The Caves of Maghera and Maghera Beach are somewhat of a hidden gem that are easily visited as part of a looped drive from Glencolumbkille or Ardara.
However, a warning is needed right from the get-go – while this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Donegal, there is a dangerous rip tide at play, so please avoid the water!
Home to the Caves of Maghera, pristine white sand and some wonderful, craggy cliffs that loom over the water, there’s a lot to like about this place.
Some need-to-knows before you visit the Caves of Maghera and Maghera Beach
Although a visit to Maghera Strand is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
You’ll find Maghera Caves and Beach on the northern side of the Slieve League Peninsula. They are a 15-minute drive from Ardara (hence why some refer to it as Ardara Beach) and a 30-minute drive from Glencolmcille.
2. Parking
There’s a private car park (here on Maps) that costs €4 to park in (you’ll need cash). If you don’t fancy paying this, you could always park at nearby Assaranca Waterfall and walk over (15 minutes to the entrance).
3. Getting to the beach
The walk from the car park to beach is 400m and takes 10-15 minutes depending on pace. As you stroll, you’ll be treated to mighty views and your breath will catch when the beach itself comes into sight.
4. The caves (warning)
The Caves of Maghera attract people from far and wide, but they come with a warning – they’re only accessible when the tide is out. These are the last place you want to be when the tide starts to come back in, so GREAT CARE is needed. Only enter if you can read tide times.
5. No swimming
Although the water here looks inviting, especially on warm days, it isn’t safe to swim at Maghera Beach due to dangerous rip tide. Please, please pay heed to this warning.
About Maghera Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
Maghera Beach is arguably one of the most impressive of the many magnificent beaches in Ireland.
When you first step out onto the sand here, you get the sense that you’re discovering a place that many haven’t.
Of course, this isn’t the case, but Maghera Beach has a glorious under-explored feel to it.
The beach runs for almost 5km when the tide is out and you’ll often find yourself the only visitor there, apart, that is, from the sand martins in the cliffs and the Burnet Moths in the sand dunes.
Perfect white sand, deep blue water and the dunes for shelter if the wind is strong, entice tourists from all over the world to visit this hidden gem.
The road to the beach is narrow, and you’ll need to be patient, but the views are worth it.
About Maghera Caves
Photo licensed from Lukassek
If you’re arriving at the beach specifically to see the Maghera Caves you must be there for low tide. This is extremely important to note as the tide can come in quickly and flood the caves.
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to enter the Caves of Maghera without checking the tide times in advance.
With more than 20 caves, 8 arches, and 5 tunnels there’s a lot to see here. According to legend, locals sheltered in the caves from Cromwell but, in fact, he never ventured this far north.
It’s more likely that they sheltered from Vikings who did land in Donegal. The Maghera Caves can be dark, so a tourch comes in handy if you want to explore!
Places to visit near Maghera Beach and Caves
One of the beauties of Ardara Beach 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 Maghera Strand.
1. Assaranca Waterfall (2-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Spectacular after rainfall, Assaranca Waterfall is within walking distance of Maghera Beach.
There’s parking in front of the waterfall and it tends to be nice and quiet here.
2. Glengesh Pass (20-minute drive)
On your way from Sliabh Liag to Maghera Beach discover the jaw-dropping views at Glengesh Pass from the lookout/picnic area at the top. Then follow the bendy road through the valley.
3. Slieve League (35-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
A key discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Slieve League Cliffs are another beaut of a natural attraction nearby.
On a clear day, there are few places better to soak up some coastal views.
4. Lots more attractions (35-minute + drive)
There’s plenty more to see and do near the Caves of Maghera. You have Portnoo Beach a 30-minute drive away, Donegal’s secret waterfall a 35-minute drive away and Malin Beg Beach a 40-minute drive away.
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.