Explore County Donegal Beaches and Coastline

County Donegal is the most northerly county in Ireland and shares most of it's border with Northern Ireland.

Two permanently inhabited islands, Arranmore and Tory Island, lie off the coast, along with a large number of islands with only transient inhabitants.

One notable point on the Atlantic coast is Slieve League, a mountain at 601 metres (1,972 ft), it is the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League's cliffs reach almost three times higher.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 20 beaches in Donegal. You can even take a look at our list of Donegal dog friendly beaches or even our Ireland Blue Flag beach list.

Donegal Coast Map

Donegal Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Beach

Tramore Strand Beach

Tramore Strand Beach is a within Sheephaven Bay that skirts the Rosapenna Golf Club and just next to the village and beach at Downings. Read more…
lifeboat

Lough Swilly lifeboat station

Lough Swilly lifeboat station was established in 1988 and operates three lifeboats, 2 inshore and one all weather. Station open by appointment only. Read more…
Beach

Lisfannon Beach

Lisfannon beach is a sandy beach and a Natural Heritage site with key wetlands for birds on the shores of Lough Swilly. Read more…
lifeboat

Bundoran lifeboat station

Bundoran lifeboat station was established in 1972 and operates an inshore lifeboat. Station open by appointment only, although training can be seen most Sunday mornings. Read more…
lifeboat

Arranmore lifeboat station

Arranmore lifeboat station was established in 1883 when they build a boathouse and slipway. Arranmore now has an all weather lifeboat. The station is open daily and crew training is normally on a Sunday. Read more…
History and heritage

Fort Dunree

Fort Dunree is a coastal defence located on the west side of the Inishowen peninsula. Originally built as a Royal Navy position during the Napoleonic Wars, the fort is located on a rocky promontory accessed over a natural fissure. It was remodelled in 1895 and the top of a hill overlooking the site was walled in to form a redoubt. Read more…
Beach

Tullan Strand Beach

Tullan Strand beach, a sandy beach facing Donegal Bay. Popular with surfers – left hand reef break. Read more…
Beach

Murvagh Beach

Murvagh beach, a special area of conservation with its sandy beach and dunes, a sheltered and peaceful beach, Read more…
Silver Sands Malin Beg 768x546

Silver Strand Beach

Silver Strand Beach at Malin Beg is a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach. The beach provides a sheltered location protected by the cliffs but this does mean you have a long walk down many steps so beware don’t leave anything in the car. All the facilities are at the top of the cliffs and include car parking. Read more…
Inishowen-Head

Inishowen Head

Inishowen Head is on the north-east of the Inishowen Peninsula, surrounded by water, its northern shore is on the Atlantic Ocean with Lough Swilly forming its western boundary and Lough Foyle to the east. This is a remote location with some great views and ideal walking. Read more…
Beach

Carrickfinn Beach

Carrickfinn beach is a large sandy beach backed by sand dunes. The beach is located within Gweedore Bay which is a Natural Heritage Area. Read more…
History and heritage

Grianan Ailigh

The Grianan of Aileach is a hill fort on Greenan Mountain at Inishowen in County Donegal. The main structure is a stone fort, thought to have been built in the 6th or 7th century although there is evidence that the site had been in use before the fort was built. The wall is about 4.5 metres (15 ft) thick and Read more…
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