I’d argue that the best beaches in Donegal are Malin Beg, Ballymastocker Bay and Marble Hill, but there’s some hefty competition for the top spots!
Home to some of the best beaches in Ireland, the Donegal coastline is dotted with glorious sandy spots that range greatly in size and accessibility.
From Carrickfinn and Kinnagoe Bay to some of the more hidden beaches in Donegal, you’ll find the top spots on the Donegal beaches map below.
The best beaches in Donegal
It’s worth taking 20 seconds to look over the map above, first, as it’ll give you a sense of where the best beaches in Donegal are located.
Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!
1. Silver Strand/Malin Beg
Silver Strand Beach (aka Malin Beg) is one of the many Donegal beaches that doesn’t receive half the credit that it deserves.
Accessed via 174 steps, this is a horseshoe-shaped beach that can be found just down the road from the little town of Glencolmcille.
Whether you kick-back with a picnic on the grass above and gaze down, or head for a stroll along the sandy shore, this beach is guaranteed to delight.
2. Ballymastocker Bay
Also known as Portsalon Beach, the incredible Ballymastocker Bay is an idyllic 2km stretch of pure white sand.
Once voted “second most beautiful beach in the world” by Observer magazine, this beach will delight you from the minute it creeps into view until the moment you leave.
Portsalon Beach received worldwide attention a few years back when some eagle-eyed Instagram users spotted that Taylor Swift posted a snap from its sand!
This is one of the best beaches in Donegal if you’re visiting with someone who has restricted mobility – you’ll get a great view from the parking area here.
3. Marble Hill
Close to the lively village of Dunfanaghy on Donegal’s north coast, Marble Hill is a sandy bay with two rocky landmarks at the east end.
The sand dunes are home to many wildflowers and nesting birds including the corncrake which has a grating call.
If you fancy a post-swim bite to eat, there’s plenty of great restaurants in Dunfanaghy to nip into (the nearby Shandon Hotel is a good option, too!).
4. Portnoo / Narin Beach
Backed by dunes, the golden sandy Portnoo Beach near the little village of Ardara stretches for over a mile in a scenic Natural Heritage Area (NHA).
This is one of the best beaches in Donegal for swimming during the summer, as there’s lifeguards on duty.
At low tide, you can walk across to Inishkeel Island (please be careful and check tide times in advance) with its historic church, holy wells and carved stone slabs.
5. Maghera Beach
Maghera Beach is arguably best known for its caves, many of which are accessible, but ONLY when the tide is out – only enter them if you can read tide times.
As was the case with some of the Donegal beaches mentioned above, swimming is not recommended here as the tides are strong.
You’ll have to pay to park nearby and it’s a short ramble then onto the sand.
When you finish up, everywhere from the Slieve League Cliffs to the secret waterfall are close by.
6. Kinnagoe Bay
The stunning Kinnagoe Bay is hands-down my favourite of the many Donegal Beaches.
One of the highlights on the Inishowen 100, this sandy beach is home to beauty and history galore.
The waters here are the resting place of La Trinidad Valencera, a shipwreck from the Spanish Armada in 1588 (look out for the plaque).
The wreck attracts many fish including pollack, bass, flounder and wrasse which can be caught by fishing from the rocks and beach. It’s also a popular for surfing.
7. Boyeeghter Bay
When you hear people chatting about secret beaches in Donegal, the chances are the conversation will have been sparked by Boyeeghter Bay.
This beach used to be a bit of a nightmare to reach, but in 2022 a new car park and trail launched. It now takes 20 minutes or so to reach (the walk is tough!).
A warning – you can’t swim here and you need to be very careful about the tide times as the water can rush in from both sides.
8. Carrickfinn Beach
Edging the runway at Donegal Airport, it’s Carrickfinn Beach that’s to thank for Donegal Airport being crowned the most scenic in the world.
Carrickfinn Beach has extensive white sands and turquoise waters that would not look out of place on a Caribbean island on a sunny day.
Backed by sand dunes covered with machair grass, this scenic area is home to many rare plant species which provide an unforgettable carpet of blooms in spring and summer.
9. Falcarragh Beach
Like many beaches in Donegal, Falcarragh Beach goes by several different names (Back Strand or Drumnatinny Beach).
It’s part of a special area of conservation and it’s a joy to saunter along throughout the year.
It was awarded Green Coast status in recognition of its ‘high environmental quality’.
Interestingly, the coastline takes on something of a turquoise colour and makes for a pretty spectacular scene.
10. Tra Na Rossan
Irish folk will know that “Tra” means “beach” and this one is well off the beaten track on the glorious and often-missed Rosguill Peninsula.
Surrounded by wild coastal scenery, Tra na Rossan Beach is a great spot for a stroll.
You might even spot seals bobbing just offshore.
If you fancy a walk with a view, aim for the hill at the far end of Tra Na Rossan (the hill just behind the hostel). The views from up near here are out of this world (just be careful).
11. Culdaff Beach
Culdaff Beach is another stunner that calls the Inishowen Peninsula home. Culdaff boasts two beaches, imaginatively named “Small Beach” and “Big Beach”.
The two are separated by the headlands of Black Rock and Lady’s Rock which fact out towards the Scottish Islands.
If you visit on a clear day, you’ll have views of Bunagee Pier, Inishtrahull Island, local headlands and the rolling coastal Donegal hills.
12. Downings Beach
The beach at Downings is regarded by many as one of the best beaches in Donegal and for good reason.
Located a stone’s throw from Downings village (where you’ll find some good spots for a feed) Downings Beach is popular with windsurfers and walkers alike.
With clean Blue Flag waters and lifeguard service during the summer, it has good facilities including a car park and toilets.
On a windy day, enjoy the view from the Harbour Bar nearby.
13. Murvagh Beach
Murvagh Beach is one of the many beaches in Donegal that rocks Blue Flag status for the quality of its water.
It’s a lovely spot for a ramble or a swim when conditions are good.
You’ll find lifeguards on duty here during the busy summer months (usually at weekends in June and then throughout July and August).
Also, at a 15-minute spin away, it’s one of the more popular beaches near Donegal Town.
14. Five Finger Strand
Bordered by dunes up to 30 metres high (some of the highest Miram grass dunes in Europe, as it happens), Five Fingers Strand is named after the 5 sea stacks just offshore.
Park near the whitewashed St Mary’s Church (one of the oldest Catholic churches in Ireland) and walk to the sandy beach.
Riptides make it extremely dangerous, so please keep your feet on dry land.
Fiver Finger Strand, like Portsalon Beach, is another of the best Donegal beaches for soaking up a view from afar – aim for this spot and you’ll be treated to the view above.
15. Rossnowlagh Beach
Situated around 8km south of the historic town of Donegal, Rossnowlagh Beach will (quite literally, at times…) take your breath away.
It’s a popular spot amongst local and visiting surfers (there’s surf schools in the area) and it’s a lovely spot for a ramble regardless of time of year.
If you fancy a pint with a view, head up to the Smugglers Creek Inn where you’ll be treated to a glorious vista while you sip away.
16. Buncrana Beach
So, there’s several beaches in Buncrana which gives you a bit of option during those busy summer months (Buncrana Beach, Lady’s Bay, Porthaw Beach and Stragill Bay Beach).
The ‘main’ Buncrana Beach is arguably the best and, if you visit, grab a coffee from Tank and Skinny’s and head for a ramble along the sand while admiring the views out across the waters of Lough Swilly.
The beach here makes a good starting point for the Inishowen 100, especially if you’re cycling it and need a caffeine kick.
Some very honourable mentions: Tramore, Tullagh Bay, Killahoey Beach near Horn Head, Pollan Bay (aka Ballyliffin Beach), Lisfannon Beach near Buncrana and Stroove Beach (at the beginning of the Inishowen Head Loop)
Explore beyond the Donegal Beaches
Now that you have a sense of which of the Donegal beaches to head to, it’s time to explore beyond the sand.
There are some great things to do in Donegal, including:
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Daisy Mules
Wednesday 4th of May 2022
Lisfannon beach is nowhere near Rathmullan! You need to correct that!!
Keith O'Hara
Thursday 5th of May 2022
Well spotted - not sure how that got past. Thanks Daisy!
CATHERINE BLACK
Wednesday 28th of July 2021
I have just spent a week in the downings and loved it. I have come across amazing beaches all around Donegal as I am from the North but my main question is, which is the safest to swim in? I was told around by the murder hole was dangerous but it was stunning. I don’t like beaches that have rip tides or that are dangerously deceptive with its beauty.