beach

Located at Ireland’s northernmost point on the Inishowen Peninsula, Malin Head is a wild and rugged coastal area with breathtaking beaches. Known for its dramatic landscapes and crashing waves, this area is ideal for experienced surfers and adventurers. Visitors can enjoy walks along the coast, taking in the natural beauty and historical sites, such as the WWII-era EIRE sign. The beach is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching and stargazing, thanks to its remote and pristine environment.

Carrickfinn Beach – Gweedore Bay

Near the charming village of Annagry, behind Donegal Airport don’t miss an opportunity to visit Carrickfinn Beach. The golden strand is bordered by sand dunes and machair grasslands, soak up the spectacular views of Gweedore Bay as you stroll along the shore. Visit during summer and you’ll be treated to stunning displays as the colourful wildflowers bloom.

Tullan Strand Bundoran

Tullan strand is one of the best beaches in Ireland for surfing; it is two miles long with gorgeous walks across the cliffs. The beach has an extensive network of sand dunes and is framed by the Sligo-Leitrim Mountains.  Don’t forget to check out the Fairy Bridges and the Wishing Chair they are sign posted from Roguey’s Walk and have been the subject to legends and stories dating back to the 1700s and probably further. This is also my favourite place for a good walk where the sea winds brush away all the cobwebs.

The bridges are sea stacks hundreds of years old, locals believed them to be haunted by the fairies with the result of the name “The Fairy Bridges”. The area is also home to a memorial to Canadian airmen who crashed here in 1944. The town of Bundoran has its own website where you can learn more about the area, surfing and its history.

Rossnowlagh Beach

In 1988 Rossnowlagh Surf Club opened the first purpose-built surf clubhouse and the country’s first surf shop and from there surfing in Ireland took off. The beach is surrounded by loads of static caravans or as we Canadians call them trailer parks. The beach itself can be driven on but many times we have seen the tide come in and cars are stranded and have to be towed out.

Stretching from the cliffs at Coolmore, to the rock outcrop at Carrickfad and is renowned as one of Ireland’s main surfing beaches. Rossnowlagh beach is immensely popular with families both locals and visitors. I wouldn’t hesitate to say this is the best beach in Donegal, perfect for families with small children and surfers looking for a great wave.

Rossnowlagh is around 3.5 km long and is home to many surfing competitions. It is another one of the many Irish beaches that have a Blue Flag designation the beach with its soft yellow sand is fantastic for swimming. Want to learn more about surfing the beaches of Ireland? Then check out Discover Ireland and  Magic Seaweed for details on all the best spots.

Magheroarty Beach

This is one of the best Irish beaches for surfing and it has been voted one of Ireland’s top 10 beaches. A glorious stretch of golden sand on the one side views of Inishbofin and Tory Islands and on the other Horn Head. You can also grab a ferry to the Islands from the pier here.

Culdaff Bay

The stunning Culdaff Beach is located on the Inishowen peninsula county Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. This is a long sandy beach that is only around 50 yards away from the village and there are two beaches the ‘small beach’ and the ‘big beach’, which get very busy during the summer months.  The coastal area of Culdaff is designated a Special Area for Conservation and there is a lifeguard here in the summer months.

Marble Hill Beach

Marble Hill is located on the north-northwest coast of Donegal, this is a long sandy beach set far from any villages or towns. The beach is situated in Sheephaven Bay, which has stunning views, and the dunes here are home to many species of birds and flowers.

Fintra Bay

Fintra is a sheltered sandy beach that does get a lot of tourists during the summer months and is also enjoyed by the local community.  Fintra beach is a beautiful sandy beach a couple of kilometres outside of Killybegs and near Donegal’s secret waterfall.  There is a pretty steep road down to the beach but the views from here are incredible. You can see as far as Sligo with the remarkable Benbulben Mountain from the top of the hill.

I love this beach its usually very quiet and often you can watch horses and riders up and down the beach and the tidal pools hold wonderful little creatures.

Maghera Beaches and Caves

Just outside Ardara are the Maghera Caves and the gorgeous waterfall Eas a’ Rance (Assaranca). The road is quite a long way in but keeps going and eventually, you will spot the waterfall. Around a kilometre from the falls is the Maghera Caves, which are underneath the Slievefooey Mountain. The caves are accessible from the beach at low tide but you have to be very careful of the tides, as they have trapped several people. There is a car park and the caves are a short 400-meter walk from the parking lot.

Old stories tell of a time when there was a massacre in these caves as local people hid from Cromwell’s troupes, but the truth is they never came this far North and it is more likely the story dates back to Viking times.

When we took our son to see the waterfall the first time there were people swimming in the pool below the falls and walking on the opposite side of the pool. Our son (being a typical boy) decided he was going to do the same and of course he fell in the water lol.

These are the top 46 must do and see in Donegal

Coral Beach St. John’s Point

Just outside of Dunkineely on the road to Killybegs you will spot a sign for St. John’s Point here you will find one of the best beaches in Donegal. The Point is around 7 miles long and is one of the longest peninsulas in Ireland. Driving down into the point you will see holiday homes and the crashing Atlantic on either side it is a dramatic drive and a great place to rent a cottage for holidays.

Towards the end of the Point, you will spot a small curve of a beach, which is called Coral Beach. The sand is very pink and the area is almost deserted, divers seem to like the area off the beach and there is usually a scuba boat parked in the small bay. St. John’s Point is also one of the great places in Donegal to shore dive you will be able to spot dolphins, seals, migrating fish, crab and more. Take along an underwater camera with you and enjoy the dive experience of a lifetime.

Further down from the beach, you will see a sign that points to private land, you can drive down this road and head out towards the end of the Point to see the St. John’s Lighthouse, which is open for tours in the summer months.

Muckross Head Irish Beaches

There are two beaches near here trá na nglór in Irish, or “beach of the noise” and the Trá Bán means “white beach”. trá na nglór has a wicked riptide coming in from both sides but it is very popular with surfers. White Beach is a very popular family beach and has parking and facilities for summer visitors. The Muckross Crag is a very popular climbing area and the headlands are home to some neolithic walls which appear to have been used for defences. Don’t forget when in this area you see a sign that says Trá it means beach in Gaelic.

Ballymastocker Bay

The Donegal beach at Ballymastocker on the Fanad peninsula was named as one of the most beautiful Irish beaches in the world.  It extends for miles from Knockalla Hill all the way to Portsalon and the views from Knockalla across the miles of sandy beach are truly stunning.

Want to check out more beautiful places to visit in Donegal? Take a look at the Wild Atlantic Way article for loads of fascinating information and visiting tips.  You can read lots more stories on Ireland here on my site and if this inspires you, please pin it for later.

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