Portsalon Beach

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.