Rossnowlagh Beach: Donegal's Surfing Paradise
Experience the golden sands and thrilling waves of Rossnowlagh Beach, a Blue Flag paradise on Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way.
Rossnowlagh Beach, or 'Ros Neamlach' (heavenly headland) in Irish, is a stunning 3.2km stretch of golden sand in County Donegal, renowned as one of Ireland's top surfing destinations. With its Blue Flag status, it's a popular spot for swimming, walking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of Donegal Bay.
A brief summary to Rossnowlagh Beach
- 11, Rossnowlagh, The Dunes, Co. Donegal, F94 X7X3, IE
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Check the tide times before driving onto the beach to avoid getting stuck.
- Rossnowlagh is known for surfing; consider taking a lesson from one of the local surf schools.
- Visit the Franciscan Friary near the beach to explore the Donegal Historical Society Museum.
- Be aware that the beach can get crowded during summer weekends.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Donegal Town, take the Local Link Donegal bus route 292 directly to Rossnowlagh. The bus departs approximately every four hours, and the journey takes about 25 minutes. A single fare costs around €4.
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Driving
From Donegal Town, follow the N15 south and then turn onto the R231 to Rossnowlagh. The drive is approximately 8 kilometers and takes about 15-20 minutes. Parking is available on the beach and in a car park near the Sandhouse Hotel. Be mindful of the tide and soft sand if parking on the beach. Parking is free.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Donegal Town. A taxi to Rossnowlagh will take approximately 15 minutes and cost between €30-€40.
Discover more about Rossnowlagh Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Donegal Corridor
7.0 km
Explore the scenic Donegal Corridor near Ballyshannon, where Irish neutrality secretly aided the Allies during World War II.
Donegal Harbour
8.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich maritime heritage of Donegal Harbour, a serene retreat along Ireland's stunning coastline.
Roe Hugh O’Donnell Commemorative
11.8 km
Discover Donegal's rich heritage at the Roe Hugh O’Donnell Commemorative, a stunning sculpture by the harbor, steeped in history and culture.
Donegal Bay Charters
11.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Donegal Bay with Donegal Bay Charters - an unforgettable adventure awaits in Ireland's stunning North Atlantic.
Donegal Town Tourist Information Centre
12.0 km
Explore County Donegal from the heart of Donegal Town with expert guidance at the Tourist Information Centre.
Donegal Town Walking Tours
12.2 km
Experience the charm of Donegal Town with engaging walking tours that uncover its rich history and vibrant culture, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
McSwyne's Castle
12.4 km
Experience the historic allure of McSwyne's Castle, a stunning 16th-century stronghold set against the magnificent landscapes of County Donegal.
The Little Cells
16.8 km
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Lough Eske Castle
17.0 km
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Famine Pot
17.4 km
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Lough Eske
18.8 km
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Creevykeel Court Tomb
19.7 km
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Secret Waterfall
20.4 km
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Largy Viewpoint
20.6 km
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Eagle's Rock
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Rossnowlagh Beach
1.0 km
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Rossnowlagh lower
1.1 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and stunning landscapes of Rossnowlagh Lower, Co. Donegal – a perfect retreat for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.
Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Murvagh Beach
5.8 km
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Rory Gallagher Statue
6.9 km
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Rory Gallagher Mural
7.1 km
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Campview Farm
7.3 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Mountcharles Pier
7.6 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Point (Mountcharles Pier)
7.6 km
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Salthill Gardens
7.8 km
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Tullan Strand
8.6 km
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Rougey Cliff Walk
8.7 km
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Fairy Bridges
8.8 km
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Bundoran Beach
9.7 km
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Warren Beach Car Park
9.8 km
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Bundoran Adventure Park Ltd
9.8 km
Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and stunning sea views at Bundoran Adventure Park, the jewel of Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way.
Essential places to dine
Smugglers Creek Inn
1.6 km
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The Gaslight Restaurant and Gaslight Holiday Apartments
1.7 km
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Pier Restaurant @ The Creevy Pier Hotel
4.5 km
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Shannons Corner Restaurant
6.6 km
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The Salmon Inn
7.2 km
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THE RAMBLING HOUSE BAR & RESTAURANT
10.3 km
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The Foxs Lair
10.4 km
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Proper Street Food
11.9 km
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Bonnyglen Bar & Guesthouse
11.9 km
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Quay West Restaurant Donegal Town
12.0 km
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Doms Pier 1
12.1 km
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The Harbour Restaurant & Bar
12.1 km
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Four Lanterns Restaurant
12.1 km
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The Selkie
12.1 km
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Chapmans Restaurant
12.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Finnegans Shop & Post Office
2.0 km
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Reynolds Trading
4.3 km
Experience the fusion of modern needs and traditional charm at Reynolds Trading in Ballyshannon, Ireland's oldest town.
SAMI SWOI
9.8 km
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The Wishing Chair
9.9 km
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The Irish Gift Shop
10.0 km
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Strands Home & Gifts
10.2 km
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Donegal Craft Village
10.9 km
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Verve Boutique
11.1 km
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Get That Trend
11.1 km
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Gilmartin's Craft Shop
12.0 km
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Rooney's Gift Store
12.1 km
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Floyd's MACE Dunkineely
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The Donegal Shop & Irish craft Shop
12.1 km
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Cyndi Graham Handweaving studio
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Edge Clothing Donegal Town
12.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Max Bar
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Finn McCool's pub
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Melly's Bar
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The Kicking Donkey & Georges Bar
10.1 km
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MillTown Bar And Petrol Station
10.4 km
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The Bird's Nest Bar
10.5 km
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The Bank Bar
12.2 km
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Mac's Bar
12.2 km
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McCafferty's Bar, Donegal Town
12.2 km
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McIntyre's Bar
12.2 km
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Mac Laughlins Bar
12.2 km
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The Reveller Bar
12.2 km
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Bluestack Bar
12.3 km
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The Reel Inn
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The Forge
12.3 km
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