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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
I was lucky enough to spend summers and bank holidays during my adolescence in Downings Donegal. Even then it was an opportunity to escape the stresses and rush of life at home. Downings is a truly magical place where you can embrace nature, enjoy Irish culture, and maybe try some new things. This article will give you tips on everything you can enjoy during a trip to Downings.
Table of Contents
Where is Downings Donegal?
Downings is located in the Rosguill peninsula, north of Ireland, County Donegal. The village itself is situated in Sheephaven’s Bay. Downings is just off the Wild Atlantic Way and has fantastic rural and coastal scenery.
What is there to do in Downings Donegal?
Activities
Watersports
Situated in a cosy bay, Downings is the best place to try some water sports. You can rent or buy equipment in town and give a range of water sports a go.
Check out the Jaws II Watersports store on the main street for equipment or lesson booking. They offer SUP (Stand-up Paddleboarding), surfing, and kayaking in lessons and tours. You can rent equipment, including wetsuits, SUP boards, body boards, surfboards, and kayaks. If you rent a wetsuit and want a little adrenaline rush, head down to Downings Pier and enjoy pier jumping.
Fishing
The Downings Pier is an excellent location for shore fishing, and If you want to try crabbing, the pier is an excellent location for it.
A great afternoon activity and a chance to catch fresh seafood awaits. At low tide, you can try picking your own mussels at Doe Castle. You can take them home and prepare them for a really fresh seafood experience. While at Doe Castle, make sure to take a look at the grounds of this medieval stronghold and take in some of its interesting history.
Cycling/Walking/Driving The Atlantic Drive
A road surrounding Downings named the ‘Atlantic Drive’ is a must-see. Take in the sights of the Rosguill Peninsula and see the best of the coastal views of Downings. You can drive it in under an hour, but it can also be walked or cycled. Be aware that the beautiful trail is over 12km long, so ensure you’re ready for a long trek. You can rent an electric bike from the Tramore Inn to help you up the steeper hills. As someone who has cycled and walked this trail, I wish I had known about the electric bikes sooner.
Beaches around Downings Donegal
While visiting Downings, make sure to experience the stunningly beautiful beaches on offer. They are the perfect place to picnic, walk the dog, or spend time with family and friends.
Downings Beach
Encircled by Downings Town are the beautiful stretches of Downings Beach. This beach is the perfect place for swimming and water sports. It is a short walk from the main street.
Tra Na Rossan
A short 10-minute drive from Downing Main Street is Tra Na Rossan. This peaceful and idyllic beach is perfect for bodyboarding and other water sports. It is also a great place to let your dog run around as it is out of the way of roads.
Murder Hole Beach
Although it has an unfortunate name, Murder Hole Beach is a lovely spot. You can enjoy a walk around the scenic beach and even slide down some sand dunes while there. However, due to rip tides and dangerous currents, Murder Hole is not a place for swimming or water sports.
A new trail opened in 2022, allowing more accessible access to the beach from Melmore, where there is a car park.
Pubs & Restaurants in Downings
After a long day exploring the beaches, enjoying the scenery or even cycling Atlantic Drive, you deserve some warm food and maybe even a pint. Lucky for you, Downings is filled with great places to eat and drink. Here are some of the best pubs and restaurants that Downings has to offer:
The Singing Pub Downings Donegal | An Síbín Ceoil
Tucked under the hills surrounding Downings is the thatched roof of The Singing Pub. This place is the perfect representation of the cosy Irish pub. You will find roaring fires, comfortable chairs, friendly staff and locals, and fantastic food to feed the soul. The Singing Pub offers music and entertainment on occasion, but there will always be a warm welcome and a plate of hot food for you here. If you struggle to finish your walk of Atlantic Drive, The Singing Pub is the perfect place to take a load off on route. Grab a glass of Football Special or a pint of Guinness and relax!
The Galley
Looking for a hearty meal, from Irish breakfast to pizza and burgers? Try out The Galley, located on Downings Main Street. You can also get coffee and cakes to takeaway, perfect for a walk up the bay.
The Harbour Bar Downings Donegal
It is the best place to watch a sunset across the bay, with great views, company, and drinks. Unwind after a busy day in this idyllic location and enjoy the local atmosphere. If you are hungry, check out Fisk Seafood Bar next door for some of the best seafood with sea views in Downings.
The Beach Hotel Bar
It’s a great place for a drink and some live entertainment in the evenings. Weekends have live music here throughout the year, but during the summer season, there is live entertainment every night. The atmosphere is bustling with great craic from locals and visitors alike. They also have a great restaurant serving up a range of delicious food.
Tramore Inn
It is a traditional pub with charm and a fantastic whiskey selection. Inside, there is a pizzeria called Goose and Gander, where you can grab a lovely stone-baked pizza while sipping pints. This is also the best place in Downings to grab a cocktail.
Shopping in Downings Donegal
The Old Sea Dog
This nautical-themed shop is a great stop for artistic gifts or souvenirs from your trip to Downings. Check out their website to learn about their exhibitions and the art available in the shop.
Donegal Crafts at McNutt’s
McNutt of Donegal is a textile company that has been weaving in Donegal since 1953. They offer amazing woven creations, from homewares to clothing. You can browse their collections and maybe pick up something warm to wear if the weather is cold or a gift to bring home.
The recently opened Fiffi’s Coffee, located just outside the mill, is also a great place to grab a hot drink and a sweet treat while you’re visiting.
Mickey Joes Country Store – for all the essentials you could need.
If you are self-catering while in Downings, you can find everything you need for meals in Mickey Joe’s Country Store. Also, if you need hardware, candles, toys, snacks, newspapers, or nearly anything else, you will find it at Mickey Joes. The people of Downings say if you can’t find it at Mickey Joe, you don’t need it. This general store contains a butcher, off-licence, newsagents, and a grocery store so you can find loads here.
Events in Downings Donegal
Downings Music Festival
If you are looking for somewhere to be this weekend (29th July—1 August 2022), you could see Downings at the height of its annual festival. The Downings Music Festival takes up the main street with a fun fair and packed schedule of live music. This is a yearly festival, so if you miss it this year, it’s worth planning a trip to catch the next one.
Donegal Festival of Golf
Known for its expansive and beautiful golf course, Downings is hosting the Donegal Festival of Golf 2022, which will take place on 20 August and feature headliner Nathan Carter.
Places nearby
Carrigart
Just a five-minute drive from Downings’ main street is Carrigart. This quaint village is a great place to grab a coffee or do some gift shopping.
Dunfanaghy
A 27-minute drive from Downings will take you to Dunfanaghy, another beautiful seaside town. It is filled with great restaurants and shops, a friendly Bussel, and great pubs.
A highlight of Dunfanaghy is hidden behind Patsy Dan’s pub. Enter through the traditional pub and go out the back to find The Rusty Oven and some of the best pizzas in Ireland. Check out their website for menus and bookings.
Where to stay in Downings Donegal?
- The Beach Hotel
- Rossapenna Hotel & Gold Resort
- Downings Bay Hotel
You can also check out possible holiday lets on Airbnb for Downings.
Downings is a real gem of the Wild Atlantic Way and is the perfect place to get away from your stresses and reconnect with nature and a small village culture. Relax by cosy fires in pubs, walk through fantastic scenery, and become part of Downings. This little place will take you in and steal a bit of your heart forever.
