Maghera Beach and Caves
Maghera Beach and Caves
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
239 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
36
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Boston0212202122
Boston, MA123 contributions
Sep 2022
This was a bit off the beaten track to drive to, but so worth it. We arrived during a weekday, about 10am in late September. The tide was going out, so I was able to access a small cave. The sand was white, and the water was so clear, it looked beautiful. I'm not typically a beach person, but I could've easily spent the day here if it was more of a beach day because there were rocks to climb on and caves to explore. We went to several of the top beaches in Donegal and I think this was my favorite, although it was the hardest to get to.
There was a little hike to get from the car park to the beach, across a wooden foot path and a walk between a few sand dunes, but even my wife who needs a partial knee replacement was able to do it and was glad she did.
I've read about someone charging people a couple of dollars to park here, but we didn't see anyone. Even if they did, I would've gladly paid them because this was so worth it.
There was a little hike to get from the car park to the beach, across a wooden foot path and a walk between a few sand dunes, but even my wife who needs a partial knee replacement was able to do it and was glad she did.
I've read about someone charging people a couple of dollars to park here, but we didn't see anyone. Even if they did, I would've gladly paid them because this was so worth it.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magali M
7 contributions
Jan 2023
Nice beach with white sand and very close to the waterfall. We could not see the cave as the water was a bit high.
There is a person charging for parking when you arrive at the beach. There is no sign for the charge but the man is quite intimidating and follow you to the car to pay for 3 euros car park. Not sure if it is legal. Be aware!
There is a person charging for parking when you arrive at the beach. There is no sign for the charge but the man is quite intimidating and follow you to the car to pay for 3 euros car park. Not sure if it is legal. Be aware!
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kazimir L
1 contribution
Sep 2020
This is a fabulous beach...I don’t know why people carp about paying to park their car. If I lived in a tiny hamlet where the road accommodated only one car going each way and every sunny day loads of people squashed onto my road I would think my neighbours and the tourists would be delighted to have a safe flat place to park ! 3 Euro is hardly a fortune...man up and pay up ! Also if you have a camper it’s only another 3 Euro to stay there...you won’t get cheaper than that anywhere
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1981magda
16 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
The sand on the beach is like a flour. So white and soft. Caves are pretty big. In one of them there is a water so small towel is recommended to carry with you. Owner of the property is very kind to create a parking and toilets for the tourists. You have to pay for both but I find it reasonable price as there is no time limit and toilet is clean and it is private property so I do not understand negative reviews...
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom591345
Birkenhead, UK18 contributions
Aug 2022
We visited this beach last week in glorious sunshine. The tide was out so we walked out to see the caves and watched people swimming in wonderful clear seawater pools. Beautiful views as we walked on pristine sand. We felt we were sharing a secret place because it was so empty!
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cos
Kilkenny, Ireland9 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
A gem. Loved it. Great sand dones for the children to run free.
Be careful 2 lads on way back were charging for car parking. These lads were walking the beach when we arrived. Came right up and asked for the money. No Hello or nothing. Looked to be in the late teens. When I ask for what as the sign said car park noting about the €3.00 he went to write down my reg.
Be careful 2 lads on way back were charging for car parking. These lads were walking the beach when we arrived. Came right up and asked for the money. No Hello or nothing. Looked to be in the late teens. When I ask for what as the sign said car park noting about the €3.00 he went to write down my reg.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily O
Mullingar, Ireland1,162 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This was our first time here and first time in this part of Donegal. It is not well signposted or advertised. You take a right signposted 'Machaire' L2843, 2km from Ardara on the killybegs road. It is 7km in this narrow windy road. Go slow in case you meet another car coming from the other direction. We stopped at the Assaranca waterfall enroute to the beach. There is parking here but you pay €3 for it. The toilets were not open (?due to coronavirus). The hut where you pay for parking had sold out of ice reams sadly.
Wow what a beach🏖️!! You are watched as you make your way on the beach by the local sheep who seemed used to humans. White, amazing sand dunes in parts but mainly flat and huge. View of a different waterfall from the beach and caves which we didn't explore due to the tide. Sadly, there was the odd bit of debris on the beach ie a piece of rope etc but it didn't detract from our experience here. Would highly recommend for anyone but particularly families with children.
Wow what a beach🏖️!! You are watched as you make your way on the beach by the local sheep who seemed used to humans. White, amazing sand dunes in parts but mainly flat and huge. View of a different waterfall from the beach and caves which we didn't explore due to the tide. Sadly, there was the odd bit of debris on the beach ie a piece of rope etc but it didn't detract from our experience here. Would highly recommend for anyone but particularly families with children.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NatalieL218
Edinburgh, UK92 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Absolutely stunning beach & very high sand dunes. Fun to slide down as we couldn't find the path to ease us down to the beach.
We specifically went for low tide to try and catch the caves ~ we started with one of the furthest away caves but most still had some water in them but were fun to go in for a wee look.
For a free thing to do in the Emerald Isle ~I highly recommend ~ if it hadn't have been for the cold January breeze we could have told ourselves we were in the carribean! Absolutely gorgeous.
Sand dunes are fun too!
Easy to park & be sure to stop at the waterfall not far from the beach (you pass it coming down the one road).
And remember to take your rubbish!!
We specifically went for low tide to try and catch the caves ~ we started with one of the furthest away caves but most still had some water in them but were fun to go in for a wee look.
For a free thing to do in the Emerald Isle ~I highly recommend ~ if it hadn't have been for the cold January breeze we could have told ourselves we were in the carribean! Absolutely gorgeous.
Sand dunes are fun too!
Easy to park & be sure to stop at the waterfall not far from the beach (you pass it coming down the one road).
And remember to take your rubbish!!
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rodell2717
Dublin, Ireland2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful. Paradise walk. Paid 3 euro for parking car. Best 3 euro spent. Great walk towards beach. Beach is white sand goes forever. Wonderful
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alibellderry
Derry, UK79 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Took the scenic Sli Dhun Na ngall road from Ardara. This road brings you past the Assaranca waterfall and beautiful scenery.
The beach is best visited at low tide so you can see the caves closer up. Beach has the most beautiful fine sand and it was spotless.
After we took a right and continued on up a small windy road and back to Ardara via the Glengesh Gap. More stunning scenery. Donegal is the most beautiful place on earth when the sun shines.
The beach is best visited at low tide so you can see the caves closer up. Beach has the most beautiful fine sand and it was spotless.
After we took a right and continued on up a small windy road and back to Ardara via the Glengesh Gap. More stunning scenery. Donegal is the most beautiful place on earth when the sun shines.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cesar S
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Hello. How is this place during summer? People can swim?
Ann Marie M
Monaghan, Ireland67 contributions
Amazing in summer, hidden away beach, its not manned by lifeguards so wouldn't recommend swimming personally, it's up to you!
marcusjj
Klamath Falls, OR19 contributions
Is this walk one that someone could do with a cane? Or is it too difficult and too far? Thanks
Greg S
Watertown, NY158 contributions
There were some boardwalk-type walks that got you out through the dunes, but to actually get out over the dunes and to the caves, it is all heavy sand. Depending on the time of day if you are able to get over the dunes, the lower sand may be pretty solid due to the tides. Ultimately, it is just how comfortable you are with adventuring. I would probably not recommend it though with the cane.
acidstarz
Belfast, UK15 contributions
Can you camp at this beach?
As far as I am aware you cannot camp here, in the 40 years that I have been coming here, I have never seen a tent. The nearest camping sites would be at Tramore, Rosbeg and Portnoo, both about 10 miles away (which isn't far in this part of the world!) Normally you would book in advance, both are found via google.
Where to find on map?
Olivia K
Los Angeles, California, United States110 contributions
There is a parking lot at these coordinates:
54.762501, -8.527440
From there, walk up the road toward a lone farm house. When you get there, there will be a gate to your right. That is the entrance to the beach.
Maghera Beach and Caves (Ardara) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Maghera Beach and Caves
- Hotels near Maghera Beach and Caves:
- (0.49 mi) TheThatch - traditional stone thatched cottage, Maghera, Ardara, Co Donegal
- (5.67 mi) The Green Gate B&B Ardara
- (1.05 mi) Ard A Mhaoire,Lovely cottage on the Loughros Peninsula
- (4.83 mi) Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel
- (5.81 mi) Edenvale Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Maghera Beach and Caves:
- (9.68 mi) Andersons Boathouse Restaurant and accommodation
- (9.65 mi) Mrs B's Coffee House
- (9.71 mi) Killybegs Seafood Shack
- (9.84 mi) Ahoy Cafe
- (4.87 mi) Nancy's
- Attractions near Maghera Beach and Caves:
- (0.96 mi) Assaranca Waterfall
- (3.68 mi) Glengesh Pass
- (8.52 mi) Slieve League
- (8.70 mi) Ireland By Bike
- (4.88 mi) Campbells of Ardara