Located on the Fanad Peninsula, along the R268 between Rathmullan and Fanad Head, on the western shores of Lough Swilly. Approached via a twisting cliff top route along Croaghaun Mountain with exceptional views. Shelves gently towards the Atlantic Ocean. Part of Ballymastocker Bay which stretches from Portsalon Pier to Magherawarden.
Beach Gallery
Location
Access Information
R268, twisting cliff top route. Ample free car parking available near the southern end.
Beach Details
Activities
- Swimming
- Walking
- Dog Walking (bins available)
- Paddling
- Kite Flying
- Golf
- Camping
- Picnics
- Surfing
- Sea Kayaking (nearby caves)
Facilities
- Lifeguards (seasonal
- 12pm-6:30pm June-Sept)
- Free Car Parking
- Public Toilets (incl. disability)
- Picnic Tables
- Bins
- Restaurants nearby (Pier Restaurant
- Golf Club Restaurant)
- Food Carts (in car park)
- Caravan & Camping Park (Knockalla)
- Golf Club (Portsalon Golf Club)
Environment
Atlantic Ocean frontage, Bay (Ballymastocker Bay), Dunes, Golf Course nearby (Portsalon Golf Club), Caravan & Camping Park nearby (Knockalla), Natural Heritage Area (NHA).
Conservation Status
Natural Heritage Area (NHA). Blue Flag Award.
Views
Exceptional views on approach from mountain top viewpoint overlooking Ballymastocker strand/Portsalon beach. Views over Lough Swilly and towards the Inishowen Peninsula. Views over golf course and beaches from car park.
Wildlife
Jellyfish can be present. Dolphins/Whales rare, sometimes seen near mouth of Lough Swilly following fishing boats.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Voted 2nd most beautiful beach in the world by The Observer. Part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. Travelers' Choice award on TripAdvisor.
Beach Tags
Reviews
Reviews Summary
Highly rated (4.8/5 on TripAdvisor from 117 reviews), consistently praised for beauty, cleanliness, safety, and spaciousness. Travelers' Choice award recipient. Some mention the area can feel quiet or lack character despite the beach and golf course. Windy conditions noted.
Best beach in Ireland. Easy to.park and walk down to. So clean and safe It has recieved many international awards
We stopped off here in our motorhome and parked in the local car park with fantastic views over the golf course and the beaches beyond . We walked around the area which was dominated by many empty houses I’d say less than 5% were occupied. Despite having a golf course and a fantastic beach this place lacked character and soul
Donegal is blessed with great beaches this must be one of its best ,white sand , great surf and plenty of room .
A wonderful getaway place which touches the North Atlantic and brings a soothing well-being to my soul. My annual family getaway which is established as a holiday tradition.
We stayed beside the beach in Portsalon in Knockslla caravan and Camping. Very nice sight. Weather was mixed so we spent less time on the beach as intended. Had a great holiday. Toured around. Caravan sight lovely
Beautiful beach, ample parking. There’s 2 nearby restaurants, one at the golf course and one further down over the Pier. Both great and affordable. Also, nearby are food carts in the parking lot. This beach is very windy! The Pier restaurant is open 1pm-8pm, the card machine is down for a few days so bring cash or PayPal. Golf course restaurant is upstairs.
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