Ireland's largest sea arch — a 20-metre rock giant on the Fanad Peninsula, carved by the Atlantic over millennia and now reachable via a purpose-built trail.
The main event: a towering quartzite arch detached from the mainland, rising 20 metres above the waves. View it from the rocky beach below or the low cliff above — both perspectives are dramatic, especially when the Atlantic swell surges through the opening.
A 500-metre gravel path, opened in 2022, leads from the road down to the shore. From the free car park, it's a 10–20 minute walk along a quiet road then down a steep gravel track. Benches along the way offer rest stops and sea views. Sturdy shoes are essential — the path is steep and can be slippery.
At low tide, you can scramble among the rocks to discover sea caves tucked into the cliffs right beside the arch, plus shallow pools teeming with marine life. The rocky shoreline also reveals small paddles and sculpted stones.
A dream subject for photographers: the grey quartzite arch against bright Atlantic water, with lush green headland behind. Dawn and dusk light is particularly rewarding. The arch is also a strong location for astrophotography under Donegal's dark skies.
Just 2.3 km from the arch, this iconic lighthouse sits on a rugged headland and is one of Donegal's signature sights. Combine both for a memorable half-day on the Fanad Peninsula.
The stony shoreline around the arch is rich with smooth pebbles, sea glass turned to stone-like shapes, and other tidal treasures. A small wild rocky beach awaits if you walk a little further across the field.
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