Shaped like a boomerang and flanked by some properly stunning scenery, Tullagh Bay Beach is a gem on County Donegal’s gorgeous north coast!
Part of the Inishowen 100 route, this is a stunner of a spot that’s an absolute joy to saunter along regardless of the time of year.
However, it’s during the summer months that this place really comes alive, as locals and tourists alike flock from far and wide.
Below, you’ll find info on everything from parking and swimming to places to visit a short spin from what is arguably one of the best beaches in Donegal!
Some quick need-to-knows about Tullagh Bay

Photo left: Fionn McCann via Failte Ireland. Top right: Shutterstock
Although a visit to Tullagh Strand is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Though Tullagh Bay looks out towards the wild Atlantic Ocean, its horseshoe curves mean that its spot on the north side of the Inishowen Peninsula is actually pretty sheltered. It’s a 10-minute drive from Ballyliffin, a 20-minute drive from Buncrana and a 40-minute drive from Greencastle.
2. Parking
There’s a decent size car park just behind the beach (here on Google Maps). This car park can get busy in the summer so arrive early to secure a space. Follow the sandy path through the grassy sand dune to access the beach.
3. Swimming
Although we tried, we could find little-to-no official info online in regards to swimming here, so it’s best to ask around locally to find the deal is with swimming.
4. Part of the Inishowen 100
Scenic drives are always a great way to see a location in a short space of time and the Inishowen 100 is no exception! With some gorgeous spots on the way round, it’s a cracking journey around the Inishowen Peninsula and Tullagh proudly forms part of it.
About Tullagh Bay

There aren’t a whole lot of beaches in Ireland that look like Tullagh Bay, so that should be reason enough to visit!
But Tullagh is a lot more than simply its unique shape. Watched over on its eastern side by the 250 metre high Binnion Hill, Tullagh Bay is surrounded by some lovely mountainous scenery.
Its golden sands are deep and wide and are backed by grassy sand dunes.
The Binnion Hill walk
While Binnion Hill doesn’t compare in height to some of the other mountains in Donegal, the views from its summit are just as stunning.
Reaching a height of 250 metres, the walk from the top is roughly around 6km though there are a few different routes you can choose from.
From the summit, you’ll be able to see the Urris Hills to the south and Pollen Bay beach and the Isle of Doagh to the north.
Looking east, you’ll be able to make out Slieve Snaght, Inishowen’s highest mountain at 615 metres.
And on a clear day you should even be able to catch a glimpse of the distant Scottish island of Islay!
Places to visit nearby
One of the beauties of Tullagh Bay 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 Tullagh.
- Glenevin Waterfall (5-minute drive): This magical waterfall tumbles from 40ft high over sparkling black rocks
- Pollan Strand (10-minute drive): One of the most northerly beaches in Ireland but it’s also one of the most cinematic
- Mamore Gap (10-minute drive): Rising up to 800ft above sea level and giving off cracking vistas down towards Dunaff Head
- Fort Dunree (20-minute drive): Initially built to guard against potential French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars, it’s now a museum