Best beaches in County Donegal
Below are a list of the top 12 beaches in County Donegal as selected by the users of the Beach Guide website.
The current most popular beach in County Donegal is Ballymastocker Bay. If you would like to have your say on which are the best beaches in County Donegal just follow the link to the beach and vote by clicking the star ratings at the top right of the page.
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1. Ballymastocker Bay
Located on the western shores of the deep inlet of Lough Swilly is the spectacular expanse of Ballymastocker Bay. As well as being a winner of the Blue Flag award Ballymastocker was also once voted "second most beautiful beach in the world" by the Observer Magazine.
Also known as Portsalon or Trá Bhaile Mhic an Stocaire,…
2. Narin / Portnoo Beach
This expansive beach is one of the most beautiful on Ireland's Atlantic coast. Stretching over a mile, this golden-white sand beach is backed by low dunes. Beyond these are a couple of caravan sites which have very little impact on the beach and provide a range of facilities.
As a Blue Flag beach you are assured…
3. Fintra Bay
The wide, rural beach of Fintra Bay is set amongst stunning scenery a short drive from the fishing port of Killybegs on County Donegal’s south-west coast. The sandy beach is backed by dunes and grassy hills and provides a vast open space perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In…
4. Rossnowlagh Beach
Rossnowlagh in South West Donegal has a wide, sandy, Blue Flag beach which stretches about 4km (2.5 miles) in length. The beach faces west and has spectacular views over Donegal Bay towards the sea cliffs at Slieve League and out into the Atlantic Ocean. The funnel shape of Donegal Bay can generate some incredible swell,…
5. Marble Hill Beach
Marble Hill is a vast beach located in Sheephaven Bay on the north coast of County Donegal. Positioned well within the bay and in the middle of two headlands, Marble Hill sits in a very sheltered location, making the water relatively calm and suitable for swimming. The beach is located in a rural area, rich…
6. Carrickfinn Beach
Carrickfinn beach is situated in the beautiful Gweedore Bay right behind the little Donegal Airport. Besides this the beach has the feeling of being a long way from anywhere.
Carrickfinn is a long stretch of white sand beach backed by extensive sand dunes. All around the bay are the characteristic machair grass plains which are home…
7. Culdaff Bay
Culdaff Bay lies on the Inishowen peninsula, at the northern tip of County Donegal. The beautiful sandy beach is composed of two distinct areas, the "small beach" and the "big beach", which are separated by rocky headlands of Black Rock. Bucker's Rock and Lady's Rock. The beach, which was awarded Blue Flag status in 2016,…
8. Downings Beach
Downings beach is located in front of the village of Downings (Na Dnaibh) on Donegal's Rosguill Peninsula. Facing into the sheltered waters of Sheephaven Bay this is a relatively safe spot for swimming and other water-sports. As a Blue Flag beach Downings has all the amenities you'd expect for a family day at the beach.…
9. Lisfannon Beach
Lisfannon is a sandy beach located on the bay of Lough Swilly, near the village of Fahan. It forms part of a Natural Heritage Area, which is an important wetland home for many species of water birds. The beach has Blue Flag status and is popular with bathers. It is located well within the lough,…
10. Murvagh Beach
Murvagh is a clean, sandy beach, about four and a half kilometres long, on the west coast of County Donegal. The beach, which has been awarded Blue Flag status, is backed by sand dunes, which are designated as a Special Area of Conservation and then by Murvagh Forest. This makes it an excellent destination for…
11. Bundoran Beach
The seaside resort town of Bundoran sits in a stunning location, overlooking Donegal Bay, at the most southerly point of Donegal. This area of the coast is popular with experienced surfers and the mighty Atlantic swell experienced here attracts surfers from around the world at all times of year. Bundoran boasts two beaches. Main Beach…
12. Stroove Beach
Stroove is quite a small beach, only about 100 meters long, facing north-east overlooked by a lighthouse built in 1837. The beach lies at the end of a horseshoe-shaped bay along the hilly Inishowen Peninsula. Stroove beach, which is sheltered from the prevailing Atlantic winds, is a popular spot for swimming, and is lifeguard protected…
