Blue Flag beaches can be found all around the Irish coast, making Ireland's beaches some of the cleanest in the world.
Of those pristine beaches, County Donegal boasts a number of award-winners that have been on the Blue Flag list for the past three years.
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Bundoran, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
The main beach in Bundoran has always been a popular spot for bathers.
Today, it is equally popular with surfers, making the beach at Bundoran a mecca for surfing enthusiasts.
Tullan Strand is Bundoran’s other beach, which is further along the coast and is backed by cliffs and rocks. It is unsuitable for swimmers due to strong currents.
Visitors to Bundoran often take the “Rougey Walk” along the cliff’s edge to see “The Fairy Bridges,” spectacular rock formations creating blowholes that the locals once believed were haunted by fairies, along with “The Wishing Chair,” a perfect spot to admire the ocean views.
There’s also an 18-hole golf course in Bundoran.
Created in 1894, it is one of Ireland’s oldest golf clubs.
This beach is suitable for surfing, swimming, and bird watching.
Lifeguard: Yes
Bathroom Facilities: Nearby
Rossnowlagh Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
Rossnowlagh Beach is about 5 miles (8 km) from Donegal town.
This Donegal beach is renowned for its soft, golden sand as well as its excellent location for surfers.
It is also known for its immense waves, some as high as 20 feet (7 meters), especially during the winter months, which makes it a popular surfing destination.
Rossnowlagh Surf School is a good place to look for beginner lessons.
Be sure to check out “The Heavenly Cove,” an area of the beach where you’ll get stunning views of the Slieve League Cliffs across the bay, as well as the fishing village of Mullaghmore in Co. Sligo.
This beach is suitable for sunbathers, walkers, picnickers, windsurfers, and beach casters.
Lifeguard: Yes
Bathroom Facilities: Portable toilets in the car park.
Murvagh Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
This 2.7-mile (4.5 km) beach has extensive dunes that lead to Murvagh Forest.
It is known as a Special Area of Conservation.
This is an excellent beach for swimming, given its sheltered location which protects it from the strongest ocean currents.
The northern end of it backs on to Donegal Golf Club.
You’ll get good views of Sliabh League from here. The village of Laghy is nearby, with Donegal town about 3 miles (5 km) away.
This beach is suitable for swimming, walking, and picnicking.
Lifeguard: From June through August
Bathroom Facilities: Located in the car park
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Fintra Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
Fintra Beach is located on Donegal’s southwest coast. It is close to the town of Killybegs, a notable fishing port.
There’s a steep road leading down to the beach, which will give you awesome views of Donegal Bay and even Benbulben in neighboring County Sligo.
This beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and picnicking.
Lifeguard: July and August, noon to 6:30 p.m.
Bathroom Facilities: Portable toilets near the car park
Wheelchair Accessible
Portnoo/Narin Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, Portnoon/Narin Beach stretches out for over a mile.
Backed by low dunes that are designated a Natural Heritage Area due to the diversity of the region’s coastal habitats, the views from this beach are fabulous.
If the tide is out and you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk to the island of Inishkeel, where you’ll find the remains of two 6th-century churches.
This beach is ideal for swimming and walking.
Lifeguard: Yes
Bathroom Facilities: Nearby
Caravan site a short distance away
Carrickfinn Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
This beach is located in Gweedore Bay, an Irish-speaking area of Donegal, and very close to the county airport.
It is also known as Dunmore Strand. This is a long, white sandy beach that is backed by extensive sand dunes. It is close to the village of Annagry.
This beach is ideal for swimming and walking.
Lifeguard: June through September
Bathroom Facilities: Unknown
Killahoey Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
Killahoey Beach is located close to the town of Dunfanaghy in North Donegal. It consists of a sandy beach with a large estuary.
This beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, kite surfing, and horse riding.
Lifeguard: June through September
Bathroom Facilities: Portable toilets in the car park area
Marble Hill Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
Also located in the Dunfanaghy area, this is yet another beautiful beach in Co. Donegal in Sheephaven Bay.
It is in the middle of two headlands, making it a very sheltered location for swimming. There is a multitude of wildlife in the area.
This beach is ideal for swimming and bird watching.
Lifeguard: June through September
Bathroom Facilities: Yes, but a distance away
Downings Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
This beach is located on Donegal’s Rosguill Peninsula, in the sheltered waters of Sheephaven Bay.
This beach is ideal for swimming, water sports, and windsurfing.
Lifeguard: Yes
Bathroom Facilities: Close by
Wheelchair Accessible
Caravan park nearby
Magherawarden (Portsalon) Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
This mile-long beautiful beach is in a nice sheltered location that never gets overcrowded. A real gem.
This beach is ideal for swimming.
Lifeguard: Yes
Bathroom Facilities: Near the car park
Voted by The Observer newspaper as the second-most beautiful beach in the world.
Culdaff Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
Culdaff Beach is located close to the village of Culdaff (about 50 yards actually) on the north coast of Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula.
It is bordered to the west by sand dunes and to the northwest by the Culdaff River.
There are actually two beaches here, one called the “small beach,” the other called the “big beach.”
The coastal area here is designated a Special Area for Conservation.
You can’t miss the rocky headlands known as Black Rock, Bucker’s Rock, and Lady’s Rock.
This beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, walking, and other watersports.
Lifeguard: June through September
Bathroom Facilities: Yes
Stroove Beach, Winner of 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Awards
This small beach is located on the east coast of the Inishowen Peninsula in North Donegal (close to the Inishowen Natural Heritage Area).
It is adjacent to two lighthouses.
This beach is ideal for swimming, picnicking, and walking.
Lifeguard: June through August
Bathroom Facilities: Near the car park
Read more: Six Days in Donegal: Exploring the County's Most Spectacular Locations
I’m blown away by your post about the Donegal beaches. You have given me a glimpse of the stunning beauty and diversity of the coastline in this county. I had no idea that there were so many gorgeous and varied beaches to explore in Donegal. Your photos and descriptions are amazing! I appreciate how you have included the location, access, facilities, and activities for each beach. That makes it very easy for me to plan my trip and choose the beaches that suit my preferences and needs.
So glad you enjoyed reading it, Supraja! Donegal is beautiful for sure. ☘️💚