Few beaches boast a setting like Kinnagoe Bay in Donegal.
While it’s one of my favourite beaches in Donegal, it’s easily up there with the best beaches in Ireland.
Tucked away among steep, craggy hills, this small stretch of beach offers a mini slice of paradise.
Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Kinnagoe Bay
If you’re thinking about visiting Kinnagoe Bay while exploring County Donegal, there are several things you need to know before you go.
1. Location
You’ll find the beach on the eastern side of the Inishowen Peninsula a 10-minute drive from Greencastle and a 40-minute drive from Buncrana.
2. Parking
The Kinnagoe Bay parking area is at the bottom of a very steep, winding road, so extreme care should be taken both on the way down and back up again (it’s here on Google Maps)! The parking area gets packed during the summer, so try and arrive early.
3. For capable swimmers ONLY
Although I can’t find any official info online, Kinnagoe Bay is a popular swim spot. HOWEVER, this is one for capable and experienced swimmers only – there’s a BIG DROP not far from the shore that can catch you unaware. Note that there’s also no lifeguards on duty so be aware of these water safety tips.
4. Camping
Camping is allowed at Kinnagoe Bay, and since it’s pretty sheltered you can enjoy a pretty peaceful night. Be sure to respect the area and take all your rubbish with you!
About Kinnagoe Bay
Photos via Shutterstock
What Kinnagoe Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty!
The golden yellow sands and sparkling blue ocean are stunning on a sunny day, though the bay never fails to impress, even on the moodiest days.
The unique setting
It’s only once you navigate the very narrow road down to Kinnagoe Bay, and it first comes into view, that you truly appreciate the setting here.
The picture-perfect golden sands stretch along the coastline, embraced by lush, green cliffs that tower majestically around the bay.
No matter how many times I visit this place, it always feels like I’m discovering a hidden piece of Ireland for the first time.
The shipwreck
One of the main attractions of Kinnagoe Bay is the shipwrecked La Trinidad Valencera. Discovered by members of the Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971, the ship itself dates back to more than 400 years ago.
In fact, La Trinidad Valencera was among the 130 ships that made up the Spanish Armada. After defeat in the English Channel, the remaining fleet eventually ended up on the west coast of Ireland.
La Trinidad Valencera ran aground after striking a reef in Kinnagoe Bay, where her wreckage lay undiscovered for hundreds of years.
Since her discovery, an entire battery of cannons has been recovered, among many other treasures.
A view from above
Some of the best views of Kinnagoe Bay are from above, and you’ll find a tiny pull-in area at the top of the track that leads down to the parking area (here on Google Maps).
There’s only space for one car so take care not to block the road and use caution as plenty of cars use this road.
Places to visit nearby
One of the beauties of Kinnagoe Bay is that it’s a stone’s throw from many of the best things to do in Donegal.
Now, you can do the likes of the Inishowen 100 drive (or cycle!) and see all of these attractions together, or you can tick them off one by one.
1. Malin Head (35-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Visit the most northerly point of mainland Ireland and be awestruck by the immense views.
Witness the wide open Atlantic Ocean come crashing into the craggy cliffs of Malin Head.
2. Doagh Famine Village (30-minute drive)
Photos via Doagh Famine Village on FB
Doagh Famine Village is a museum like no other.
Various hands-on exhibits tell the bitter-sweet story of how a community living on the edge struggled and survived against all odds from the 1800s to the present day.
3. Mamore Gap (40-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Breathtaking, panoramic views await those who tackle the Gap of Mamore, a steep, narrow pass through the Urris Hills.
4. Glenevin Waterfall (35-minute drive)
Photo left and bottom right: Gareth Wray. Top right: Shutterstock
Lose yourself in the magical beauty of the stunning Glenevin Waterfall.
Follow the wooded, riverside trail to the crashing waters and immerse yourself in one of Ireland’s many wonders.
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.