Local area info

bundoran surf co

Bundoran

Bundoran is situated on the south shore of Donegal Bay. The town is widely regarded as the surf capital of Ireland. It has become famous all over the world for the quality of its waves, and has hosted a number of international surfing competitions.The town offers many quality reef breaks for more experienced surfers, as well as a number of good beach breaks that are ideally suited to novice and intermediate surfers.The area around Bundoran has many natural and built features to keep you occupied during flat spells. There are great rivers and lakes for fishing, as well as hills for walking and exploring. The built heritage of the area is also outstanding, with archaeology, castles and national parks to explore. Scroll down for information on where to visit in the local area.Click the links below to view or download our handy guide to local surf spots.

There is plenty to choose from, for all ages

What to do

Cineplex – 6 screens – in the retail park. 071-9829999

Macs amusements – 10 pin bowling and the latest in video games. 071-9842111.

Dizzy’s Den – children’s indoor play centre. In the retail park. 071-9833668.

Bundoran Adventure Park – open Easter to June weekends and daily July and August. Outdoor fairground with rides, go carts, adventure golf course. 071-9829963.

Bundoran Golf Course – 18 holes link course. At the Great Northern hotel.  071-9841302.

Waterworld – indoor aqua park for all the family. 071-9841172.

Bundoran Seaweed Baths – perfect for relaxing and de-stressing. 071-9841173.

Leisure Centres – there are 2 leisure centres in town, both of which are open to non-residents for a fee. Both have pool, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi and gyms.Holyrood Hotel 071-9841232Great Northern Hotel 071-9841204.

Horse Riding – Donegal Equestrian Holidays offers beach and mountain rides, as well  as kids pony camps and longer trail rides. 071-9841977.

Fishing – excellent angling on Rivers Duff and Drowes and Lough Melvin. Info from Carty’s Land and Sea sports, West End, Bundoran.

Sea Angling – Bundoran Star offers daily sea angling trips from the boat quay daily in season. Even if you don’t catch much it’s a great way to see the coast and Inishmurray Island. 087-4198323.Good angling off the cliffs at Rougey and in the estuary at the end of Tullan Strand.

Pitch n’ Putt – Dinglei Coush at the Sligo end of town. 18 holes Par 3. Also Crazy Mini Golf. Weekends from Easter and daily July to Sept. 086-3345575.

Kayaking, sailing and windsurfing – all available at the Lakeside Centre in Ballyshannon (4 miles). 071-9852822.

What to do in the Northwest area. The following are some ideas for trips you could take in the NW area  from Sligo to Letterkenny.

Glenveagh National Park. 1.5 hours from Bundoran. A must see. Castle, gardens, mountains, red deer herd, golden eagles. Steeped in history. 074-9137090.

Sliabh League Cliffs. The highest sea cliffs in Europe. 1.5 hours from Bundoran on the far side of the bay. Great walking on a clear day. Don’t leave too late – needs time.

Donegal Bay Waterbus. Donegal Town. 20 mins from Bundoran. Take a cruise along the shores of Donegal Town.074-9723666.

Donegal Castle, Donegal Town. Restored 15th century home of the O’Donnells. Guided tours. 074-9722405.

Donegal Craft Village.  Great selection of artists, using mediums such as wood, glass, stone,  weaving, jewellery. Good coffee shop. 074-9722225.

An Grianan of Aileach. Largest megalithic sun fort in Ireland. On the road toDerry. Definitley worth a stop if you are in Letterkenny or Derry.

Marble Arch Caves. Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh. Great trips through a Unesco designated Geopark. 0044-2866348855. 45 mins from Bundoran.

Lough Key Forest Park. Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Loads of activities for families including Tree Canopy Walk, Boda Borg Adventure house, and outdoor kids Adventure Play kingdom. 071-9673122.1.15 hours from Bundoran. On the main Sligo to Dublin road.

Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery. Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo. Tie this in with a trip to Lough Key – it’s just a few miles off the main Sligo to Dublin road. Follow the signs. Road is in poor condition.  45 mins from Bundoran. Worth the detour

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. Sligo. Largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland. Monuments dating back 6,500 years. Guided tours and self guiding available. 071-9161534.

Lisadell House and Gardens. Sligo. Closely associated with Irish history and literature. Lovely walks in the area also and tea rooms. 25 mins from Bundoran. 071-9163150. Check status of public access before visiting.

Parkes Castle. Co. Leitrim (close to Sligo on Lough Gill). 30 mins from Bundoran. Restored 17th century castle. 071-9164149.

Large Shopping Towns. Choices are Sligo (30 mins), Letterkenny (1 hour), Enniskillen (45 mins) and Derry (1.5 hours).