Ireland
Great Videos and Photos of the Best Places and Things to see in Donegal Bay Ireland. For the independent traveller who is interested in seeing places while planning their next trip. Or for anyone who likes to be close to nature and see the quieter parts of the country or city
Donegal Bay
Donegal Bay from Donegal Town to Mullaghmore Head is well worth spending time exploring, whether by car, bike or walking. Enjoy a walk along one of the many walking paths or take a boat trip out on the bay. Of course you could surf on some of the finest surfing beaches.Check accommodation, hotels, bed and breakfast. Find the places in Donegal to visit.
The Waterfront
Bundoran
Bundoran’s waterfront is a relaxing sight. With the delightful ocean breeze and the splendid scenery, it has become a popular seaside resort for tourists.
Walk along the coastline and watch the waves hit the shore as you explore Bundoran. Near the waterfront, you will find various activities to try, such as waterslides, amusements and of course golf.
In fact, it is best for surfing; Bundoran was recognized by National Geographic Magazine as one of the World’s Top 20 Surf Towns.
Its beach is also popular among tourists every summer. Actually, Bun Dobhrain which is the original name in Irish literally means “the little water”.
The town
Bundoran
The town of Bundoran in Donegal does not fall short with wonders. This lovely town will allure you with its quiet yet inviting atmosphere.
The architectural design of the structures, the location of the town, its small population of around 2000, and the wonderful scenery which surrounds it would surely make you fall in love with this little Donegal town. The town of Bundoran was a result of a merging of two villages.
The most southerly town in Donegal was considered as the Brighton of Ireland and even up to the present many tourists still flock in Bundoran.
The town of Bundoran is located on the N15 road close to Ballyshannon. A song was even dedicated to this splendid town titled “Beautiful Bundoran”.
Surfing
Bundoran
The town of Bundoran is dubbed as Ireland’s Surf Capital so much so that when Irish talk about surfing Bundoran always comes into their mind.
The beaches are such a surf-friendly place most of the days that surfing competition often take Bundoran as the host of major world surfing championships.
The waves are great and the weather is mostly good ( for surfing ).
The town was recognized one of the World’s Top 20 Surf Towns by National Geographic Magazine. The best shops for surf equipment are found here and surfing schools as well.
Places to Visit
Along the coast, there are a number of bays, coves, beaches worth visiting including Rossnowlagh.
Rossnowlagh
Places to Visit
Dubbed as the “Heavenly Cove” and bearing the name Ros Neamlach in Irish which literally means ”heavenly headland”, the place definitely lives up to its name, a natural stunner.
Another seaside village at the southern part of Donegal, It houses the best beaches in Ireland and maybe even in Europe. Like Bundoran, Rossnowlagh is also popular as a surfing paradise. The waves sometimes reach up to 7 meters high inviting professional surfers and tourists alike.
The fine golden sand of the beaches together with the sweet and slow nature of life in the town completes the package. . Lots of surfing schools could also be found here and popular surfing competitions are also being held.
Other than surfing, visitors can also do wind-surfing, kite-surfing, and of course swimming. A stroll along the dazzling shore would make a great moment as well.
Mullaghmore
Places to Visit
Its Irish name is Mullach Mor which means “the great summit”. Mullaghmore is also a seaside village located in Sligo, Ireland.
It stands on a peninsula in the north-western part of Ahamlish. The mountain called Ben Bulben and the golden sand beach together with the wide Greenland completes the soothing atmosphere of the place. No doubt tourists frequent this side of Ireland much. The place is also rich in history and has witnessed much in centuries that had gone by.
Before, Mullaghmore was mainly about subsistence; it was a farming and fishing village. However, through time as tourists frequented the place, Mullaghmore became more centered to tourism. Here you could enjoy boating, sailing, sea-angling, and swimming. Mullaghmore is also very popular as a big wave surfing place in the world.
The “Viking storm”, the name they had given to complex weather system present in the area is the one responsible for the big waves that make surfing challenging here.
The Town
Ballyshannon
This historic town considers itself the oldest town in Ireland. It is even believed that some of Ireland’s earliest inhabitants settled here. Archaeological findings suggest that settlements have existed since 4000BC- 2500 BC.
This town is certainly filled with story and heritage at every turn. The architectural style is also superb and gives you the impression that the place have been through a lot. Its strategic location must have been the reason behind its rich past.
The town stands in the middle of River Erne. Its Irish name means “The Mouth of Seannach’s Ford”. Seannach was a warrior who was killed there around fifth century. Its location provides a vantage point to a stunning scenery, a beautiful combination of mountains and lakes.
Erne Estuary
Ballyshannon
The area is famous for its sea trout but Erne Estuary also shelters salmon, flounder, mullet, and some odd mackerel. Fishing is a splendid activity that people look forward to here and fly-fishing is one of the most popular ones done.
Spinning and free lining sand eel could also be done. The fishing section begins from Inis Saimer down to the sea and you can either fish from a boat or from the shore. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, Erne Estuary should definitely fall into your stop-overs.
However, a special license should be obtained for those who would like to fish. Erne Estuary begins approximately three miles from Ballyshannon and flows into the sea.
Assaroe Abbey
Ballyshannon
Abbey Assaroe is definitely a historic place, witnessing many conflicts and problems throughout history.
The abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in the year 1184. The construction was completed in 1184. The abbey was made as a dedication to God and St. Bernard by Flaharty O’Muldorry.
It has been a witness to killings, a fire, and plundering. The monks had stayed there up to 1607 which was named the Flight of the Earls after which the abbey was neglected.
Now, only the west end of the church, a part of the west gable and a section of the south wall remains. Visiting Abbey Assaroes would enrich your knowledge and get you closer to the history of the town. Take a look at the ruins and the graveyard which now lies there.