Overview
Burtonport (Ailt an Chorráin) sits on the north-west coast of County Donegal, where the Derryveagh Mountains drop sharply into the Atlantic. The village’s harbour functions as the mainland gateway to a network of Gaeltacht islands, while the nearby Magheroarty Pier handles ferries further north. Between the colourful quay walls, the steady rhythm of island crossings, and the wide Atlantic expanse, Burtonport operates as a working coastal hub with a relaxed, creative atmosphere.
Island Ferries & Gateways
The harbour is the primary launch point for visitors heading to Donegal’s offshore islands.
- Arranmore (Árainn Mhór): Year-round car and passenger ferries cross from Burtonport Pier in roughly 15 minutes. The island offers a circular coastal trail, a historic lighthouse, and a thriving Irish-speaking community.
- Gola Island: A seasonal passenger service operates to this quiet retreat, known for white-sand beaches, sea arches, and a well-preserved historic graveyard. Schedules vary, so checking the island’s official updates before travelling is essential.
- Inishfree: Located 5 km offshore, this car-free island is accessible by boat and popular for swimming, diving, and quiet coastal exploration.
- Tory Island: The MV Queen of Aran ferry departs from Magheroarty Pier, about 4 km north of Burtonport. The 45-minute crossing connects the mainland to Tory, an island with a rich literary history, ancient stone ruins, and a well-known traditional music scene.
Coastal Walks & Outdoor Activities
The area around Burtonport and Magheroarty is built for active visitors. The former Letterkenny & Burtonport Railway trackbed has been converted into a network of waymarked, dog-friendly loops that start and finish at the St Columba’s Community Centre car park. The Kinballycrowie loop (6.8 km) follows the old railway corridor through ash woodland with regular harbour views, while the Crickamore loop (5 km) crosses a stone bridge and passes preserved railway artefacts. An extended 7 km version of the Kinballycrowie route offers a slightly longer outing. All paths are flat, gravelled, and suitable for families with buggies.
At Magheroarty Pier, a 3 km stretch of uncommercialised beach curves along the coastline. The consistent Atlantic breeze and reliable swell make it a recognised spot for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Behind the shoreline, a sand-dune walk provides gentle strolls with open ocean views. The Narosa Surf School & Café operates seasonally (typically April to August), offering lessons, equipment hire, and casual meals for visitors and locals alike.
Food, Drink & Local Culture
Burtonport’s dining scene reflects its maritime roots. The Lobster Pot is a long-standing seafood restaurant, while the Harbour Front Café and Wheelhouse Café serve breakfasts, chowders, fish-and-chips, and vegan options with direct harbour views. At Magheroarty Pier, the Narosa Café provides a relaxed base for surfers, families, and walkers. The village also hosts seasonal cultural events, and the Gaeltacht environment means Irish is actively spoken in local shops, pubs, and community spaces.
A Brief History
Burtonport was formally laid out in the early 19th century by the Marquess of Conyngham as a planned rival to the nearby Rutland Island settlement. The area’s maritime history runs deep: a plaque in the harbour marks James Napper Tandy’s brief French landing on Rutland Island in 1798. In 1899, St Columba’s Church was constructed and quickly became a defining feature of the village layout. The railway era began in 1903 when the Letterkenny & Burtonport Extension Railway opened, running until its closure in June 1940. The line’s legacy survives in the walking loops that now follow its path. During the 1970s and 80s, the village briefly hosted the Atlantis Primal Therapy Commune and the Silver Sisterhood, leaving a quirky cultural footnote that still surfaces in local conversation.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Burtonport is on the N56. Magheroarty Pier is a short drive or walk north of the village centre.
- Parking & facilities: Free parking is available at the village car park near St Columba’s Church and at the spacious Magheroarty Pier car park. The pier site includes public toilets, baby-changing stations, a playground, and buggy-friendly paths.
- Ferry schedules: Arranmore services run year-round. Gola Island and Inishfree crossings are seasonal. The Tory Island ferry operates multiple times daily but is weather-dependent. Always verify timetables and booking requirements before departure.
- Best time to visit: Summer offers the most reliable ferry schedules and full surf-school operation. Spring and early autumn bring fewer crowds, excellent birdwatching during migration, and comfortable walking conditions.
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses are scattered throughout the village. For hotel stays, Letterkenny is approximately 30 km away.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive north along the coast reaches Ballymastocker Bay, a Blue Flag beach noted for its clear waters and dramatic cliff backdrop. It pairs well with a day spent crossing to the islands or completing one of the Burtonport walking loops.
Visitors should allow extra time for ferry crossings during peak summer months, and always carry a windbreaker – the coastal weather shifts quickly, even in summer.