by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
Carrickfinn August 2013 Carrickfinn is another of Donegal's impressive Blue Flag beaches with a wide expanse of sand sheltered by peninsulas on either side. We arrived on a dull,cloudy day and certainly didn't see it at its best. Despite this we had a grand swim in calm clear water with a few waves thrown in to keep the surfers happy. There was a gradual wade in and nice soft sand underfoot. It seems like a good spot for kids to splash and play. Access to the beach from the small car park is along a sandy path which is ok for buggies but, once again, very difficult for wheelchairs. The car park has a couple of portaloos. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Take heed of that warning sign about soft sand conditions near the stream. View Larger Map Directions: From Dungloe take the N56 toward Dunfanaghy. At the small village of Loughanure take the left turn signpo sted for Annagary. In Annagary take the R259 and after a few kilometres you take a right turn signposted for the Airport. After a short distance on this road you will see the beach signpost Ordnance Survey Map No. 1. [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
Town Beach, Bundoran April 2010 Bundoran is one of our best known seaside resorts. For some people it means honky tonk and for others it means plenty of life, amusements and the craic. The town beach is a short stroll from the town centre . The beach is sheltered with rocks at either end. This is a good place for kids as the sand is soft and there are also pools to fish in. There are seats behind the beach and a good cliff walk which will lead you out to the more spectacular Tullan Strand. The water here is clear and much less likely to be choppy. There is a good amount of car-parking but its pay and display. Do not be fooled by the photos here which were taken off season. This can be a very busy spot in the summer. So if you want plenty of action and a quick trip across to the amusements nearby then this is the place for you. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Blue Flag beach. The beach appears to be buggy and wheelchair accessible. Directions View Larger Map From Sligo follow the N 15 signposted Donegal / Bundoran. Follow the signpost which bring you into the town and the beach is located just behind the main street. Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 16 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
Portsalon Harbour August 2017 Portsalon beach and harbour are a perfect combination. While the beach is wide and sometimes wild, the harbour is sheltered and small. It’s a perfect place for young children to splash, swim and play. The beach itself is small, protected on one side by the harbour pier and by rocks on the other. There are also various nooks for shelter. Older children, supervised of course, can do their jumps from the pier while smaller ones can splash in the shallow waters. There is a gradual wade in and the water is clear and inviting. Decent swimmers can swim across to the harbour steps while others can just enjoy the soft clear sea and look across at the magnificent Portsalon beach. To add to the harbour’s attractions, right behind it are a pub, shop and restaurant, with the shop hiring out various pleasure craft. Porstalon Harbour is an ideal place to spend a day. We had lovely sunshine when we visited, but bring your wetsuit just in case. Directions; From Letterkenny take the R245 to Ramelton and onto Milford. From Milford take the R246 to Porstalon . At the Portsalon crossroads take the right turn to the harbour and follow the road to the carpark. The carpark is small and must get crowded on sunny days. There is a ramp which allows wheelchair access. OSI Map No. 2 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
Glencolumbkille August 2013 Glencolumbkille has the feel of being the last stop before New York and it's a lovely place to visit. Well known for the pioneering work of Father James McDwyer it also has a very nice beach to complement its other visitor attractions. Do, however, take heed of the warning signs at the entrance to the beach and keep clear of those rocks. When we were there the tide was low and there was a gradual, if bumpy, wade in to soft but darkish water. This is one of the few Donegal beaches we have visited where the water isn't clear - must be something to do with the geology of the area. That's a minor quibble as we had a lovely swim in the calm water. There are rocks at either end for shelter and dunes at the rear. Access from the decent sized car park is via a path with lots of steps. You will be carrying your buggy and its definitely not for wheel chairs. View Larger Map Directions : From Donegal town take the N56 to Killybegs. Drive through the town and take the R 263 signposted for Kilcar and Glencolumbkille. Stay on this road and when you get to Glencolumbkille drive through it and keep going straight until you see the thatched cottage folk park with the car park on the right. OSI Map No. 10 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
West End Bathing Pool, Bundoran April 20010 If you don't fancy Bundoran's beaches then the West End Pool is a very good alternative. This is a large sea water pool, situated below an attractive coastal path. The pool has good depth and plenty of room. There are steps down from one side. Don't be put off by the photos, humans can swim in this pool too! There is also plenty of space to sit and look out across the clear blue sea (when it isn't raining that is). Access is down steps and then across the flat, large rocks. Not wheelchair or buggy accessible. Directions View Larger Map From Sligo you come on the N5 toward Donegal / Bundoran and then take the R267 sign-posted Bundoran. As you drive into the town watch out for a sign post on your left for West End Bathing Pool. Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 16 [...]