From it’s starting point at Swan Park on the shore at Buncrana, this lovely coastal walk gives great views out over Lough Swilly toward Rathmullan and the south Fanad peninsula. It is mostly all on asphalt but culminates in a very nice beach section, and takes in local sites of interest such as the O Doherty Fort and Fr Hegarty’s Rock.
To get to the trailhead from Letterkenny/Derry, you enter the town via the R238. Pass the Inishowen Tourist Office on your left and once you cross the bridge take the next left turn and follow the road all the way round to the old Fruit Of The Loom factory. Turn left again immediately after the old factory and continue. Where the road swings to the right, continue straight through a narrow lane to find a small car park on your left.
From Carndonagh, pass SuperValu and then turn right at the roundabout. Continue to the end of the road and turn right again to find the small car park as above.
You begin the walk along Cahir O Doherty Avenue past the Buncrana Anglers Association building, through the old gate and immediately left across the bridge (See top image). You will see the ancient O Doherty Keep in front of you. The path turns right after the bridge and from here you simply follow it out to the shore and turn north along the coast. After about 300m you pass the Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Station and Ned’s Point Fort. Continue on the coastal path for another 500m or so where you will pass by Fr Hegarty’s Rock and memorial after which the path undulates gently before coming down to the beach. If the tide allows it is a short, pleasant stroll across the sands to the end, after which you just need to retrace your steps back to the start.
- Trailhead: Small car park near Swan Park, Buncrana.
- Full Distance: Approx. 4.8 km there and back.
- Time: 50 min – 1 hr 15 min depending on pace.
- Ascent: Minimal apart from a couple of gentle slopes near the beach.
- Facilities: Buncrana is a busy town with lots of cafes and restaurants.
- Further Info: https://www.govisitinishowen.com/directory/buncrana-shore-path/