Fanad Peninsula
Fanad Peninsula may be Donegal’s second most northerly point but is unsurpassed when it comes to landscapes, seascapes and spectacular scenery.
Located between Mulroy Bay to the east and Lough Swilly to the west, Fanad’s 75 kms of Wild Atlantic Way coastline defines the lifestyle here.
Synonymous with breathtaking views, sandy beaches – including Ballymastocker Bay, the beautiful, long, sandy, blue flag beach ranked among the best in the world – and stunning lakes, Fanad is ideal for those who love outdoor living.
It is a perfect backdrop for angling, hill walking, sailing, surfing and windsurfing among a host of other outdoor activities.
Those who love their pastimes a little less strenuous can enjoy the vast array of sightseeing on the marvellously scenic Fanad Drive. For golfers, there’s the opportunity to play the famous links course at Portsalon.
This is coastal, rural Donegal in its pomp, making it a huge draw for homeowners who love its combination of the serene and spectacular.
And while it may be rugged it is never remote.
The peninsula’s towns of Rathmullan, Ramelton, Portsalon and Fanad provide an array of amenities, bars, restaurants, cultural and recreational opportunities and shopping, while Donegal’s commercial hub.
Letterkenny is less than 15kms away from Ramelton, the peninsula’s biggest town. Ramelton sits on the mouth of the River Lennon and is beautifully picturesque.
Once an important Georgian period port, it maintains much of its 17th and 18th century architecture and charm. It is no coincidence that The Hanging Gale, a BBC drama set during the 1846 famine, was filmed here.
History resonates across Fanad.
The magnificent 19th century Lighthouse at Fanad Head, built following the loss of 250 men aboard HMS Saldanha, guards the mouth of Lough Swilly while Napoleonic era defences – including Knockalla Fort – dot the coastline.
One of the most significant events in Irish history, the 1607 Flight of the Earls – the departure from Rathmullan of the last of the great Irish chieftains from their homeland – is commemorated at the Rathmullan Heritage Centre.
Towns and Villages
Rathmullan, Ramelton, Fanad, Portsalon
Shopping
The Mall at Ramelton affords a pleasantly scenic shopping experience with a wide array of shops. Convenience stores aptly serve the communities in Rathmullan, Portsalon and Kerrykeel while nearby Milford is home to a more expansive supermarket.
Eat & Drink
Rathmullan House
http://www.rathmullanhouse.com
The Bridge Bar and Restaurant, Ramelton
https://www.facebook.com/The-Bridge-Bar-and-Restaurant-Ramelton-189628399868
An Bonnán Buí , Rathmullan
Conways Bar, Ramelton
https://www.facebook.com/Conways-Bar-Ramelton-Co-Donegal-Ireland-295000663929479
Belle’s Kitchen/Salt n Batter, Rathmullan
https://www.rathmullanrestaurants.com
Sarah’s Restaurant, Portsalon
https://www.facebook.com/The-Pier-Restaurant-Portsalon-256573398088689/?rf=145588298844957
Parks & Recreation
Fanad Head Lighthouse
Ballymastocker Bay
https://www.donegalglamping.com/fanad/ballymastocker-bay/
Mulroy Bay
http://www.welovedonegal.com/mulroy-bay.html
Rathmullan Beach
https://rathmullan.net/p1010503/
Ballyhiernan Bay
https://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/ba-bhaile-ui-thiarnain-ballyhiernan-bay/91739
Knockalla Coast Road
https://whatsondonegal.com/knockalla-coast-road/
Portsalon Golf Club
http://www.portsalongolfclub.ie
Tennis at Ramelton