While you might not always be guaranteed the weather, you can be certain that you'll be blown away by the beauty of Donegal's best beaches.
It needs to be remembered that the forgotten country has some of the most stunning stretches of sand not only on our coastline but anywhere in the world, but don't just take our word for it.
Donegal's beaches regularly get a shout-out in leading holiday destination roundups, including by Google Maps in 2023.
With that in mind, here are some of the unforgettable treasures on offer if you take a trip to the northwest.
Silver Strand Beach, Donegal
Best for parking and scuba diving
It's a bit of a trek to reach Silver Strand Beach, which is located at the very tip of the Slieve League Peninsula, but as we all know, the really great things in life don't come easy.
Silver Strand (aka Malin Bag) is nestled in a moon-shaped bay with otherworldly views that somehow get better as you descend toward the sand. In the distance, Rathlinn O'Birne island just about comes into view while the headland runs all the way to the summit of Slieve League Mountain.
It is somewhat of a mecca for scuba divers thanks in no small part to the tropically blue waters, but even if you're not much of a water baby, you'll be won over by the golden sand and serenity of the place.
It is worth noting that there are no lifeguards on duty, and with close to two hundred steps down to the sand, it isn't easily accessible.
The good news is there is parking and a nearby coffee shop selling sandwiches and cakes and have recently added pizzas to their repertoire.
Narin / Portnoo Beach
A stunning beach with shallow waters
This long stretch of golden sand is widely acclaimed as being one of the most beautiful on the west coast.
The crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming as the inlet is protected from the surging Atlantic by Dunmore head.
Another attraction is the fact at low tide it is possible to make it over to the island of Inishkeel on foot.
There you will find an old church but don't linger too long as you're likely to only have 30 minutes before needing to return to the mainland.
Ballymastocker Bay
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world
When it comes to breathtaking views it's hard to surpass Ballymastocker Bay which is located on the western shores of Lough Swilly.
It runs from Portsalon to the Knockalla Hills from where you can get a picture-postcard view of the beach.
The pristine beach also was once voted the second most beautiful beach in the world by the readers of the British Observer.
It goes without saying that it has a Blue Flag.
Silver Strand Beach
A beach with parking and coffee!!!!
This swimming spot has received rave reviews online with one seriously impressed visitor describing it as 'a little bit of heaven tucked away in the wilds of Donegal'.
Those in the know say it's really something special to catch a sunset on the beach.
However, it's worth noting there are no lifeguards and with close to two hundred steps down to the sand, it isn't accessible.
The good news is there is parking and a nearby coffee shop selling sandwiches, cakes and have recently added pizzas to their repertoire.
Five Fingers Strand
One of the best beaches for a stroll
The stand-out feature of Five Fingers Strand is the towering dunes.
In fact, the dunes are so high they are considered to be amongst the highest in Europe making this one of the most iconic of the Donegal beaches.
The beach is widely considered to be amongst the best the county has to offer.
The name comes from five narrow sea stacks that protrude from the water on the north side of the beach which look like fingers.
The only downside is the strong currents mean this is not a place to bring the kids swimming. It's more of a spot for a gorgeous seaside stroll.
Murder Hole Beach
A beach with caves to explore
Despite the ominous sounding name Murder Hole Beach which is actually called Boyeeghter Bay is absolutely gorgeous.
Along the well known stretch of sand, you will find a number of caves that can be best accessed at low tide.
And again like some of the other Donegal beaches, it is not a spot for swimming as the rip currents make the water too dangerous.
