Bundoran's Atlantic waves crash ashore with such rhythm you might think they're playing along to the traditional tunes spilling from its pubs. This vibrant coastal town, perched at County Donegal's southern tip on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, has been a holiday hub since the 1700s - and it hasn't lost an ounce of charm. Surfboards catch sunbeams as beginners and pros alike ride the legendary Bundoran Peak wave, while Tullan Strand stretches out like a golden ribbon beside ancient Fairy Bridges. Here, visitors clamber onto the Wishing Chair (yes, literally a weathered chair by the rocks) to make wishes amid churning tides and dramatic views of Slieve League Cliffs looming over Donegal Bay. This is where National Geographic crowned Ireland's surf capital, but there's more than waves: kayakers paddle beside sea arches, hikers vanish into boglands under the Bluestacks Mountains, and families chase sunsets along Roguey Cliff Walk's glowing path.
When the Atlantic wind bites, retreat to Waterworld's indoor waves or soak in seaweed baths rich with minerals from those same crashing tides. June brings the Sea Sessions festival, where music mingles with surf competitions beneath skies streaked pink and gold. Between pints at The Bird's Nest Bar or a round on Bundoran Golf Course's dune-fringed fairways, you'll sense why generations have returned here - to chase adventure in a place where history, nature, and Irish warmth collide like the perfect wave hitting shore.
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Things to See and Do
Tullan Strand
A 2km beach with surfing spots and access to natural sea arches called Fairy Bridges (dating back to the 1700s), where visitors can make wishes at the Wishing Chair. Features the free Thrupenny Pool seawater pool naturally filtered by tides, walking trails, and panoramic views from Tullan Strand Discovery Point over Donegal Bay and Slieve League Cliffs.
Bundoran Beach (Main Beach)
Ireland's surfing capital featuring the renowned Bundoran Peak wave and historic Victorian-era bathing boxes. Hosts the European Surfing Championships annually on this Blue Flag beach.
Waterworld
Indoor aqua park with wave pool, slides, toddler area, and seaweed baths. Open seasonally for family-friendly dry-land adventures.
Surfing in Bundoran
World-class surfing hub with schools like Surfworld offering lessons on consistent Atlantic waves. Features beginner-friendly spots and surfboard rentals.
Sea Sessions Music Festival
Annual June festival combining live music performances, surfing competitions, and vibrant street entertainment celebrating Bundoran's coastal culture.
Roguey Cliff Walk
4km illuminated coastal trail offering vertiginous views from Top Rock cliffs, access to Thrupenny Pool and Fairy Bridges, and evening walking options.
Slieve League Cliffs
Europe's highest sea cliffs (600m) on Donegal Bay's western edge. Features hiking trails with breathtaking Atlantic and mountain vistas.
Bluestacks Mountains
Rugged hiking terrain offering bogland walks and panoramic views of Bundoran, Donegal Bay, and the surrounding coastline.
Ben Bulben Mountain
Distinctive quartzite peak inspiring W.B. Yeats' poetry. Offers hiking trails with views of Sligo's Dartry Mountains and the Atlantic coastline.
Glencar Waterfall
30m waterfall immortalized in Yeats' poetry, situated along scenic drives with forest trails and riverside paths near Lough Gill.
Bundoran Adventure Park
Family theme park featuring the 50m View Wheel for Donegal Bay vistas, go-karting, mini-golf, and seasonal outdoor attractions.
Bundoran Golf Course
18-hole coastal course offering golf amidst dunes and ocean views overlooking Donegal Bay's rugged shoreline.
Getting There
By Air
The closest airport is Donegal Airport (CFN), which is 39 miles from Bundoran. Other nearby airports include City of Derry, Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), Belfast International, George Best Belfast City Airport, and Dublin International Airport.
By Car
Bundoran can be reached by the following routes:
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From Dublin via Cavan, Enniskillen N3
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From Dublin via Sligo N4 β N15
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From Galway via Sligo N17 β N15
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From Belfast via Enniskillen M1 β A4 β A46 Approximate distances from major cities:
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Dublin: 128 miles/205 km, 2.5 hours
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Belfast: 112 miles/180 km, 2 hours
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Sligo: 26 miles/41 km, 30 minutes
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Knock: 69 miles/111 km, 70 minutes
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Galway: 112 miles/180 km, 2 hours
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Shannon: 161 miles/258km, 3 hours
By Coach
Regular services operate to/from Bundoran offering connections to:
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Dublin: Bus Eireann Route 30 and X30
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Galway: Bus Eireann Route 64 (Derry/Galway)
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Belfast: Ulsterbus (Pettigo/Enniskillen) Service 194b
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Derry: Bus Eireann Route 480 (Derry/Sligo)
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Local Link services:
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Route 983: Kinlough β Bundoran β Ballyshannon
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Route 982: Sligo to Ballyshannon via Bundoran and Ballyshannon to Sligo via Bundoran
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By Rail
The nearest railway station is Sligo Mac Diarmada Station, which has frequent services to/from Dublin. From Sligo, buses are available to Bundoran.
By Bus
Bus Γireann buses connect Bundoran to Sligo Mac Diarmada Station in Sligo Town. Other bus operators include:
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Feda O'Donnell (Bus Feda): Crolly to Galway via Gweedore, Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Ballyshannon, and Bundoran
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Ulsterbus: Bundoran to Enniskillen (194/195)
Events & Festivals 2025
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History
Bundoran's history dates back to the 17th century, with the first official record of the town appearing in a deposition by Hugh Gaskein on May 16, 1653. This document references events during the 1641 Rebellion. A skirmish was fought near Bundoran in 1689 between Jacobite forces and the retreating Protestant garrison of Sligo.
In the late 18th century, Bundoran began to attract visitors, particularly after William Cole, Viscount Enniskillen, built his summer home, Bundoran Lodge, in 1777. This trend was followed by other wealthy individuals who discovered the town's seaside and perceived health benefits. The lodge, now known as Homefield House, still stands on Bayview Avenue.
The town's development accelerated with the completion of the Enniskillen and Bundoran Railway in 1868, which brought an influx of visitors and led to the construction of new buildings, including the Great Northern Hotel and the Railway Hotel. Canon Kelaghan, the parish priest, played a significant role in ensuring public access to the seashore by fighting a local landlord's attempts to block pathways and roads to the beach.
As the town grew in popularity, it became a destination for wealthy tourists from Britain and Ireland, drawn by its beaches, golf courses, and other amenities. The Bundoran Golf Club, established in 1894 by Harry Vardon, remains a notable attraction. Nearby historical sites, such as Kilbarron Church, founded by Saint Barron with the help of Saint Columba, showcase the region's Celtic heritage and connections to ancient royal lineages.
The Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair, natural sea arches and blowholes at Tullan Strand, have been a tourist attraction since the 1700s. According to local legend, these formations were believed to be haunted by fairies. The town's history is also marked by significant events, including the Halifax Crash, which occurred near Bundoran. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic buildings, landmarks, and natural attractions, uncovering the layers of history that have shaped Bundoran into the vibrant town it is today.