Bundoran is one of our best known seaside resorts. For some people it means honky tonk and for others it means plenty of life, amusements and the craic.
The town beach is a short stroll from the town centre . The beach is sheltered with rocks at either end. This is a good place for kids as the sand is soft and there are also pools to fish in. There are seats behind the beach and a good cliff walk which will lead you out to the more spectacular Tullan Strand.
The water here is clear and much less likely to be choppy.
There is a good amount of car-parking but its pay and display. Do not be fooled by the photos here which were taken off season. This can be a very busy spot in the summer. So if you want plenty of action and a quick trip across to the amusements nearby then this is the place for you.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Blue Flag beach.
The beach appears to be buggy and wheelchair accessible.
From Sligo follow the N 15 signposted Donegal / Bundoran. Follow the signpost which bring you into the town and the beach is located just behind the main street.
Carrickfinn is another of Donegal’s impressive Blue Flag beaches with a wide expanse of sand sheltered by peninsulas on either side. We arrived on a dull,cloudy day and certainly didn’t see it at its best. Despite this we had a grand swim in calm clear water with a few waves thrown in to keep the surfers happy. There was a gradual wade in and nice soft sand underfoot. It seems like a good spot for kids to splash and play.
Access to the beach from the small car park is along a sandy path which is ok for buggies but, once again, very difficult for wheelchairs. The car park has a couple of portaloos.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Take heed of that warning sign about soft sand conditions near the stream.
Directions: From Dungloe take the N56 toward Dunfanaghy. At the small village of Loughanure take the left turn signpo sted for Annagary. In Annagary take the R259 and after a few kilometres you take a right turn signposted for the Airport. After a short distance on this road you will see the beach signpost
Glengarriff is a popular holiday destination on the Beara Peninsula. While the Peninsula is beautiful it is not full of sandy, attractive beaches so this is one of the better swimming locations in the area
Blue Pool nature park is in the middle of the town and is the access point for the ten minute ferry to nearby Garinish Island. On the way across you are likely to see the seals sunning themselves on the rocks. The island is well worth a visit to see its Italian style gardens.
The nature park contains wooded walks and a viewing point for the many seals who habitate in this area. The park is family friendly, with a play area and toilets.
The swimming spot has stone steps which lead you into the water. It seems to be one of the few access points around. The water is deep and fresh and if you’re lucky a seal might join you as you swim.
This one is only for experienced walkers and, indeed, experienced and careful swimmers. If you do manage to get there, though, it is well worth the effort.
Firrib is located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains and you access it from the Wicklow Gap, which is one of the most scenic locations in the county. Not only do you need to be an experienced walker, you also need to be able to use a map and compass as Firrib can be tricky to find.
If you get there you will find a lovely tranquil lake set in spectacular surroundings. The water is cool and refreshing, just what you need after a hike across the bog.
Don’t be put off by the photos here – it doesn’t always snow at Firrib. They just show an old, grey haired fellow trying to be macho (God help him).
Remember lakes can be dangerous, so swim carefully.
From Dublin you take the N 11 to Kilmacanogue and branch off here onto the R755 which will take you through Roundwood to Laragh. At Laragh you go onto the R 756 and follow this road up hill to the Wicklow Gap. From the Gap you follow the tarred road up hill toward the Turlough Hill reservoir, about a 30 minute walk. When the road runs out you then need your map to guide you across boggy terrain to the lake. It takes a further 40 minutes.
Rosses Point is a well known holiday location and its beach is an attractive, family style swimming spot.
The beach is divided into two sections, a smaller area near the car park which is more protected by the rocks and cliffs and a larger expanse which is more open and backs onto the famous Rosses Point golf links.
The water here is a bit calmer than other Sligo beaches and it’s a good place for kids to swim.
When we were here in April there was just ourselves and a couple of brave young souls in the water. But again, don’t be fooled by the photos. This is a popular holiday spot and it gets busy in the summer
Facilities at Rosses Point are good, with a decent sized car park and wheelchair/buggy access to the beach. There are also public toilets. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
From Sligo town you head for the N4 and N 15 routes and just after you pass through Sligo watch out for a left turn onto the R291 signposted for Rosses Point. This road leads you directly to the Point and the beach is easily found.
