Swim safely in summer
Swimming is popular here and the water quality is good. Beach lifeguards are on duty from June until September, 12:00 to 18:30, so swim between the flags and check the signs on arrival.
Rossnowlagh Beach
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About
A 3km stretch of golden sand on Donegal Bay, Rossnowlagh is one of Ireland's best beginner surf beaches — and one of the few strands you can drive a car onto.
Things to Do
Drive onto the sand
Rossnowlagh is one of very few Donegal beaches where cars can drive onto the sand in restricted locations. There is also a car park beside the beach, though it fills up in summer.
A pint at Smugglers Creek Inn
This long-running pub and restaurant sits on a point overlooking Donegal Bay, good for a pint or a meal by the fire or outside in the sun after a walk on the beach.
Walk the strand
The beach runs about 3.2km of wide golden sand from the Coolmore cliffs to the rocky outcrop at Carrickfad, perfect for a long, flat stroll with big views across Donegal Bay.
Learn to surf
The slow-rising, funnel-shaped bay keeps a constant swell, with 1-4 foot A-frame rollers that are ideal for learning. Rossnowlagh Surf School runs lessons and rents boards and gear from the beach.
A Blue Flag beach
Rossnowlagh has been awarded the Blue Flag award for quality by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, and is renowned as one of Ireland's best surfing beaches.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking: Free car park and street parking at the beach; spaces are limited and busy in summer. Parking is permitted on the beach itself in restricted locations.
- Food: Tea, coffee and food are available at the beach, with nearby Sunny Jim's smoothies, Tickety-Moo ice cream and coffee, The Bakery Shack and the Smugglers Creek Inn for a full meal.
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