Fintra Beach Donegal -Unique Tips + Safety Warning! [2024]
Fintra Beach Donegal is a beautiful beach located in Killybegs in the south-west of county Donegal.
Ger and I have strolled and swam (despite the freezing cold water!) at many beaches in Ireland but Fintra beach remains one of our favourites.
Fintra Beach is an amazing sandy beach with pristine water. There is a downhill slope to get to the beach which means getting back to your car will be a bit of a climb, but so worth it !
I am going to share all you need to know about this stunning beach including where to park and how to stay safe.
Although this is a Blue Flag beach, with 2 life guards on duty between June and September, it can be dangerous if you go swimming or surfing alone. More on that later!
Affiliate Link Disclosure
The links on this page may be affiliate links, from which I earn a small commission if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA COST to you. Hope you find the information here useful. Thanks!
Here Are Some Amazing Tours You Can Do In Donegal!
About Fintra Beach Donegal
If you are looking for nice beaches in Donegal, Fintra Beach is one of the best.
This Blue Flag Beach is clean, is extremely child friendly as it has a gentle slope into the sea, as well as plenty of rock pools for the older kids to explore
The pristine waters are sheltered from the strong Atlantic winds as it is nestled within the beautiful Fintra Bay.
Having said that, when I went it was pretty windy so dont forget your windbreaker, you know how irish weather is!
1. Location of Fintra Beach
Fintra Beach is located in Fintra Donegal about 3 km from the town of Killybegs in the south-west of county Donegal.
So 2 to 3 mins from Killybegs or 25 mins from Donegal town
I am pretty bad at directions so I need someone to tell me EXACTLY where to go. (I turn around in a circle and promptly lose my bearings, thats how bad my sense of direction is!)
Anyway, if you are like me, you can find the precise location of Fintra Beach on Google Maps.
2. Where To Park
There is a car park right beside the beach making it very accessible for all visitors.
From the car park, there are a few stone steps leading down to the beach. Ok maybe more than a few! Just be prepared to huff and puff a bit back to the carpark after your beach day out 🙂
3. How To Get To The Beach
Getting to Fintra Beach is pretty straightforward.
You can simply follow the signs for the beach from the town of Killybegs along the R263 road heading West.
There are also public transportation options available such as :
- The bus to Killybegs and
- several taxi services in Killybegs
We rented a car as it gave us flexibility and freedom. We recommend DiscoverCars because they had super great reviews and really looked after us!.
4. Staying Safe at Fintra Beach
While Fintra is a beautiful beach with soft sand and clear water, safety should always be a priority.
Fintra is a Blue Flag Beach, meaning there will be lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
It is very important to heed the warnings from the lifeguards and also to stay within the swimming zones in order to stay safe.
For more information about tide times and beach safety check out the Donegal Beaches Website.
Other Tips:
1- It gets windy, so pack layers
2- Rain comes suddenly, pack waterproofs!
3- The water is crystal clear and beautiful!
Things To Do At Fintra Beach Donegal
1. Go For A Stroll
Take a stroll along the long, sheltered beach which extends about 1 km along Fintra Bay. The beautiful golden sand and clear water provide a peaceful atmosphere to relax and embrace the outdoors.
Fintra Beach is an amazing place to explore any time of day or any time of year. Just make sure to wrap up if you’re visiting the beach during the Winter.
The best time to visit the beach is in the morning at sunrise. Fintra Bay Donegal offers spectacular views on clear days but the beach is even more stunning in the morning sun.
2. Go For a Dip
Fintra Beach is one of Donegal’s many Blue Flag Beaches. This makes it perfect for taking a dip into the Atlantic Ocean if you can handle the cold.
As it is a blue flag beach you are guaranteed a clean beach and safety facilities.
Be sure to follow the guidance from the lifeguards and stay safe when entering the water.
Places To Visit Near Fintra Beach Donegal
1. Assaranca Waterfall
Assaranca Waterfall is a picturesque natural wonder located near the town of Ardara just 1km from Maghera Beach. The waterfall cascades down the cliff into a rock pool below.
The natural beauty of this area attracts many visitors. It is easily accessible as it is a short walk from the roadside.
2. Glengesh Pass
This is a beautiful mountain road that winds through the landscape of Donegal. The hills and mountains surrounding the road make driving through Glengesh Pass a surreal experience.
This is one of the best ways to see the rugged landscape of Donegal while making your way through the countryside.
3. Slieve League
Slieve League is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. It is a must-visit location in Donegal. It is located along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the sea, cliffs, and surrounding landscapes. You can either drive to a viewpoint or you could also go for a hike in this area.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
4. Glencolmcille Folk Village
The Glencolmcille Folk Village offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past, it is a living museum that shares the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
The village includes a number of traditional thatch cottages and other historic buildings.
This open-air museum features a collection of traditional thatched cottages and buildings. You can explore the area, and learn about the way of life and the traditions of Ireland from the past.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
5. Narin And Portnoo
Narin and Portnoo are villages close to Maghera Beach. They are coastal villages that offer immaculate beaches and spectacular natural beauty.
Narin Beach is an amazing beach perfect for long walks and chilling out. Portnoo provides views of its beautiful coastline, harbour and world-class golf course.
Narin and Portnoo are great coastal villages to visit while exploring Donegal.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
6. Kilclooney Dolmen
This interesting structure known as the Kilclooney Dolmen is a megalithic tomb located near Ardara.
This ancient monument is thousands of years old and is made up of several large stone slabs that form a chamber.
The fascinating site displays just one aspect of the region’s rich history.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
7. Silver Strand Beach
Silver Strand Beach is another beautiful beach along the coastline of Donegal. This beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach is a great place to relax and unwind.
It is surrounded by cliffs which provide shelter from the wind. This picturesque beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit along Donegal’s coastline.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
8. Maghera Beach And Caves
Maghera Beach, also known as Ardara Beach, is an amazing coastal area in Donegal.
The natural beauty, stunning landscape and interesting cave systems attract many tourists to the area.
It is not safe to swim at Maghera Beach due to dangerous currents and riptides. Also, the caves are only accessible when the tide is out.
The unique and rugged coastal area of Maghera Beach and Caves highlights the beauty of the Atlantic coastline.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
9. The CĂ©ilĂ House Bar
The Ceili House Bar is located in the small town of Ardara close to Maghera Beach and Caves. It is a Traditional Irish Music bar with a great atmosphere and amazing local musicians.
They host sessions each night throughout the summer months starting at 9.30 pm. There are weekend music sessions in the Winter months.
There is also accommodation available at the Ceili House bar. It is a great location to stay in while exploring Donegal if you want to experience rural Ireland and the Atlantic coastline.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
10. Sliabh Liag Distillers – The Ardara Distillery
You can explore the Ardara Distillery and learn all about the art of making Irish whiskey in the beautiful town of Ardara.
Here you can learn about the rich illicit distilling heritage of Donegal along with the most up-to-date methods of creating whiskey.
You get to explore the distillery and also get the opportunity to taste some Maritime Irish Gins and smokey Irish whiskeys.
Where To Stay In Donegal
Luxury: Lough Eske Castle
Description:
Lough Eske Castle is a beautiful 5 Star hotel located just 10 minutes drive from Donegal Town. This hotel provides top-class service and amazing views of Lough Eske and the Bluestack Mountains.
Lough Eske Castle has 3 restaurants to choose from on-site but we would recommend Cedars Restaurant. The steak was amazing!
Amenities:
Spa and indoor swimming pool, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges, free WiFi, 24-hour room service, free parking and valet parking.
Local Attractions:
Price: $259 per night
Value: Mill Park Hotel
Description:
Mill Park Hotel is conveniently located in Donegal Town. There is so much to do in this area from golfing at the Donegal Golf Club to checking out the historical architecture of the town.
It is a great location to explore Donegal from, you can explore the Bluestack Mountains or even go surfing or scuba diving.
Amenities:
Swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, free WiFi, bar and business services.
Local Attractions:
Price: $164 per night
Budget: The Gateway Lodge
Description:
The Gateway Lodge is also located in Donegal Town.
This is the perfect location to start your Donegal adventure as you can easily head west to explore the Slieve League Peninsula or travel North through Letterkenny towards the Inishowen Peninsula.
The town itself also has a lot to offer from beautiful architecture and amazing restaurants to interesting museums and lively pubs.
Amenities:
Free parking, free WiFi and an exceptional breakfast.
Local Attractions:
Price: $99 per night
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
Glamping: Portsalon Luxury Camping
Description:
Portsalon Luxury Camping offers the most amazing views across Ballymastocker Bay. This luxury camping site is located just 2.2 km from Portsalon Beach.
The accommodation offers amazing sea views and modern comforts.
The tents have stylish and comfortable furnishings, creating a luxurious space in the countryside. Visitors can embrace nature while maintaining modern comforts.
You can check out this article for more glamping spots in Donegal.
Also, if you check out Airbnb Fintra Donegal you can find many other amazing places to rent during your Donegal adventure.
Amenities: Kitchen, outdoor fireplace, barbeque facilities and free parking.
Local Attractions:
Price: $120 per night
FAQs About Fintra Beach
If you want to know more about Fintra Beach and other beaches near Donegal, we’ve got you covered! In the following section, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
Can You Swim At Fintra Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Fintra Beach. Activities at Fintra Beach include swimming, kayaking, boating, diving and other land based activities on the beach. As Fintra is a Blue Flag Beach there are lifeguards on duty here at certain times between June and September. It is safe to swim but you must remain cautious.
What Is The Nicest Beach In Donegal?
If you’re wondering what is the nicest beach in Donegal, Downings Beach is definitely one of the best. The beach at Downings is regarded by many as the nicest beach in Donegal. The beach is located right by the village of Downings, overlooking Sheephaven Bay. Downings Beach is popular with windsurfers and walkers alike.
Where Is Fintra Beach?
Fintra Beach is located on the South West Coast of Donegal, approximately 3 km from Killybegs. The beach is nestled within Fintra Bay and is a great location to visit along the Wild Atlantic Way. You can reach Fintra Beach by driving from the town of Killybegs along the R263 road heading West.
How Long Is Fintra Beach?
Fintra Beach is approximately 1 km long. The beach stretches along Fintra Bay and offers spectacular views across the Bay. The beach is sheltered within Fintra Bay providing generally calm and peaceful weather conditions. This makes Fintra Beach a great location to relax by taking a stroll or going for a dip.
Fintra Beach is one of the best beaches in Ireland. Its calm waters and great location make it one of the most popular beaches in Donegal.
Fintra Beach is the perfect place for a beach day in Donegal.
You can continue your adventure from Fintra Beach and check out some other interesting locations such as Sliabh League and Maghera Beach and Caves.
If you want to find out more about what Donegal has to offer you can check out the articles below.
Related Posts
![35 Things To Do In Donegal [Fun & Affordable] 2023](https://anirishrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Things-to-do-in-Donegal-1-768x512.jpg)
