The Inishowen Peninsula is blessed with some of Ireland's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. Stretching between Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, this rugged coastline offers everything from wild Atlantic surf spots to sheltered family-friendly bays.
Several Inishowen beaches hold Blue Flag status for water quality and facilities, while others are Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points — officially recognised for their outstanding natural beauty. Whether you're looking for swimming, surfing, walking, or simply stunning scenery, there's a beach here for you.
The Best Beaches in Inishowen
Five Finger Strand
The headline attraction — Five Finger Strand is home to what are believed to be the highest sand dunes in Europe, towering over 30 metres above the beach. These remarkable dunes are around 5,000 years old, held together by tough marram grass that thrives as wind blows sand onto it.
The beach takes its name from the dramatic sea stacks on its northern side, which rise from the water like giant fingers. The contrast of golden sand, turquoise water, and these rocky formations makes this one of Ireland's most photographed beaches.
Location: 6km north of Malin village Best for: Walking, photography, birdwatching Swimming: Not recommended due to strong currents Facilities: Limited — bring supplies
Tip: The best views are from the Knockamany Bends viewpoint above the beach. Stop here first for photos before descending to the strand.
Nearby: Wild Alpaca Way offers walks with alpacas overlooking the beach. St. Mary's Church (1784), one of Ireland's oldest Catholic churches still in use, sits just behind the dunes.
Culdaff Beach
Blue Flag | Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point
Culdaff is often called the best family beach in Inishowen — and it's easy to see why. This long sandy stretch on the northeast coast offers shallow waters, soft white sand, and plenty of space for children to play safely.
The beach actually comprises two sections — Big Beach and Small Beach — separated by the headlands of Black Rock and Lady's Rock. Both look northeast towards the Scottish islands on clear days.
Location: Culdaff village, northeast Inishowen Best for: Families, swimming, picnics Swimming: Excellent — sheltered, shallow waters Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, nearby village amenities Lifeguards: Seasonal (summer months)
Nearby beaches: Five Finger Strand (15 min), Kinnagoe Bay (20 min), Pollan Bay (20 min)
Pollan Bay (Ballyliffin)
Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point
Just outside Ballyliffin village, Pollan Bay is a golden strand with spectacular views of Malin Head and Glashedy Island. The beach catches good Atlantic swells, making it one of the best surf spots in Donegal.
The setting is dramatic — on a clear day, you can see Ireland's most northerly point from the sand. The beach faces west, making it ideal for sunset watching.
Location: Adjacent to Ballyliffin village Best for: Surfing, walking, sunset views Swimming: Good, but check conditions — can have currents Facilities: The Coffee Barn in the car park serves hot drinks and snacks
Tip: Ballyliffin is home to two championship golf courses if you want to combine beach time with a round.
Stroove Beach
Blue Flag | Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point
Stroove (also spelled Shroove) sits at the far eastern tip of the peninsula, sheltered from prevailing Atlantic winds and overlooked by a lighthouse built in 1837. Known locally as "Big White Bay," this compact beach — around 100 metres long — is a popular swimming spot.
The sheltered aspect means calmer waters than the west-facing beaches, making it excellent for swimming and families.
Location: Eastern tip of Inishowen, near Greencastle Best for: Swimming, walking, lighthouse views Swimming: Excellent — sheltered and lifeguard protected in summer Facilities: Good — toilets, parking Lifeguards: Daily from late June to late August
Walking: The Inishowen Head Loop starts from Stroove car park — an 8.3km trail taking 2-3 hours through stunning coastal scenery.
Kinnagoe Bay
Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point
A hidden gem that many consider their favourite Donegal beach. This secluded bay is beautifully rugged, exposed to Atlantic waves, and steeped in history.
At high tide, the strand splits into two sections divided by a rocky headland. The beach is the final resting place of La Trinidad Valencera, a Spanish Armada ship that ran aground here in 1588. A small plaque commemorates the wreck.
Location: Northeast coast, between Culdaff and Greencastle Best for: Scenery, history, photography Swimming: Check conditions — exposed to Atlantic swells Facilities: Limited
Tullagh Bay
A beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach just 3km northwest of Clonmany village. Tullagh Bay offers a more secluded feel than some of the busier strands, with dramatic cliffs framing the golden sand.
Location: 3km from Clonmany Best for: Walking, escaping crowds Swimming: Good in calm conditions
Lisfannon Beach
On the Lough Swilly side of the peninsula, Lisfannon is a long sandy beach popular with families from Buncrana and the surrounding area. The gentle slope and calm waters make it suitable for children.
Location: Between Buncrana and Fahan Best for: Families, watersports Swimming: Good — gentler waters than Atlantic-facing beaches
Kinnego Bay
A small, secluded cove on Inch Island (connected to the mainland by causeway). Kinnego Bay offers calm waters and fine views across Lough Swilly to Rathmullan.
Location: Inch Island, off the main peninsula Best for: Quiet escapes, calm swimming
Beach Safety
Swimming
- Blue Flag beaches (Culdaff, Stroove) have the best facilities and water quality testing
- Check for lifeguard coverage — seasonal at most beaches (June-August)
- Atlantic-facing beaches can have strong currents and undertow
- Five Finger Strand is not recommended for swimming
Weather
Conditions change quickly on exposed Atlantic beaches. Always:
- Check weather forecasts before visiting
- Be aware of incoming tides
- Bring layers — it's often windy
Tides
Some beaches are significantly affected by tides. Culdaff and Kinnagoe Bay, for example, change character dramatically between low and high tide. Check tide times if you're planning a long walk.
Best Beaches By Activity
For Families
- Culdaff Beach — Blue Flag, shallow waters, facilities
- Stroove Beach — Sheltered, lifeguards in summer
- Lisfannon Beach — Gentle waters, easy access
For Surfing
- Pollan Bay — Consistent swells, surf-friendly
- Tullagh Bay — Good breaks in right conditions
For Walking
- Five Finger Strand — Dramatic dunes, unique landscape
- Culdaff Beach — Long stretch of sand
- Stroove Beach — Start point for Inishowen Head Loop
For Photography
- Five Finger Strand — Sea stacks, towering dunes
- Kinnagoe Bay — Rugged beauty, historical interest
- Pollan Bay — Malin Head views, sunsets
For Escaping Crowds
- Kinnagoe Bay — Secluded, off the beaten path
- Tullagh Bay — Quieter than main beaches
- Kinnego Bay — Tucked away on Inch Island
Blue Flag Beaches 2025
Donegal holds 14 Blue Flag awards in 2025 — joint highest in Ireland alongside Kerry. Inishowen's Blue Flag beaches are:
- Culdaff Beach
- Stroove Beach
Blue Flag status means the beaches meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and facilities.
Getting Around
Inishowen's beaches are spread across the peninsula. Having a car is essential — there's no public transport to most beaches.
Approximate driving times from Buncrana:
- Lisfannon: 5 minutes
- Pollan Bay: 25 minutes
- Stroove: 30 minutes
- Culdaff: 35 minutes
- Five Finger Strand: 45 minutes
- Kinnagoe Bay: 35 minutes
Consider combining beach visits with the Inishowen 100 scenic driving route, which passes many of the best beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach in Inishowen?
It depends what you're looking for. Culdaff is best for families, Five Finger Strand for dramatic scenery, and Pollan Bay for surfing. Most visitors try to see several beaches as each has its own character.
Are Inishowen beaches safe for swimming?
The Blue Flag beaches (Culdaff and Stroove) are excellent for swimming with good facilities and seasonal lifeguards. Other beaches vary — always check conditions and be aware that Atlantic beaches can have strong currents.
Can you swim at Five Finger Strand?
Swimming is not recommended at Five Finger Strand due to dangerous currents. It's best enjoyed for walking, photography, and appreciating the remarkable sand dunes.
Which beaches have facilities?
Culdaff and Stroove have the best facilities including toilets and parking. Pollan Bay has the Coffee Barn café. Other beaches have limited or no facilities — bring supplies.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and lifeguard coverage at Blue Flag beaches. However, Inishowen beaches are beautiful year-round, and autumn can be excellent for quieter visits and dramatic skies.
Explore more of the peninsula with our guides to Malin Head, Things to Do in Inishowen, and the Inishowen 100 driving route.