Despite being statistically the least visited two counties on The Wild Atlantic Way, both Sligo and Donegal, which make up the Northwest coast of Ireland, are home to some of the most stunning beaches in Ireland.
Both counties have unsurprisingly proved to be popular destinations for those who prefer to go off the beaten track and find hidden gems. Here are ten of the best beaches to be found in Sligo and Donegal.
1. Murder Hole Beach, Donegal
Although it is not the most accessible, this private beach on the Rosguill Peninsula is well worth the journey.
After a short descent, you will be greeted by beautiful caves and surrounding cliffs. Don’t be discouraged by the sounding of the name though, there is nothing gruesome about this location, which is why it gets the number one spot on this list.
2. Five Fingers Strand, Donegal
Located close to the townland of Lagg, on the Inishowen peninsula, Five Fingers Strand is considered by some as the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Five Fingers Strand is home to some of the highest sand dunes in Europe as well as some stunning views towards the Atlantic to Glashedy Island.
3. Dooey Beach, Donegal
Dooey Beach is nestled in a tiny village close to the Donegal town of Glencolmcille and with crystal clear water and stunning surroundings, the beach could be described as paradise by many, especially when the weather is kind. And when the sun is shining, Dooey Beach really is something special.
4. Culleenamore, Sligo
Culleenamore is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful beach close to the idyllic seaside village of Strandhill and just 9km from Sligo town.
It is just one of many hidden gems along the Sligo coastline with views of the nearby Knocknarea Mountain and the sand dunes at Strandhill.
And because it does not receive any ocean swell, the water at Culleenamore is always calm – perfect for a relaxing swim, walk or jog.
5. Portsalon Beach, Co. Donegal
Portsalon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Lough Swilly. It gently slopes towards the Atlantic ocean and is located in a Natural Heritage Area. This beach is truly magnificent when viewed from above.
The beach at Portsalon can be reached by travelling northeast in the R246 from Carrowkeel to Portsalon. It is widely recognised as one of Donegal’s finest beaches and indeed, one of Ireland’s top beaches.
6. Silver Strand Beach, Donegal
Also in Donegal, Silver Strand Beach is a place of phenomenal beauty with cliffs on the each side of the sand sheltering visitors from the wind.
If you’re fortunate to visit on a sunny day, you will be treated to beautifully blue, clear water and shiny silver sand – where the beach gets its name from.
7. Mullaghmore Beach, Sligo
Mullaghmore is a small fishing village with a wonderful, long sandy beach and is situated just outside of Sligo town.
If it’s surfing you’re looking for, Mullaghmore is regarded by many as one of the best places in the world for big wave surfing and attracts thousands of surfers from around the globe each year.
As well as surfing, the water at Mullaghmore is also great for safe swimming, coasteering and sea angling.
8. Streedagh Strand, Sligo
Often described as ‘Ireland’s best-kept secret’ and stretching across 3km, Streedagh Strand is an impressive and isolated beach placed on the shore of a sandbar.
Streedagh is exposed to the natural elements including reef breaks – making it a perfect year-round surf spot.
Situated within a few minutes of Mullaghmore, many tourists often kill two birds with one stone by visiting both beaches in the same day.
9. Rosses Point, Sligo
With over 2km of sandy beaches as well as views of the surrounding Benbulben and Knocknarea, Rosses Point is always a popular summer spot for visitors as well as locals. There are three beaches so if crowded areas are not your preference, the second and third beaches are within walking distance.
10. Strandhill, Sligo
They say a good place to live is a good place to visit and this couldn’t be any truer when speaking about the community of Strandhill.
The seaside village really has it all. Although the water isn’t safe for swimming, due to the strong current, this little place so much more to offer visitors, including surfing, sand dunes , Caravan and camping parks, and its close proximity to Knocknarea, The Glen, Culleenamore and Killaspugbrone church.
