Bundoran

For many generations Bundoran has been catering for family holidays. Indeed, many of its visitors arrive in groups of up to three generations of one family. It is no surprise then that Fáilte Ireland selected Bundoran as one Ireland’s five top “Family Friendly” destinations. Hotels, guesthouses, and B&B’s work hard to provide a particularly warm welcome to families with children. And activity providers in Bundoran, too, encourage family groups and family fun. As well as looking after you and your little princes and princesses, Bundoran offers a whole range of free festivals and adventures across the summer months.

Bundoran, or as it is known in Irish, “Bun Dobhrain”, was actually two separate villages until the turn of the century. The westernmost of the two villages was old Bundoran, and it is now referred to as “The West End”. Over the years it absorbed the old village of “Single Street” and this area is now referred to as “The East End”. In between these two separate communities lay the historic townland of Drumacrin, now Bundoran Town Centre.

Single Street was where the majority of the local native population lived. Across the bridge in what is now the “West End”, was the area favoured by the more affluent classes. With the advances in travel, and in particular the railway, Bundoran’s popularity spread across the class barriers. Visitors could easily travel from to Bundoran from Dublin and even Belfast.  Many of them returned year after year and Bundoran soon emerged as one of Ireland’s most popular seaside resorts. Hotels and lodging houses began to spring up around the town. The Great Northern Hotel, in particular, was constructed by the Great Northern Railway, and it brought great respectability to the town.

Bundoran’s wild Atlantic beaches are world renown for their extraordinary surfing, and are now host to a number of international competitions. They are also home to two ISA approved surf schools. Here less experienced surfers are introduced to the Atlantic swells in the company of experienced surf teachers, while more advanced surfers can hone and perfect their skills out on the big waves.

Bundoran is also an angler's paradise. The local lakes and rivers include the famous Lough Melvin and the Drowes river, where salmon and trout are plentiful. There is also a huge variety of fish to be caught in Donegal Bay.

For the golfer, there is a championship golf course in Bundoran. Those interested in equestrian activities can find plenty to do. Beginners can avail of expert tuition, while the more experienced can ride along the coastline on horse riding trails. There are also plenty of cycling and walking trails to be explored around Bundoran.

How to get to Bundoran

By bus, or car. Bundoran lies on the N15 National Roadway which links Sligo with Donegal. Travelling by car will allow you to explore this beautiful coastline in great detail.

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Bundoran is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Ballyshannon and Rossnowlagh if you are travelling north, and don't miss Mullaghmore, and Raghly Point Harbour, if you are travelling south.

Where to stay in Bundoran

Bundoran has a huge range of great places to stay including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Things to do in Bundoran

1. Bundoran’s “Aqua Adventure Playground”, located on the seafront in Bundoran Co Donegal, is immensely popular with all the family. Enjoy waterslides, themed swimming pools, and a host of water based activities.
2. Take to the water with the Donegal Adventure Centre Surf School. It offers surfing lessons and surf hire for all ages and abilities, as well as accommodation deals and an array of activities to ensure your trip is never forgotten.
3. Surfworld Bundoran is an all-in-one surf shop, surf school, and surf academy. It has been supplying the Irish surf scene since 1990, and provides the ultimate surfing experience! Surfworld Bundoran has daily surf lessons for beginners through to elite and pro levels.