Rossnowlagh and Bundoran, Co. Donegal |
Rossnowlagh is on the main road to Ballyshannon/Ballintra, about a quarter of a mile from the south end of Rossnowlagh beach just 5 miles west of Ballyshannon and is a very small coastal village.
There is also a full time, year round shop there as well as post office and church Bundoran is located 5 miles in the other direction from Ballyshannon and is larger typical seaside town. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS |
Rossnowlagh beach is beautiful, approximately 2 miles long with firm smooth sand. The beach is ideal for kite buggying. An onshore wind is a westerly wind and it is quiet common. The beach is accessible to cars and can get quite crowded so watch out for sunbathers, pedestrians and vehicles. However, during the summer a section of the beach is cordoned off. Also to note is that the tide comes in quite far and once it reaches a certain point comes in quite quickly.
Around the headland, is the Manor House beach which is quieter and not accessible to cars. Access is through the Manor House caravan park. You can park your car in the Manor House car park.
Tallon Strand, is one of the main beaches in Bundoran and is home to many sporting activities. It has a car park but access to the beach is by walking down a steep hill. The beach is also long but has softer sand and can be very wet in parts but probably dries out in the summer. It has great sand dunes which are also used by the military base during their firing practices! The beach has fewer walkers and little or no kite flyers. |
Duncannon Beach |
Duncannon Beach with car |
BloKart |
Kiting both on land and water is a relatively new sight in Rossnowlagh and Bundoran but it is growing in popularity. We met some locals who were buggying using a viper while others were kiting and using a mountain board. Obviously like all beaches that are accessible to cars kiters and especially those in buggys have a responsibility to be careful particularly when they have a full run of the beach.
Surfing in these to two beaches is extremely popular and they have hosted the world championships in the past. The waves are ideal. Jet Skiing is also common particularly in Rossnowlagh where there congregate towards the end of beach.
For the less energetic, there is a lovely coastal walk with great scenery from Tallon Strand through to Bundoran town. There are also amusement arcades and waterworld.
However, for kiters the usual onshore wind guarantees a good day flying and particularly for those on buggys, the seaweed and stone free yet firm sand ensures you have the full run of the beach. Thankfully, cars have no direct access onto the beach so the only obstacle faced is the group of keen onlookers who always manage to stand too close!
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In Rossnowlagh there are a number of B&Bs, Camp Sites and Hotels.
Smugglers Creek (071 9852366) and Ardnamara (071 9851141) are located on the cliff overlooking the beach and are open year round.
Smugglers has an excellent restaurant also. The Manor House, (071 9858996) is a caravan park is also a B&B with bar and restaurant but is only open during the summer months.
There is also the Sands House Hotel which is directly on the beach. There is only one local shop in the village which is only open during the summer season! So obviously there is no ATM machine either. The closest hostel is in Ballyshannon but does not come recommended. Ballyshannon also offers B&B accommodation.
There is some self catering accommodation which is heavily booked in summer but can be had at reasonable rates during low season. (Phil O'Donnell 071 9851434)
In Bundoran, there are a number of B+B’s, self catering apartments and hotels on offer. We stayed in the Homefield Hostel which was reasonably priced and provided breakfast as well. Cooking facilities in the hostel were limited though. The hostel is walking distance from the main street in the town. The hostel will undergo major renovations at the end of the season 2003, at present there are no storage facilities for equipment. |
In Rossnowlagh, the pub and nightlife is restricted to the Surfers bar which is attached to the hotel but is only open in the summer. The alternative is to drink in the Sands House Hotel itself. Overlooking the beach is the Smugglers Creek bar and restaurant which is very popular so making a reservation is advisable. The Manor House Caravan Park complex also has a bar and restaurant and is just outside Rossnowlagh.
Ballyshannon is the closest town for more nightlife. We recommend Dicey Rileys which has an old world charm about it but an excellent DJ. There is also Finn McCoulls which is tiny but very welcoming and serves cheap beer.
In Bundoran, there are a number of pubs and clubs which attract many of the tourists. We headed to The Bridge bar (located yards from the tourist office), which is where the locals and surfers go and where you will find traditional music playing.
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