Our Top 5 beaches near Black Pig Lodge

There are lots of beaches along our stretch of the Wild Atlantic Coastline, all sandy with dramatic views of the mountainous surrounds. Generally, you will find plenty of free parking and beaches that are never overcrowded. Whether you like to sunbathe, walk, surf, kayak or snorkel, there is a beach for everyone. 

1. Mullaghmore 

This is our go-to beach. A pleasant 30-minute drive from Black Pig Lodge takes you to Mullaghmore. There you will find plenty of free parking for cars and motorhomes alike overlooking the quiet little harbour. The harbour offers an easy sandy spot from which to launch kayaks and paddle boards (which can be hired during summer months). It is great fun hugging the coastline and exploring the kelp forests. There are number of good restaurants and cafes along the harbour front, which I recommend, but if it is swimming you are after then park a little way up from the harbour in the free carpark beyond the sailing club. There you will be met by views of the gorgeous horse-shore sandy bay backed by mountain views. An easy walk down to the beach, pick a spot and jump into the clear waters. It’s a go-to for families too, but I have never seen the beach overcrowded.

2. Trawalua Strand

Just before you reach Mullaghamore you may spot a small area of parking opposite the Cliffoney Celtic football club. Park there, cross the road and go through the gate and along the track until you reach another gate which takes you across a grassy field towards the sand dunes. The path is well-marked. The steep climb up and over the sand dunes is well worth the effort, as you are greeted by a stunning 6.5km long stretch of golden sand. This side of the headland is wilder and therefore much quieter than Mullaghmore so it tends to only attract experienced surfers, walkers and the occasional nude sunbather. You will spot Castle Classiebawn on the headland, the former holiday home of Lord Mountbatten.

3. Streedagh Beach

Head just a little further south along the coastline and you will find Streedagh Beach. The beach is an impressive 3km long sandy beach at the northwestern shore of a sandbar linking Streedagh Point to an area known as Connor’s Island. The beach is exposed and can get windy, and so offers ideal surfing conditions all year round. That said, it is usually easy to find some shelter among the sand dunes. The beach has impressive views towards Benbulben, the famous County Sligo table-top mountain. Streedagh is a quiet beach with a large sandy parking area, some portaloos, and a Mr Whippy van if you’re lucky. 

4. Rowsnowlagh Blue Flag Beach

Let’s head north now into County Donegal. Rossnowlagh Beach is again just a 30-minute drive from Black Pig Lodge and is renowned as one of Ireland’s best surfing beaches. The beach sits in Donegal Bay, and the funnel shape of the Bay means large waves roll into Rossnowlagh, reaching up to 7 metres in winter. The beach is popular and attracts kite surfers, wind surfers and swimmers alike. The beach is a 3km stretch of golden sand and has the benefit of on-beach parking for easy unloading of surfing equipment. There are several cafes and restaurants adjacent to the beach, including the Sandhouse Hotel with its ‘surfers’ bar’. 

5. Fintra Blue Flag Beach

About one hour from Black Pig Lodge is Fintra Beach. Although a little further than the other beaches, we often intersperse the drive with stop offs at Donegal Town and Killybegs Harbour, a busy Donegal fishing port. Fintra beach is a wide, rural beach set amongst stunning scenery just 3km from Killybegs. It is approached by a steep road down to a small free carpark (which can fill up in peak holiday season) and portaloos. I love this beach for swimming and snorkelling as the rock formations at mid tide offer lots of interesting places to explore. It is also a great spot from which to launch a kayak. We take a picnic and make a day of it, with maybe a stop-off in Killybegs for fish and chips or Donegal Town for tea and cake on our way home.