Although there are plenty of great things to do in Bundoran, the town gets a bad rap from some who say that there’s nothing more to it than amusements.
The reality is that Bundoran is a mighty little town with walks, waves, cliffs, unique attractions and plenty of stuff for families.
Below, you’ll discover what to do in Bundoran at any time of the year, from the Fairy Bridges and the Roughey Cliff Walk to plenty more!
The best things to do in Bundoran
Take 20 seconds to throw your eyes over the map above as it’ll give you a sense of where the various Bundoran activities are located.
The second section of the guide looks at the various things to do around Bundoran, within a reasonable driving distance.
1. The Rougey Cliff Walk
Photos via Shutterstock
The best way to see the town’s main attractions are on the Rougey Cliff Walk.
Starting from the tourist centre, the trail stretches 4km and takes around 1 hour to finish.
Over the course of the walk, you’ll visit the Thrupenny pool, the Fairy Bridges and the Wishing Chair.
Oh, and you’ll get a mighty view of Tullan Strand, too. The highest point of the walk is at Aughrus Point where you can take in a lungful of fresh air as well as incredible views.
2. Surfing
Photo by John Carver via Fáilte Ireland’s Content Pool
Surfing is one of the most popular things to do in Bundoran. Mainly thanks to Bundoran being one of the best places to go surfing in Ireland!
Tullan Strand is one of the go-to beaches in Donegal for catching waves as it has been reliable in producing wicked waves over the years.
There are several surf schools operating in the area, like Bundoran Surf Co. and Murf’s Surf school, each of which offers private lessons as well as gear you can rent.
3. The Thrupenny outdoor pool
Photo courtesy Failte Ireland
Next up is one of the more unique things to do in Bundoran – a visit to the outdoor pools (you can take for granted it’ll be nice and cold!).
There are two main outdoor pools in Bundoran, the West End (Nun’s) Pool which you can get to from the West End Walk and also the Thrupenny Pool which is located below Waterworld.
The Thrupenny got its name because that used to be the price of admission (3 old pennies).
Fortunately, the pools are now free and are filled by fresh seawater from the Atlantic.
4. Tullan Strand
Photos via Shutterstock
Tullan Strand is a fine spot for a stroll (especially when paired with a coffee from Foam Cafe in the town!).
This beach spans 2km, extending from the northern tip of Bundoran all the way to where the Erne River meets the estuary at Ballyshannon.
One of the reasons that many, including myself, enjoy a stroll here is that the place is always abuzz with surfers attempting to tame the waves.
5. The Fairy Bridges
Photo by Gareth Wray via Fáilte Ireland
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Bundoran with hard to amuse kids, head for the Fairy Bridges on the Cliff Walk (just be careful near the edges!).
The enchanting Fairy Bridges were Bundoran’s first major tourist draw, dating back to the 1800s.
Nearby, you’ll find the Wishing Chair, a spot where many notable figures, such as surfer Kelly Slater and poet William Allingham, have paused to make a wish.
Legend has it that you must approach the chair cautiously or the chair’s powers will be disrupted.
“Wishers” are encouraged to sit down slowly while holding both arms of the chair and sit for at least 15 seconds to absorb the scenery. Definitely one of the more unique attractions Bundoran has to offer!
6. Post-surf pints
Photos via Railway Bar on FB
After spending a day ticking off the various things to do around Bundoran, you’ll have worked up a thirst.
Fortunately, there are some mighty pubs in Bundoran to nip into. My two go-tos are:
- The Railway Bar: An old-school pub dishing up the best Guinness in the town
- Maddens: A cosy, traditional pub/restaurant with great food (or drop into one of the many restaurants in Bundoran)
7. Bundoran Advenute Park
Photos via Bundoran Advenute Park on FB
If you’re wondering what to do in Bundoran with the family, the Adventure Park is worth a shout.
The park boasts a huge range of rides and attractions such as Bumper Cars, Go Karts and the Candy Shack.
However, if you want to get a 360 view of the seaside town from the sky, then you’ll want to head off in the direction of the big wheel.
From the top, you’ll be treated to views of the surrounding town and Donegal Bay.
8. Sea Sessions
Courtesy Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival
If you’re wondering what to do in Bundoran with a big group of friends, plan your visit around the Sea Sessions festival.
Located slap bang on the beach, the 3-day festival has grown to become of the top music festivals in Ireland.
The festival has had some impressive line-ups over the years, with everyone from Dizzie Rascal to Dermot Kennedy taking to the stage here.
9. Bundoran Golf Club
It’s crazy to think that the Bundoran Golf Club was established in 1894, making it one of the oldest courses in Ireland.
It’s also up there with the most scenic, boasting views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Dartry Mountains as you saunter around the course.
The course here has racked up a lot of good reviews and, if you get the weather, it’s the perfect spot for a round!
Things to do near Bundoran
Photos via Shutterstock
OK, so we’ve tackled things to do in Bundoran in Donegal – now it’s time to take a look at the many things to do near Bundoran.
Bundoran is a solid little base to explore bits of both Donegal and Sligo. Below, you’ll find attractions within reasonable driving distance.
1. The Gleniff Horseshoe (15-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
A 15-minute drive from Bundoran via the N15, the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive really emphasises tranquillity.
Now, you don’t have to drive it – you could walk or cycle it, either.
As you venture further into the Horseshoe, you’ll get the sense that you’ve stepped straight into a Lord of The Rings movie – raw, unspoiled beauty envelopes you on all sides.
2. Glencar Waterfall (35-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
A 35-minute drive from Bundoran, Glencar Waterfall is celebrated for being the inspiration for one of the greatest poets in Ireland, William Butler Yeats.
He even wrote a poem about the waterfall called ‘The Stolen Child’.
If you can, try and angle your visit after heavy rainfall.
The water will thunder down into the pool below! If you fancy a ramble, given the reasonably handy Glencar Waterfall Walk a shot!
3. The Slieve League road trip (starts a 25-minute drive away)
If you fancy a bit of a day trip from Bundoran, the Slieve League Peninsula road trip is a great itinerary to follow.
You can start it from Bundoran and visit:
- Rossnowlagh Beach
- Donegal Town
- The Sliabh Liag Cliffs
- Killybegs
- The Secret Waterfall
- Silver Strand
- Lots more
4. Mullaghmore (15-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
The coastal walk around Mullaghmore is a mix of rough trails, footpaths and public roads and it’s a handy 15-minute spin from Bundoran.
Over the course of your stroll, you’ll be treated to views of the fairytale-like Classiebawn Castle, you’ll see enormous waves and you can detour for a stroll along Mullaghmore Beach.
This is one of the more unique things to do near Bundoran and it’s well worth a visit.
Explore Donegal beyond the places to visit in Bundoran
There are endless things to do in Donegal for those of you spending some time in the area.
Some recommendations to get you started are:
- Key attractions: Inishowen 100, Malin Head, Grianan of Aileach, Donegal Castle, Errigal and Arranmore Island
- Beaches: Boyeeghter Bay, Kinnagoe Bay, Narin Strand and Carrickfinn Beach
- Towns/villages: Letterkenny, Ardara, Glenties, Buncrana and Dungloe
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.