Areas / Downings, Co. Donegal
Downings, Co. Donegal
Downings sits on the Rosguill Peninsula in north Donegal, on the edge of Sheephaven Bay. It's a seaside village with a long sandy beach, a working pier, and a few good pubs all within a short walk of each other. Rosapenna's links courses are on the edge of the village, the Atlantic Drive loops the peninsula from the main street, and Glenveagh National Park and Ards Forest are close enough for an easy day out. Busy and full of life in summer, quieter out of season — either way, it's an easy place to settle in.
A few things worth knowing
Grouped the way we'd tell a friend, not the way a brochure would.
Downings Bay Beach
The village beach, right on the doorstep. Cars can drive onto part of the sand; the stretch past the markers on the right is car-free and better for sitting out with kids.
The Atlantic Drive
A coastal loop around the Rosguill Peninsula that starts and ends in Downings, with viewpoints and pull-ins along the way. Narrow roads, so take it slowly.
Murder Hole Beach
A secluded beach reached by a walk of about 800m through farmland from a small paid car park. Go for the scenery and the caves at low tide — strong currents make it no place for a swim.
Doe Castle
An old tower house on the edge of Sheephaven Bay. The grounds are open to wander, and guided tours inside the tower can be arranged by email in advance.
Glenveagh National Park
Ireland's second-largest national park — mountains, Lough Veagh, and a castle with Victorian gardens. Walk, cycle or take the shuttle bus from the visitor centre. Plan a full day.
Stay here
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