Many say that Donegal has the finest Beaches in Ireland, and it has an exceptional number of them as well! Although Ballyshannon itself does not have direct access to sea and beach, there are some of the finest you could find really nearby!
Tullan Strand, seen from the cliff walk at Bundoran. And yes: it often is that lonely. Photo from march 2024
The closest is Tullan Strand which actually stretches between Ballyshannon and Bundoran, but can only be reached from the Bundoran side. It is roughly 6 km away. Just a couple of hundred meters towards the town center you’ll find Bundoran Beach. Kids love it for the fossils in the rocks, for the starfish in the pools – and for the fairground right at the beach.
To the north the first long beach would be Rossnowlagh, very popular with families and Surfers. It is an unusually long, straight beach that draws visitors all year around. Especially in the evening hours locals love a long stroll along the shoreline that looks straight out to the west: on good days you’ll get a lovely sunset over the cliffs of Slieve League that you’ll see on the horizon across Donegal Bay.
Bundoran Beach in late winter: the place is popular with surfers, but great for kids as well. The rocks are full of fossils, and with low tide you’ll find lots of rock-pools full of shrimp, starfish, crabs and sea anemones.
Another gem worth mentioning is Murvagh Beach, aprx. 5 km above Rossnowlagh on the way to Donegal town. It is the most sheltered Beach in the area: endless stretches of sand, hardly any surf – ideal for families with very young kids and for dog owners looking for a really long walk with their pets.
Check out the website Donegal Beaches for more infos!
