One of the few outdoor pools remaining and let’s hope this one lasts. Castlerea is a substantial, 33 metre long, pool which is well maintained and is a credit to (presumably) the local council.
The pool has shallow and deep ends and alongside it a small pool for toddlers. Maybe more importantly for young people, the pool is heated.
There are individual changing cubicles, secure lockers and toilets – all well looked after. When we were there 3 lifeguards were on duty
There are various opening hours (see photo below) and admission is 4.00 euro for adults and 3.00 for children. There are also season tickets. With plenty of room to sit alongside the pool, this is an ideal place for young people to hang out in a safe environment.
Directions: From Roscommon town take the N60 to Castlerea. When you come into the tow, turn right and at the top of the town you will see a left turn signposted for the pool.
Maghera is famous for its caves but it also has an impressive beach.
Before going any further a word of warning. There aren’t any official signs warning of currents , but we were told locally that a good distance out from the shore there are currents and sandholes that make swimming dangerous. So stay close to shore and well within your depth.
Having said that we had a lovely morning swim here on an almost deserted beach. There was a gradual wade in and it was sandy underfoot. The water here was clear and refreshing. The beach itself is quite open with plenty of room for play and you will find some shelter in the dunes and along the rocks at the car park end. If you want to see the caves come at low tide so you can access them properly. ( I’m afraid we missed out).
Directions: From Donegal town take the N56 to Ardaragh. About 2 kilometres before the town watch carefully for a left turn onto the L2843 for Maghera. Follow this road until you come to a car park. It is a few minutes walk to the beach , which if ok for buggies but not wheelchairs
A little bit off the beaten track but well worth the diversion. Magheraroarty is a wide and wild expanse of beach and , on the sunny day we were there, the water was a lovely turquoise colour. The beach, although open, is sheltered by the pier at one end where the ferry to Tory island departs. There was a gradual wade in, although it was quite bumpy and uneven underfoot. The water was clear and the view across to nearby Inishbofin island impressive. If you plan to stay bring your windbreak , although you will get shelter from the dunes at the back of the beach.
Magheraroarty has a large stony car park but, yet again, there is no wheelchair access.
Directions: From Letterkenny take the N56 to Gortahork. After you pass through the village watch for a right turn onto the R257 signposted for Maghaire Ui Robartaigh. Follow this road along the coast for about 6 kilometres until you come to a right turn signposted for the ferry and the beach.
Lough Allen is a lovely lake, wild and unspoilt, and Cormongan is a really good swimming spot.
With protection from a pier to one side, this is a nice , semi contained area, where you can get away from the lake’s choppier waters. We got in from the slipway where it is sandy underfoot. The water was fresh, slightly wavy, but all the better for that . As you swim out you will have a lovely view across this expansive lake.
As ever we didn’t venture far – lakes can be dodgy as you can’t see underneath the surface. Certainlyno jumping or diving from the pier. Beside the slipway there is a small stretch of sandy, shallow water which looks good for a splashabout.
We were on our own when we swam there and Cormongan has space for a handful of cars. There are no problems with access.
Directions: From Carrick on Shannon take the R280 to Drumshanbo. Then take the R207 signposted for Dowra. Travel on this road for a few kilometres and watch for a left turn signposted for the pier.
Killahoey is yet another of Donegal’s Blue Flag beaches. This one is high, wide and handsome, with lots of room for walking, playing and even horseriding.
On a dull August day we swam alone in lovely clear water. It was a bit choppy but still fine for a good swim. It was disappointing to see the beach deserted but a good swim nonetheless.
Killahoey is quite open and you are well advised to bring a windbreak if you plan to stay. There is a large car park with portable toilets. The barrier at the beach entrance blocks access for wheelchairs bur you will be able to lift a buggy over it. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Directions: From Letterkenny take the N56 and just before you come into Dunfanaghy watch for a sign post for the beach. ( Why they don’t highlight that this is a Blue Flag beach escapes us).
