Overview
Burtonport (Ailt an Chorráin) is a colourful fishing village on the north‑west coast of County Donegal, set against the Derryveagh Mountains and the Atlantic. The harbour serves as the mainland gateway to several Gaeltacht islands – Arranmore, Inishfree, Gola and, a short distance north, Magheroarty Pier, the launch point for the MV Queen of Aran ferry to Tory Island. Together they form a natural hub on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering dramatic scenery, island culture and a range of outdoor activities.
History / Background
- Early 19th century: the Marquess of Conyngham laid out Burtonport as a rival to the nearby Rutland Island settlement.
- 1798: a plaque in the harbour commemorates James Napper Tandy’s brief French landing on Rutland Island.
- 1899: St Columba’s Church was built and remains a focal point of the village streetscape.
- 1903‑1940: the Letterkenny & Burtonport Extension Railway linked the village to Letterkenny; the line closed in June 1940. The former trackbed now forms the Burtonport Loops walking network.
- 1970s‑80s: the village hosted the Atlantis Primal Therapy Commune and the Silver Sisterhood, adding a quirky cultural footnote.
- Magheroarty Pier: although its exact construction date is unclear, the harbour has long facilitated movement between the mainland and the offshore islands of Tory and Inishboffin. In recent years it has been designated a Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point and the Narosa Surf School & Café has given the site a modern surf‑culture edge.
What to See & Do
Ferries and Island gateways
- Arranmore (Árainn Mhór) – year‑round car and passenger ferries from Burtonport Pier (≈15 min). Walks, a lighthouse and a vibrant Irish‑speaking community await.
- Gola Island – seasonal ferry (check the island’s Facebook page) to white‑sand beaches, sea arches and a historic graveyard.
- Inishfree – 5 km offshore, reachable by boat for sandy beaches, swimming, diving and a car‑free atmosphere.
- Tory Island – MV Queen of Aran departs from Magheroarty Pier (≈45 min crossing). The island is famed for its king, ancient ruins and lively music scene.
Scenic walks
| Loop | Length | Approx. time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinballycrowie (Lúb Cheann Bhaile Cruaiche) | 6.8 km | 1.5 h | Old railway corridor, ash woodland, harbour views |
| Crickamore (Lúb Chroicheach Mhór) | 5 km | 1 h | Tarred lanes, stone bridge, railway artefacts |
| Cheann Bhaile Cruaiche (7 km version) | 7 km | 1.5 h | Extended version of Kinballycrowie |
| All loops are way‑marked, dog‑friendly and start/finish at St Columba’s Community Centre car park, which also houses a small railway exhibition. |
Beach, dunes and water sports
- A 3 km curved, uncommercialised beach at Magheroarty Pier is ideal for swimming, surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing; the constant Atlantic breeze makes it a magnet for wind‑based sports.
- A sand‑dune walk behind the dunes offers gentle strolls with panoramic Atlantic views.
- Narosa Surf School & Café provides lessons, equipment hire and a café serving meals from April to August.
Fishing and wildlife
- The pier at Burtonport is popular for conger eel and mullet; local charter operators arrange sea‑angling trips.
- The area is a hotspot for birdwatching during spring migration and occasional seal or dolphin sightings offshore.
Food, drink and culture
- The Lobster Pot – award‑winning seafood restaurant.
- Harbour Front Café – breakfast and light meals with harbour views.
- The Wheelhouse Café – nautical‑themed eatery with fish‑and‑chips, chowder and vegan options.
- Narosa Café at Magheroarty Pier – casual meals for surfers and families.
Heritage sites
- St Columba’s Church (1899) dominates the village streetscape.
- Railway exhibition at the community centre.
- Plaque commemorating the 1798 Napper Tandy landing.
Practical Information
- Access: Burtonport lies on the N56; Magheroarty Pier is a short walk north of the village centre. Parking is available at both the village car park (near St Columba’s) and the spacious pier car park.
- Facilities: Public toilets, baby‑changing stations, playground, buggy‑friendly paths and pet‑allowed areas are provided at Magheroarty Pier. Burtonport village offers cafés, restaurants and a small shop.
- Ferry timetables: Arranmore ferries run year‑round; Gola Island and Inishfree services are seasonal. Tory Island ferry operates multiple times daily, weather permitting – always check the latest schedule before travelling.
- Best time to visit: Summer months give the most reliable ferry services and full surf‑school operation; spring and early autumn offer quieter walks and excellent bird‑watching.
- Accommodation: Several B&Bs and guesthouses are scattered around the village; the nearest hotels are in Letterkenny (≈30 km).
Nearby attractions
A short drive north brings you to Ballymastocker Bay – a Blue Flag beach renowned for its crystal‑clear waters and dramatic cliffs, perfect for a scenic walk after a day on the islands.
Note: No official Burtonport tourism website could be located at the time of writing.