The Blue Flag Culdaff Beach on the northeast coast of Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula is one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s finest stretches of sand.
Extending between Bunnagee and Dunmore Head, Culdaff Beach is a long sandy expanse looking northeast towards the Scottish Islands.
It’s actually separated into what locals call the ‘big beach’ in the west and the ‘small beach’ in the east (where most of the activity is concentrated).
What to know about Culdaff Beach
As this is one of the more popular beaches in Donegal, a visit here is pretty straightforward, but there are some quick need-to-knows:
1. Location
Culdaff Beach is located close to the village of Culdaff (Cil Dabhcha), on the northeast coast of Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula. It’s a 20-minute drive from Greencastle, a 30-minute drive Buncrana and a 40-minute drive from Derry.
2. Parking and toilets
You’ll find a large car park (here on Google Maps) with portaloos at the eastern end. Just keep in mind that this beach is popular so the car park can fill up on fine days.
3. Swimming
Culdaff is a Blue Flag Beach that’s popular amongst swimmers. While there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months, understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips.
4. Part of the Inishowen 100
Taking in a host of stunning sights, scenery and attractions, the Inishowen 100 is a cracking scenic drive around the Inishowen Peninsula and Culdaff is one of the stops (here’s a guide with a Google Map of the route).
About Culdaff Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
There’s a handful of things to do around Culdaff Beach, depending on what you’re in the mood for:
The walk
If you walk from the car park to the end of the beach and back, that’s around 1.6km.
Take a saunter across the golden sands of Culdaff and enjoy spectacular views of Bunagee Pier, Inishtrahull Island, local headlands and the rolling coastal Donegal hills.
Surfing
Culdaff Surf School operates from area and it offers private and group lessons along with equipment hire for visiting surfers.
The sauna
The Sea View Sauna at Culdaff will be a welcome sight for those that have braved the chilly waters.
Places to visit nearby
One of the beauties of Culdaff is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Donegal.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Culdaff!
- Beaches Galore (from 15 minutes away): Five Finger Strand (15-minutes) Kinnagoe Bay (20-minutes), Pollan Strand (20-minutes), Tullagh Strand (25-minutes) and Buncrana Beach (30-minutes)
- Malin Head (25-minute drive): The start of the Wild Atlantic Way, and Ireland’s northernmost point
- Mamore Gap (30-minute drive): One of the most unique stretches of road in Ireland, it rises up to 800ft above sea level