We are told that this man made lake, just outside Portarlington, is known locally by the wonderful name of ‘ Costa Del Sod’ or ‘The Bog Beach’. And set right in the heart of a vast bog land area it certainly is.
Notwithstanding that, we had a lovely swim in the soft dark waters. We were quickly into and out of our depth, so be careful. As for all lakes, as you can’t see whats underneath, no jumping or diving.
The lake has a nice sandy area alongside it as well as ample green space, so it seems to be a good location for families. The lake is used also by a local fishing club.
Be prepared for a ten minute walk from the car park through a forest path. It’s accessible for buggies but not wheelchairs.
Well done to Bord Na Mona for providing this attractive amenity.
Directions : Portarlington can be accessed from the M7 motorway at exit 14. Take the R424 then R420 to the town. In the town get onto the R419 for Edenderry. A couple of kilometres outside the town you come to a railway crossing with a parking area to the left. From here you take the pathway to the right with a barrier and a sign for Portarlington angling club. A ten minute stroll will take you to the lake
A little bit off the beaten track but well worth the diversion. Magheraroarty is a wide and wild expanse of beach and , on the sunny day we were there, the water was a lovely turquoise colour. The beach, although open, is sheltered by the pier at one end where the ferry to Tory island departs. There was a gradual wade in, although it was quite bumpy and uneven underfoot. The water was clear and the view across to nearby Inishbofin island impressive. If you plan to stay bring your windbreak , although you will get shelter from the dunes at the back of the beach.
Magheraroarty has a large stony car park but, yet again, there is no wheelchair access.
Directions: From Letterkenny take the N56 to Gortahork. After you pass through the village watch for a right turn onto the R257 signposted for Maghaire Ui Robartaigh. Follow this road along the coast for about 6 kilometres until you come to a right turn signposted for the ferry and the beach.
Marblehill is an attractive curved beach, nicely sheltered by the small peninsulas at either end. It is one of a number of quality Blue Flag swimming locations Donegal is lucky to have.
The water here is lovely and clear with soft sand underfoot. When we visited there was a bit of a breeze and some waves which the many surfers and canoeists surely enjoyed. There was a gradual wade in where we swam and the many young people in the water suggests this is a good place for families to visit.
There are steps down to the beach and there is access for wheelchairs/buggies near the shop.Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and there are toilets about 500 metres before the beach. Just at the beach there is also a shop and surf school .
All in all this is a lovely place for families to splash, swim and surf.
Narin (also called Tramore just to confuse us) is one of Donegal’s finest beaches and swimming spots, which is really saying something. This is a lovely place to swim, surf and walk.
The beach itself is long and curved with dunes at the back to give you some shelter. It can be quite windy here so windbreaks are in order if you plan to stay awhile. At low tide the beach divides in two and you can walk out to Inishkeel island. Just make sure you don’t get stranded by the incoming tide.
When we were there the tide was out and the water calm. We had a gradual wade in to lovely, clear water which was ideal for a decent swim. After our swim we had a refreshing walk down the beach and ended up getting in again as the water was so inviting.
Narin is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards in the summer. There are toilets at the decent sized car park and a coffee shop nearby. Buggy access isn’t a problem and at the far end of the car park there is a rough ramp which a wheelchair might manage with care. Why the local authorities can’t spend a few euros to do it properly is inexplicable.
Directions: From Donegal town take the N56 to Ardaragh. As you pass through Ardaragh take the R261 signposted for Portnoo and follow the signposts to the car park.
One of the few outdoor pools remaining and let’s hope this one lasts. Castlerea is a substantial, 33 metre long, pool which is well maintained and is a credit to (presumably) the local council.
The pool has shallow and deep ends and alongside it a small pool for toddlers. Maybe more importantly for young people, the pool is heated.
There are individual changing cubicles, secure lockers and toilets – all well looked after. When we were there 3 lifeguards were on duty
There are various opening hours (see photo below) and admission is 4.00 euro for adults and 3.00 for children. There are also season tickets. With plenty of room to sit alongside the pool, this is an ideal place for young people to hang out in a safe environment.
Directions: From Roscommon town take the N60 to Castlerea. When you come into the tow, turn right and at the top of the town you will see a left turn signposted for the pool.
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