Wild Camp spots in Donegal

Thought you might be interested in a couple of decent wild campsites in Donegal.  These have been used regularly for the past few years by a couple of mates.  It should go without saying that if the sites are abused, then they will disappear.

Both are near Dunfanaghy in NW Donegal.

The first is reached by driving through Dunfanaghy and turning right towards Horn Head.  About 300m after passing the Horn Head bridge, turn off the road down to the foreshore.  There will be clear signs of the site being used before – fire rings etc.  Although you can be seen by passers by on the road, no-one seems to mind.  You are on the foreshore, so watch out for extreme tides!  It’s about 20mins on foot to the centre of the village.  A downside is that on Sat nights there will be a bit of late night traffic on the road, so not good for light sleepers/sober people.

Site two is more wild.  Immediately after the bridge is a sign for a walk to McSwinnes gun, a blow hole on the coast.  The walk starts at the bridge and takes you though a dune system to a great beach, Tramore. (approx 2km)  Following the track through the dunes you will see numerous great hollows, which make superb campsites.  I use one just back from the beach.  There is usually loads of driftwood/flotsam on the beach to burn.  For the hardy, the water at Tramore is inviting. watch out for the tidal pull though, people have been lost there.  The safest swim spot is right at the far left end of the beach.

For the naturist (put it away laddie, I said naturist) the dune system is a nature reserve, full of interesting and rare plants.  You’ll have lots of rabbits for company, and I always see buzzards.

Enjoy!