Please help the next visitor by writing a few lines about the beach, are there toilets? Is it shallow? Is there a jetty or maybe a kiosk?
Beaches close to Ballyhiernan, Fanad
Portsalon Beach is a sandy beach situated along the Swilly Estuary, bounded by Knockalla headland to the south and flat land to the north. The tidal phase exposes the rocks at times during the day. It is a vital habitat for numerous seabirds and wildfowl, and the nearby Horn Head to Fanad Head SPA is of high conservation value due to its unspoilt coastal habitats and wide range of plant and animal species. The catchment area is perfect for bird watching and ecological activities. Visitors can enjoy water-based activities like swimming, surfing, and wind surfing, as well as land-based activities like football and kite flying. The 0.588 km2 designated bathing area is approximately 3060 meters long, with water depth gradually increasing from 1 meter within 2 meters off the shore.
Downings beach is a sandy beach located in Sheephaven Bay, bounded by Downings pier to the west and Maslack headland to the south. At low tide, a sea cave in the Maslack headland is exposed. The surrounding Peninsula boasts diverse coastal habitats, including high rock cliffs, offshore islands, sand dunes, salt marshes, a large intertidal bay, and rocky shingle and sandy beaches, which support various wildlife and vegetation. The beach offers a range of activities such as swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, surfing, power boating, jet skiing (outside the designated area), diving, and other land-based activities. The designated bathing area covers an area of approximately 0.273km2, with a water line of approximately 687m. The beach slopes very gently, with the water depth reaching 1m about 50m away from the water line.
Marble Hill beach has a sandy coastline with two rock formations towards the east, visible during certain tidal phases. Its sand dunes support an array of plant species and the beach is home to various wildlife, making it a significant part of the Sheephaven SAC. Aside from land-based activities like football and kite flying, water activities such as swimming, kayaking, boating and windsurfing can be enjoyed in its designated 0.4415km2 bathing area. The water depth increases gradually from 2 meters off the shore to greater than 2 meters along the sloping shoreline.
Portnablagh beach is a small sandy beach in Ireland, confined by Portnablagh pier and a headland. It supports wildlife including birds and shellfish, making it a part of a Special Protection Area under the E.U. Birds Directive. Due to rare species, it holds special conservation interest. The beach offers various activities like swimming, kayaking, boating, windsurfing, sailing, surfing, power boating, jet skiing, diving and land-based activities. It is located beside a small working pier and slipway, however, the water off the beach gets deep quickly, with depth reaching 1m around 10m from the water line, and continuing further out in a deep slope.
Killahoey beach is a diverse coastal site comprising of sandy beaches, mud flats, sand flats, dunes and a brackish lake. It is a proposed NHA and part of a SAC, supporting various wildlife species. The bathing area is around 0.6707km2 and 1570m in length. Water depth gradually increases from 2 meters off-shore to greater than 2 meters with the shoreline slope. Activities include swimming, kayaking, boating, windsurfing, football, horse riding, kite flying, etc.
Lady's Bay beach is a sandy stretch located in Lough Swilly, with Buncrana pier and a rocky outcrop serving as its boundaries. It's part of a group of beaches on the West of Inishowen, and boasts a diverse range of plant and wildlife species, such as otters, Mallard, Lady's fern and wood sage. It's also included in The Lough Swilly SAC, which is critically important for conservation and contains four habitats listed on Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. Visitors can participate in water-based activities such as swimming, boating, power boating, and jet skiing, as well as beach activities. The designated bathing area is roughly 0.02633 km² and extends about 550m. The beach has a medium gradient leading to a medium slope, gradually getting deeper until it reaches the channel.
Rathmullan beach, located in Lough Swilly, offers a sandy stretch extending from Rathmullan pier in the South up to the Glebe outcrop in the North. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and wildlife, including otters. A visit to the Rathmullan Wood Nature Reserve offers an opportunity to explore various tree species. The beach offers a range of activities, such as swimming, kayaking, boating, sailing, power boating, diving, and other land-based activities. The designated swimming area spans roughly 0.142km2, with the waterline extending along 1380m. The beach's steep gradient leads to a water depth of about 1m approximately 10m from the water line.
Lisfannon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located along the Swilly Estuary that offers shallow water and intertidal sand and mud flats. These habitats are home to many different plant and animal species, including otters, and are quite valuable for conservation purposes. Visitors to Lisfannon Beach can enjoy various activities, such as swimming, surfing, football, or kite flying. The bathing area is a designated spot that covers approximately 0.6217 km2, and the water depth gradually increases from 0.5 meters within 2 meters off the shore. Overall, Lisfannon Beach is a lovely destination that offers natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
Drumnatinny beach is a north-facing sandy stretch, with Ballyness Bay to the West and Crockagarran and headlands to the East. The dunes here have several plant species and the beach has a variety of bird and animal life. Low tides expose expansive mud and sand flats in Ballyness Bay. Popular activities include swimming, kayaking, surfing, and power boating. The beach has a designated bathing area of approximately 1.317km2, sloping evenly to a depth of 1m about 10m from the water line.
Magheraroarty is a rural area situated on the North Coast of Donegal, around 9 km away from Falcarragh town. The beach in Magheraroarty is a long sandy one, located on a strip of land with the Atlantic Ocean and Ballyness Bay on either side and Inishbofin island to the North. As it is west facing, the beach receives a strong wash of water from the rough sea, and the coastline is lined with shifting dunes, vegetated by Marram Grass. Additionally, the fixed dunes in the Magheraroarty dune ecosystem contain humid dune slacks.
