Overview
Maghery sits at the head of a bay in the Rosses of west Donegal, where a short white-sand strand gives way to sea cliffs, the Crohy Head sea arch and a line of islands across Dungloe Bay. Behind the beach stand three odd relics: a Napoleonic signal tower with its ‘Éire’ sign, the Georgian Termon House of around 1770, and the red-brick shell of a 19th-century kelp factory. The village is on the Wild Atlantic Way, about 20 km from Donegal Airport, with the town of Dungloe close by for shops, pubs and transport. The pier is the heart of it: most people come to get on the water, and a guided sea-kayak run out past the arches and stacks is the thing to prioritise if the weather holds.
History and heritage
Maghery’s built heritage centres on Termon House, an L-plan Georgian stone house built around 1770 for the land agent of the Marquis of Conyngham. Now run by the Irish Landmark Trust as a holiday rental, it keeps its original timber sash windows, a battered plinth and a surrounding ‘Famine Wall’ put up in 1847. Two more landmarks stand along the shore: the Napoleonic Signal Tower, with its ‘Éire’ sign and a Second World War lookout post, and the Red House, a stone-walled remnant of the kelp industry that once supplied seaweed for fertiliser and soap.
What to see and do
On the water
- Kayaking and canoeing – the pier at Maghery launches paddlers at all stages of the tide. Routes run to Inisheane, through inner Dungloe Bay, and on to Illancrone, Inishkerragh and Arranmore. Experienced sea-kayakers can take on the passage to Marameelan pier, past sea-arches, stacks and deep caves.
- Sailing – small craft can be slipped from the same pier, with resident seals about and open-Atlantic access via the Termon-Inishal passage.
- Snorkelling – the clear water around Carrickcarn rocks and the Te area holds plenty of marine life.
- Stand-up paddleboarding – the calm bays suit beginners and families.
On land
- Maghery Coastal Adventures – the local operator runs paddleboarding, sea kayaking, hill-walking, rock climbing, abseiling, surfing and cycling, in small guided groups pitched to skill level.
- Rock climbing and abseiling – the cliffs and sea arches give routes across the grades, with the ocean below.
- Hill-walking and cycling – trails run through the hills and along the coast, with views of the islands, lakes and the Atlantic.
Beach and fishing
- Maghery Strand – a compact ribbon of soft white sand, good for walks, wading in tidal pools and rock-fishing. The rocky northern end takes pollack (summer–autumn), wrasse (year-round), mackerel (late spring–early autumn), sea trout (spring–autumn) and dab and flounder (winter–spring).
- Amenities – the community hub Ionad an Mhachaire at the edge of the strand has toilets, a beach-wheelchair, a summer café and a children’s playground, with a car park and caravan area steps from the sand. Free public Wi-Fi runs at the hub in summer.
Practical information
- Getting there: by car via the N56, by bike along the Wild Atlantic Way, or on foot from Dungloe (a 10-minute drive). The nearest air link is Donegal Airport, 20 km away.
- Facilities: toilets, café, beach-wheelchair, playground, car park and caravan site at Ionad an Mhachaire. Public Wi-Fi at the hub in summer.
- Best times to visit: summer brings the warmest sea for swimming and paddle sports; spring and early autumn give the best fishing and fewer people.
- Safety: the tide turns fast here, so check local tide tables before going onto the rocks or into the water. Guided trips are advised for climbing and sea kayaking.
- Accommodation: Termon House (Irish Landmark Trust) is a self-catering rental on the beachfront, with more B&Bs and caravan sites in Dungloe.
- Website: the official site (magherycoastaladventures.ie) is active, with current details on activities and facilities.
- Opening hours: times for the strand facilities and community hub are not published online. They generally run through the summer and can vary, so check the website or local signage first.
Nearby attractions
- Crohy Head Sea Arch (The Breeches) – 3 km south of the village, one of Donegal’s best-known coastal arches.
- Dungloe – the main town of the Rosses, 7 km east, with supermarkets, pubs and restaurants, and host to the annual Mary from Dungloe International Festival.
- Burtonport – 12 km north, a working fishing port and the ferry gateway to Arranmore Island.
Check the tide times at Dungloe before exploring Maghery Strand’s caves or fishing outcrops, as the sea cuts off some coves quickly.