Access to Ireland’s largest sea arch has been made easy with the creation of a 500 m (1,640 ft) pathway. Make sure to visit one of Donegal’s best hidden gems.
A new pathway has been built to the largest sea arch on the island of Ireland, found along the Fanad Peninsula in Country Donegal.
The Great Pollet Sea Arch has long been a hidden gem of Tir Chonaill’s and has always been difficult to find as it is located in a remote area of the county.
However, much like the recent Murder Hole Beach pathway, access has been made easier for budding travellers and locals alike. It now may be a stop for many in their Wild Atlantic Way journey.
What is the Great Pollet Sea Arch? – a Donegal hidden gem
The Great Pollet Sea Arch can be found along the eastern coastline of the beautiful Fanad Peninsula in north Donegal. The Peninsula is also home to the Fanad Lighthouse, Portsalon Beach and Knockalla Ridge.
The sea arch was formed following thousands of years of collision with the menacing Atlantic Ocean, which has created a near-perfect arch that sits detached from the mainland to brave the storms alone.
Ireland’s largest sea arch, or An Aise Mhór Pollaid in Irish, stands at 150 ft (45 m). It is one of the best places in Ireland for a photo, made even more stunning under the dark skies and stars.
New pathway – accessing Ireland’s largest sea arch
Hidden gems this good can’t stay as hidden gems for too long. So, with the creation of the new pathway, it is sure that many more visitors will flock to the rock formation.
The new pathway opened in April 2022, just in time for summer. The 500 m (1,640 ft) long footbath commenced in October 2021, following funding from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to the tune of €20,000.
The new pathway to Ireland’s largest sea arch now stretches directly from the road to the water. Thus, making it an extremely accessible and safe way to view the stunning attraction.
A row ensued in 2017 over access to the Arch when a private landowner had prevented access. The Great Arch Action Committee was established in response, and the end product is now available for all to use.
What to do nearby – explore the Fanad Peninsula and beyond
The beauty of Donegal is that there is so much to do no matter where you are. So, if you find yourself visiting Ireland’s largest sea arch, make sure to branch out to the rest of the Fanad Peninsula.
Fanad Head is only 2.2 km (1.36 miles) away and Kinny Lough can be found 3.72 km (2.3 miles) away. If you’re looking for beaches, you’ll also be in luck.
Portsalon Beach is a short 20-minute drive away. Meanwhile, the new pathway to Murder Hole Beach is only a 40-minute drive, at 28 km (18 miles) in distance.
So, if you want to visit Ireland’s largest sea arch, the new pathway will make the journey easier than ever!
