Top 5 Beachfront Hotels In County Donegal, Ireland - Updated 2024

Melanie
Melanie 
Updated
| 3 min read

Donegal is a county that is rich in history. Two of its known landmarks - Donegal Abbey and Donegal Castle - were built by a Celtic chieftain. The latter was built sometime in the 15th century and then rebuilt in the 16th century following the Jacobean style after it was razed. Of course, a visit to an Irish region would not be complete without a trip to pubs, and The Forge and Olde Castle Bar & Red Hugh’s Restaurant are two that are worth visiting in the area. If you want to admire the county while sailing on the water, you can go on a boat tour of the harbor. If, however, you prefer to stay on the shore, there are various lovely beaches that you can visit. Better yet, scroll down for the best beachfront hotels in County Donegal, Ireland, for comfortable accommodation close to the water.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

1. The Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran (from USD 156)

The Great Northern Hotel, which sits in a parkland and provides guests with views of Donegal Bay, offers a golf course and a leisure club for guests’ recreation.

Water-based activities that you can enjoy on the nearby beach, which is just a five-minute walk away, include diving, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing, surfing, and windsurfing. Off the water, you can go horseback riding or enjoy golf, tennis, or bowling. You may also head to the leisure club, where you can find amenities such as a gym, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a steam room.

Stayed at this property?

The Great Northern Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Sea Road

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre

2. Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh (from USD 224)

Located in Rossnowlagh, Sandhouse Hotel provides you with beautiful views of Blue Flag Rossnowlagh Beach on Donegal Bay, where you can go deep-sea fishing or surfing. The Glasshouse Restaurant, the on-site dining option, offers local cuisine for lunch and dinner and provides you with a vantage point to view the water. The hotel also has two bars.

The Marine Spa is the place to go if you want to get a massage or pamper yourself with a beauty or wellness treatment. Alternatively, you can head to the beach by just taking a short stroll.

Stayed at this property?

Sandhouse Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Rossnowlagh

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Non-smoking rooms Fishing Free parking Internet services

3. The Harbour Inn, Buncrana (from USD 85)

The beach is just a three-minute walk away from The Harbour Inn, and that short stroll will reward you with the chance to try out various water-based activities, including fishing, canoeing, and windsurfing. You can also check out what Buncrana has to offer, including the food and shopping scenes in the area. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the countryside walks to relax.

The hotel offers freshly prepared breakfast on request. The on-site eatery, The Harbour Bar, uses locally sourced ingredients in its offerings. Kids’ meals are offered here, as well.

Stayed at this property?

The Harbour Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Derry Road

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing

4. Shandon Hotel & Spa, Dunfanaghy (from USD 159)

This establishment provides guests with views of Sheephaven Bay, the hills, and the countryside, depending on which side you’re facing. You can pay extra to try out fishing in the area.

There are other activities that you can do at Shandon Hotel & Spa besides spending time at Sheephaven Bay Beach, which is just a short drive away. You can pamper yourself at the spa, swim a few laps in the pool, de-stress at the sauna, or soak in the outdoor hot tub. You may also head to the gym if you want to work out.

Stayed at this property?

Shandon Hotel & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Marble Hill Strand, Port-na-Blagh,

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna

5. Tory Island Harbour View Hotel, Tory Island (from USD 105)

Tory Island Harbour View Hotel is a pet-friendly hotel on Tory Island. It sits right in front of the pier and has direct access to a sandy beach. Diving is one of the activities you can enjoy here. Make the most out of your time outdoors by having a cookout, as the establishment has barbecue facilities.

Nightlife lovers will enjoy the fact that this hotel hosts evening entertainment such as live musical performances and allows access to a nightclub with a DJ. It also has its own bar.

Stayed at this property?

Ostán Oileán Thoraí Tory Island Hotel

Address: West Town Tory Island

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Bar Family rooms Free parking Safety deposit box Hiking

Enjoy the beauty of County Donegal

With its picturesque terrain and its rich history and culture, County Donegal is a one-of-a-kind destination that you will never forget. Its reputation of being the “Forgotten County” actually works in its favor as it allows you to see a different face of Ireland. And staying at one of its beachfront hotels will only give you a deeper appreciation of its unique beauty.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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