Rathmullan

Located on the shore of beautiful Lough Swilly, the village of Rathmullan is well known for it’s delightfully unspoiled, three kilometer long, sandy beach. Here in the protected waters of the Lough you can swim, sail, canoe, or windsurf  without any of the swell or currents which you find on the Atlantic coast further north. And, of course, reduced swell brings faster sailing and a more pleasant ride. Yes, Rathmullan is the perfect holiday retreat for the whole family, and now, with the awarding of its “Green Coast Beach Designation”, its excellence has at last been recognized. Whether you are into building sandcastles, or chartering a small fishing boat, Rathmullan can oblige. On the small pontoon next to the ferry ramp, a number of deep-sea angling boats await visitors who wish to explore the further parts of the Lough, or try their luck fishing its waters.

Rathmullan is, of course, a ferry town, and the stunning car-ferry journey from Rathmullan to Buncrana is absolutely delightful. Those 30 minutes out on the still dark waters of the Lough are a treasure as you leave the town behind, and route northwards towards the colour of Buncrana. Mountains and hills slip behind you, and headlands come and go, as the compact diesel powered ferry chugs its way sedately to Buncrana. A magical trip!

The village of Rathmullan was very famously the point of departure of “The Flight of the Earls”, a heartbreaking exile, and a great loss to Ireland in terms of political leadership. In September 1607 a French ship sailed from the town, carrying much of the Irish leadership into exile . On board were Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O’Donnell, Earl of Tyrconnell, together with more than ninety of their family and followers. The ship was bound for Spain, but fierce storms forced them to disembark in France in early October. Thereafter they made their way to Rome, where they remained in voluntary exile, and where O’Neill died in 1616.

But in spite of the tumult of days gone by, Rathmullan is now a tranquil, almost sleepy, village where locals and visitors watch the sunrise over Lough Swilly in the morning, and take strolls along the beach at twilight.

How to get to Rathmullan

By car. Follow the R245 and R247 from Letterkenny to Rathmullan.

Where to stay near Rathmullan

Rathmullan has lots of good places to stay nearby including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Rathmullan is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Ramelton and Letterkenny if you are travelling east, and Portsalon and Fanad Head if you are travelling west.

Things to do in Rathmullan

1. Learn to sail with the Rathmullan Sailing School. Take advantage of Rathmullan’s calm protected waters to learn to sail, or to improve your sailing skills. Enjoy.
2. Spend a great day on the water with Rathmullan Charters. Over 30 species of sea fish are available in the Lough Swilly area. General fishing produces good catches of pollock, coalfish, cod, haddock, whiting and thornback ray. Lough Swilly is famous for the hard fighting tope which run the lough from May and average 30-40 lbs. Many 1st and 2nd world war wrecks lie just offshore from Rathmullan the nearest being the “Laurentic” in 120ft of water. Pollock, ling, coalfish and congar are plentiful here with a real chance of specimen sized fish. Blue shark appear in good numbers around the end of August and provide exciting sport.
3. Near at hand pleasant walks and drives can be had to Kinnegar Strand, Mill Bay, Lamb's Head Bay and Scraggy bay in the North, and Cul Bay, Rathmullan Woods and Ray Bridge in the South.