Narin / Portnoo Beach is an absolute beaut and it’s arguably one of the best beaches in Donegal.
Though Portnoo Beach is situated on County Donegal’s wild Atlantic coast, its sheltered location inside Dunmore Head gives it a handy break from the wind.
That’s made Portnoo a popular spot, though the soft sands and beautiful surroundings help too!
Some quick need-to-knows about Portnoo Beach
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Although a visit to Narin Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Portnoo Beach looks out towards Gweebarra Bay on Donegal’s west coast with the ancient Inishkeel Island just 250 metres from the mainland. It’s a 10-minute drive from Ardara, a 30-minute drive from Killybegs and a 40-minute drive from Donegal Town.
2. Parking
A popular spot (especially in the summer), there’s plenty of parking at Portnoo (here on Google Maps). You’ll find a large car park in the small nearby village of Narin (An Fhearthainn). The car park also has toilets and disabled access to the beach.
3. Swimming
Portnoo is a Blue Flag beach and swimming is possible, though obviously give it a miss if the weather conditions are bad. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August every day between 12pm and 6:30pm, while a first Aid kit is also available at the Beach Lifeguard Hut during these hours..
4. Blue Flag
Donegal boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Ireland and Narin Beach is one of them! To claim Blue Flag status, the beach must achieve the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.
5. Coffee
The brilliantly named Pirates of the Coffeebean are located towards the western end of the main car park (look out for the hut with the grey slanting roof). Inside you’ll find all the usual coffee and tea options, as well as hot chocolates generously topped with marshmallows.
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 Portnoo / Narin Beach
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Approximately 2km long, Portnoo Beach is a sheltered cove beach backed by an extensive sand dune system with a well-defined primary dune ridge.
I mentioned earlier that Inishkeel Island is only 250 metres from the mainland, and is actually reachable by foot at low tide!
The tide allows you around an hour to visit the island, before walking back again (DO NOT cross however, if you’re unsure about tide times).
If you do visit, check out the island’s 6th-century Christian church ruins, holy wells and exquisitely decorated stone slabs.
And if you’re a golfer, there’s even better news as the nearby Narin and Portnoo links course is one of Ireland’s most picturesque courses.
Over in Narin village, you’ll find shops, bars and restaurants within walking distance and three well-maintained caravan sites nearby.
Places to visit nearby
One of the beauties of Narin 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 Portnoo.
1. Doon Fort (5-minute drive)
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Bizarre and beautiful, Doon Fort is an Iron Age fort on an island in the centre of Loughadoon. It’s one of those places that could only have been built in this part of the world!
Though because of its odd location, you’ll need to rent out a little boat from nearby to reach it. Ask locally if you’re unsure.
2. Glengesh Pass (25-minute drive)
Glengesh Pass is a meandering road that snakes its way between the small towns of Glencolmcille and Ardara, and in doing so provides one of Donegal’s most iconic views!
Head to the small viewing point on the Ardara side – there’s room for 6 or 7 cars, so get out and take in the views of the pass with the green hills rising either side.
3. Assaranca Waterfall (30-minute drive)
Looking like it should be in Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings, Assaranca Waterfall is a magical spot that’s really easy to find too! Just a half-hour drive south from Portnoo Beach, you can pretty much park up right next to it (making it ideal for travellers with low mobility).
4. Caves of Maghera (30-minute drive)
Another fascinating natural sight close-by the waterfall are the Caves of Maghera at Maghera Beach. With more than 20 caves, 8 arches, and 5 tunnels, there’s plenty to explore however DO NOT attempt to enter the Maghera Caves without checking the tide times in advance.