Portsalon Beach

  • Portsalon Beach - County Donegal
    © Sean Arble and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Portsalon Beach - County Donegal
    © Sean Arble and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Stretching for around a mile (1.6km) along the western shores of Lough Swilly, the golden sands of Portsalon beach are some of the finest to be found in Ireland.

    The beach is situated on Donegal’s Fanad Peninsula and runs from the village of Portsalon southwards where it becomes Ballymastocker beach.

    Gently sloping and somewhat sheltered from the Atlantic swells by its position on the edge of the lough, Portsalon is generally fine for swimming. That’s not to say there are never waves here, but during the summer months there are lifeguards on duty, so it’s pretty safe.

    With a Blue Flag award too you can rest assured that Portsalon beach has all the amenities you’ll want for a great family day out and super-clean water.

    It isn’t just our opinion that this is the best beach in Donegal; in a readers poll for the Observer Magazine Portsalon was actually voted the second most beautiful beach in the world! In case you are wondering first place went to a beach in the Seychelles.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    Yes

    Dogs friendly beach?

    We do not have information on this beach but restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)

    County Donegal dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Kite surfing
    • Wind surfing

    Facilities

    • Toilets
    • Disabled facilities

    Nearest town

    Buncrana

    OS grid ref.

    Awards

    Blue Flag Award

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