What it is
Swim only in the middle of Tullagh Bay. The currents at either end of this horseshoe strand on Inishowen’s north coast are dangerous, there’s no lifeguard, and the calm-looking water can change quickly, so pick your spot, check the tide, and keep the car park in sight.
Tullagh Bay (Tullagh Strand to most locals) is a long curve of soft sand on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, 3 km northwest of Clonmany. The 250 m bulk of Binnion Hill closes off the eastern end, and the shape of the bay knocks the worst off the Atlantic swell, which is why it pulls families and walkers rather than serious surfers. It sits on both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Inishowen 100 loop.
Binnion Hill
If you have time for one thing here, climb Binnion. Several paths link into a circuit of roughly 6 km over the 250 m hill – moderate going, with a bit of loose scree near the top. From the summit the view runs along the Inishowen coast to the Urris Hills and Pollen Bay, west to the Isle of Doagh, and on a genuinely clear day across the water to the Scottish island of Islay. A caravan park sits near the top of the hill and makes a base for longer walks on the peninsula.
In and on the water
Beyond the middle-of-the-beach rule for swimming, shore anglers do well here off the sandy bottom, mostly for flounder, dab and whiting, with early morning the best of it.
Horse riding is the other long-standing activity. The Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre works off the beach and dunes, running lessons, pony camps, and beach and trail rides, with lodging on site (086 720 4150).
Getting there and practicalities
The grassy car park behind the dunes is free but has a height barrier; campervans carry on to open parking higher up. It fills through July and August, so aim for early morning or late afternoon. A sandy track crosses the dunes straight to the sand.
There are no toilets or café on site, just a few benches and a small children’s play area by the car park. Dogs are allowed but should be kept under control, especially near the equestrian centre; Donegal beaches can carry dog restrictions over the summer season, so watch for signs.
Driving times: Ballyliffin 10 minutes, Buncrana 20 minutes.
Nearby
| Place | Approx. drive | What’s there |
|---|---|---|
| Glenevin Waterfall | 5 min | A cascade reached by a short paved path up a wooded glen |
| Pollan Strand | 10 min | A wide beach at Ballyliffin with views to the Isle of Doagh |
| Mamore Gap | 10 min | A steep mountain pass with long views over the peninsula |
| Fort Dunree | 20 min | A 19th-century coastal fort and military museum above Lough Swilly |
Time your visit to the tide and you’ll get the full run of firm sand and exposed pools; leave the swimming to the middle of the bay, and give Binnion an hour if the weather holds.