Murvagh Beach In Donegal: Parking, Swimming + 2024 Info

Murvagh Beach is one the more popular beaches near Donegal Town.

And, while like most beaches in Donegal, it gets busy during the warmer months, it tends to be nice and quiet throughout the year.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from parking and swimming to where to visit a stone’s throw away. Dive on in!

Some quick need-to-knows about Murvagh Beach

Although a visit to Murvagh Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Murvagh Beach is located on the south west coast of County Donegal. It’s a 15-minute drive from Ballyshannon and Donegal Town and a 20-minute drive from Bundoran.

2. Parking

There’s only one road up to Murvagh Beach and – thankfully! – there’s a big old car park right at the end (here on Google Maps). A sandy path on the western side of the car park will then take you straight to the beach. 

3. Swimming

Murvagh Beach is a popular spot for a swim and there’s lifeguards will be on hand during the summer months at weekends in June and for all of July and August from 12:00pm – 6:30pm (Note: times and dates may change).

4. A handy beach for Donegal Town

If you’re looking for beaches near Donegal Town, Murvagh Beach is a great option at just 15 minutes away. Rossnowlagh Beach (20-minute drive) is another solid option.

5. Blue Flag

County Donegal is blessed with 12 beaches of Blue Flag standard (high levels of cleanliness and high water quality), and Murvagh Beach is one of those that makes the list! Basically, it’s a nice clean environment here. But remember that everyone wants to keep it that way, so don’t forget to pick up any litter you’ve left and tidy up behind you.

6. Water safety (please read)

Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

About Murvagh Beach

While much of County Donegal’s coastline gets battered by the wild winds of the Atlantic Ocean, Murvagh Beach is an alluring spot for bathing as its sheltered location means that the strong currents have died down by the time they reach. 

This also adds to the quietness of the two-kilometre long beach, and it’s that serenity that keeps people coming back for more. 

Behind Murvagh Beach are sand dunes, designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and beyond them lies the lovely Murvagh Forest, which features some great walking trails if you fancy a change of scene.

Things to do at Murvagh Beach

There’s a handful of things to do in and around Murvagh Beach in Donegal if you fancy making a morning or afternoon out of your visit. Here are some ideas:

1. Head for a ramble along the sand

So, all in all, Murvagh Beach offers the twin charms of tranquility and amazing views – what’s not to like?!

And in such circumstances, it’s only right to treat yourself to a saunter along the soft sands of Murvagh Beach and take in the beautiful views. 

From the beach, you’ll be able to enjoy fine vistas across the water of the mighty Sliabh Liag and also of Crownarad’s rocky summit. 

If you’re lucky and it’s a bright day then definitely try to stick around until sunset, when the sea and mountains take on an awesome orange glow (need I say that it’s great for photos too!).

2. Kick-back with a meal with a view at the Salmon Inn

How about a bit of seafood by the sea? Goes together nicely doesn’t it! Just a short hop across the narrow neck of the peninsula lies the aptly-named Salmon Inn, where you’ll be served up some of Donegal’s freshest seafood alongside some stunning views of the coastal landscape. 

Grab one of the benches outside, order a pint and take in the gorgeous Donegal panoramas. If there are two of you, then it could be a good idea to share their superb Mullinasole Seafood Platter for just €19.95. Or – since you’re at the Salmon Inn – order the Grilled Marinated Salmon!

Places to visit near Murvagh Beach

One of the beauties of Murvagh 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 Murvagh Beach!

1. Donegal Town (15-minute drive)

Situated on the River Eske and only a short drive from Murvagh Beach, Donegal Town is a great little tourist town with plenty going on if it isn’t a beach day. 

From exploring Donegal Castle to checking out live music at local institutions like the Reel Inn, there’s loads going on in Donegal Town. 

2. Rossnowlagh Beach (20-minute drive)

Located around 8 kilometres south of Donegal Town, Rossnowlagh Beach is a famous spot for surfing. In fact, if you’re really committed to the cause there’s a local surf school offering tuition and equipment rental! Otherwise, go for a ramble or kick back and enjoy the views.

3. Bundoran (20-minute drive)

Another spot that’s big for surfing is Bundoran. A 20-minute drive south of Murvagh Beach, it’s a small but lively town with loads going on outdoors and indoors. Whether you’re in the mood for water sports or enjoying a bit of live music with a few pints, Bundoran’s a great bit of craic. 

4. The Secret Waterfall (40-minute drive)

Ok, so as seductive as the Secret Waterfall sounds, don’t make the effort to visit this spot if you can’t read tide times. You *must* visit this place at low tide, or else it becomes very dangerous.

FAQs about visiting Murvagh Beach in Donegal

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘When’s high tide?’ to ‘Is the golf course any use?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.