7 Beaches off the Beaten Track

Donegal has many wonderful beaches, some known and some not. The beauty in these beaches is the exclusivity you feel on the deserted sand. You may be there to reflect, refresh or to relax in the Atlantic Ocean. One thing for sure is that you always find yourself going back.

1.   Silver Strand

Although well known, Silver Strand is usually a deserted place all to oneself. It is an amazing beach which ties in so well with the Sliabh Liag peninsula. It never fails to take one to a different place, even the sheep that grace the hills here.  Don’t expect phone signal.

2.       Trá Ban, St. John’s Point

Situated before the lighthouse, at the end of St. Johns Point lays a fabulous coral beach. The water is always pristinely clear and you can find small coral creatures. Another beach that doesn’t throw up many crowds. Also a great diving area.

3.       Murder Hole

Murder Hole is notorious for its name. There are many myths about how it got its name but one thing for sure is that it’s stunning and as off the beaten track as one can get. Difficult to access because of land issues, public access to land is closed meaning the only entry is a strenuous climb over the hill, but worth the trip. The Murder Hole is one of Donegal’s best-hidden gems – and is now officially Ireland’s most spectacular hidden beach!

4.       Maghera Beach, Ardara

Maghera is absolutely stunning with the added bonus of eerie caves. The area is vast with dunes and sand as far as you can see. The caves can be accessed and it’s a wonderful place to explore. There’s plenty of space to do some beach running too if that’s your thing. The beauty of it being off the road and a short walk over the dunes gets you there.

5.       Dunree Bay

Situated just outside Buncrana, Dunree bay is a stunning coved beach. Sheltered by Dunree Head and once protected by the old Fort Dunree, it is a place with historical significance. The beach is usually deserted so you may have it to yourself.

6.       Kinnagoe Bay

Kinnagoe Bay in Inishowen in the north of the county is a long sandy beach backed by a steep green hill.  The view from the road above over the bay is stunning and quite overwhelming, so is the steep drop to the beach below. Never overly crowded, another beach you may have to yourself and the dog.

7.       Cruit Island

 Cruit Island off the coast of West Donegal near Kincasslagh is a small island measuring roughly 3 miles by one mile. It is well off the beaten track and has a few sandy beaches. There is a golf club nearby, and in great weather the area is fabulous and the beaches are hidden gems.

 Go Visit Donegal

Donegal beaches among the top beaches in the country

Donegal beaches among the top beaches in the country

At a ceremony in Bray, County Wicklow this week (Monday 21st May), 12 of Donegal’s beaches received a Blue Flag, recognising them as among the top beaches in Ireland.

In addition to this, Greencastle Marina retained its blue flag which was achieved for the first time last year.

12 Blue Flags were awarded to beaches at Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (Portnoo), Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill, Portsalon (Magherawarden), Shroove, Culdaff and Downings.

Meanwhile, Ballyheirnan (Fanad), Drumnatinney (Falcarragh), Magheroarty, and Dooey each achieved the Green Coast award again this year. 

Caoimhe (7) and Alannah (5) Culhane marking An Taisce's announcement of the International Blue Flag and Green Coast award recipients for 2018 

The Blue Flag programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.  The 83 Irish beaches and 7 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.

Speaking following the announcement by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry McMonagle said “this achievement represents our profound commitment to complying with the strict standards set by the Blue Flag Programme.  An important part of the programme is about connecting communities with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.  This commitment to an environmentally sustainable approach is also the cornerstone of our strategy for the development of the tourism sector in Donegal”.

Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council said “we are delighted to have received 13 Blue Flags and 4 Green Coast awards for Donegal and this includes a Blue Flag for Greencastle Marina.  We all know that achieving Blue Flag status and indeed a Green Coast award is no easy task, it requires ongoing dedication and commitment from everyone involved and in this regard I would like to pay tribute to the work of my own staff and indeed to the support and commitment of the elected members as well as the co-operation that we get from local communities and voluntary organisations throughout the year.”

 http://beachawards.ie/blue-flag-sites-2018/ 

The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf and Spa Hotel receives second AA Rosette

The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf and Spa Hotel receives second AA Rosette

The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf and Spa Hotel, Donegal celebrates their second AA Rosette Award for The Edge Restaurant, as part of the AA hospitality award scheme’s annual assessment of hotels across the UK and Ireland.

The Rosette scheme has long been established and successfully recognises cooking at different levels nationwide. The success or failure in achieving Rosettes is based on an onsite AA Hospitality inspection to a hotel or restaurant.

Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf and Spa Hotel

 The award also highlights the consistent skills and expertise of a hotel Head Chef’s prowess as well as their care and attention to quality ingredients. The AA Hospitality inspector said: “My visit to The Edge was a pleasure, revealing a fine balance between formality and friendliness.

“For Rosette Awards it is the food that is key; I particularly enjoyed the fact that so much of the menu is based on quality produce from the region, cooked with care and flair.” 

He also commented that “All of the dishes were very accurately cooked, with great fresh flavours. Indeed, it was difficult to choose from the well compiled menu, featuring so much of what is best in the larder that is the North West.”

 

Gordon Smyth, Head Chef of Redcastle Hotel & Spa accepting a second AA Rosette for The Edge Restaurant.

The merit which Head Chef Gordon Smyth has achieved for the hotel highlights the fine dining establishment becoming one of the 49 restaurants across Ireland, which is worthy of two Rosettes.

Gordon Smyth, Head Chef of Redcastle Hotel & Spa stated: “It is an honour to receive a second AA Rosette for The Edge Restaurant. The award reflects the skills and diligence that myself and my team dedicate towards ensuring that every meal is prepared to the highest standard.

“We will continue to follow the golden standard which the AA sets for restaurants across the UK and Ireland and I aim to innovate and invent new dishes in the future, to create a memorable experience for our diners’ visit.”

Clement Gaffney, Harcourt Collection Operations Manager comments: “Harcourt Collection are delighted with The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf and Spa Hotel catering team’s achievement. Gordon has continued to create a level of excellence for the popular restaurant for guests and visitors.

Clement added: “Gordon has set an incredibly high standard in his kitchen to deliver food which is exceptionally prepared, and he has taken consideration in creating The Edge menu, which is open-minded to a range of palates.”

For further information about The Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf and Spa Hotel facilities and accommodation visit www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com