Rossnowlagh

Rossnowlagh is a small seaside resort is situated on the beautiful coast north of Ballyshannon, but has one of Ireland’s, and indeed Europe’s, very best Blue Flag beaches, and it is a surfers paradise! With massive exposure to the Atlantic, and its “Donegal Bay multiplier effect”, Rossnowlagh has immense waves throughout the year, but even more so in winter months when some of the waves can be up to 7 metres (21 ft) in height. And its not just the rollers that bring in the surfing dudes, but the wonderful surroundings, the golden sands, and the easy going Rossnowlagh way of life.

Most parts of Rossnowlagh beach are accessible by car, a curious arrangement which brings great advantage in terms of accessibility, but can go wrong, and sometimes does. Drivers should be aware that there are areas of soft sand where cars can get stuck, and also be aware of incoming tides which can move in rapidly and cover most of the beach.

“‘The Heavenly Cove”, as it is often called’ has stunning views in every direction, spanning from the Slieve League Cliffs across the bay, to Mullaghmore Head just beyond Bundoran. But, of course, it is no small cove, being all of 4km in length, and all of it clean and beautiful , and washed twice daily by the salty Atlantic.

As with many of Ireland’s best beaches, Rossnowlagh has several excellent surfing schools where novices can practice basic skills under the watchful eye of competent tutors, while more accomplished surfers can rent gear to ride the big waves. Prices are very modest, and everything can be rented on site from boards through to wetsuits and booties. We hate lugging around dripping wetsuits, so renting gear us perfectly. It is important that your gear fits you snugly, however, so don’t be afraid to speak up if the gear presented to you is too baggy or, even worse, too tight.

How to get to Rossnowlagh

By bus and car. A bus service from Bundoran to Rossnowlagh is available during the summer season. Alternatively take the N15 south from Donegal, and then the R231 onwards to Rossnowlagh.

Explore more

Rossnowlagh is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Donegal Town and Inver if you are travelling north, and Ballyshannon and Bundoran if you are travelling south.

Where to Stay

Rossnowlagh offers a whole range of accommodation types, from hotels, to guesthouses, self-catering holiday cottages, and B&B;'s.

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Things to do in Rossnowlagh.

1. There are several surf school based in Rossnowlagh, providing enjoyable and safe introductions to the ever growing and exhilarating sport of surfing. Most have shops and changing facilities located right on the shorefront so you literally stroll straight down on to the beach. Enjoy.
2. Visit Wardtown Castle nearby Rossnowlagh. A very imposing and unusual castle which was built in the 1600′s. After the Act of the Settlement 1541, English landlords were given large areas of land in Ireland, and the area around Rossnowlagh was gifted in this way. A local senator, Speaker Connolly bought out some local landlords and owned much of the land from Ballyshannon to Donegal. The roof was removed in the early 1900′s because the rates were too high.
3. Visit the Donegal Historical Society Museum at Rossnowlagh. The museum has a range of artifacts extending from Stone Age to more recent times, including: a Spanish Armada anchor, Famine pots, the rare pipes and fiddle of Tarlach Mc Suibhne, (the Píobaire Mór), the Allingham family Bible, and many rare articles which were found in various parts of the county. Ornamental stone work from Lough Derg, Abbey Assaroe and the Monk’s Head from Catsby near Ballyshannon are also on display. Although really a micro- museum it displays the history of the county from earliest times.