Everyone’s Favourite Seaside Resort: Bundoran, Donegal

Updated On: February 08, 2022 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

Perfect Irish Destination

Bundoran is a popular seaside resort that is located in the stunning County Donegal in Ireland. It has often been referred to as the perfect Irish holiday destination by locals and tourist. Whether you are going with your family or friends Bundoran has lots to offer different people.

It has been nicked named “Fundoran” by many locals as that’s exactly what it is a ‘fun’ place to visit, stay and take in some amazing Irish scenery and the endless amount of activities you can enjoy. It has also been known as one of the best surfing spots in Ireland. Over the years the place has grown and expanded creating different and fun attractions that keep people coming back for more.

Bundoran is full of beauty from the unmissable views one will see, the character of the town and the friendly nature of the people you’ll meet there. Keep on reading to find out all that there is do in Bundoran from its attractions to restaurants, hotels and more.

Bundoran Ireland
Bundoran Ireland

Things to do in Bundoran

For such a small seaside town it offers an enormous amount for people to check out and experience while they are here.  We promise you won’t be bored! It is the perfect family-friendly destination.

Waterworld Bundoran

This is probably the biggest tourist attraction in Bundoran, where you can enjoy some fun in Waterworld swimmers. Definitely a hit with families. It is Ireland’s premier indoor aqua adventure playground that first open back in 1991.

Waterworld Bundoran has a lot of attractions from a variety of fun slides, a wave pool, two pools and dedicated toddlers area. You could spend hours here having endless fun. Waterworld Bundoran is perfect to visit on those raining Irish days.

For adults, you could enjoy an amazing seaweed bath located here that offers a unique experience and perfect opportunity to relax. The seaweed bath also has a range of health benefits such as therapeutic benefits due to high mineral content. It can also help with skin problems due to a high concentration of vitamins in the seaweed bath. It’s a must try!

Bundoran, Donegal, Ireland
Bundoran, Donegal, Ireland

Amusements

Like any great seaside resort, you’ll find lots of amusements and Bundoran isn’t short of these. These are perfect again when Irish weather isn’t the best and you can play a variety of classic games. At Macks Amusements located on the main street, you can enjoy some bowling and arcade games which is always lots of fun.

There are also designated adult zones where you can enjoy some peace and quiet and play you luck on the slot and poker machines.

Or head to the two pence machines and have fun trying to win some toys, for many adults that came here as kids it will be nice to reminisce.

Children will like the idea of collecting tokens to then exchange for prizes. It will be a tough job trying to get the young ones out of the amusements. Maybe by persuading them with some ice cream- many are located in the town.

Bundoran Beaches

There is no place better than the beach when the sun is shining and Bundoran’s main beach is a perfect place to hit. Unwind while you walk down the sandy beach and take in the amazing views on offer. Have fun building sand castles and if you’re brave enough to take a swim in the Irish sea, hopefully, it won’t be too cold.

Head to Tullan Strand if you’re looking for a surfing spot or simply want to watch the surfers do what they do best. The views out to Donegal Bay are perfect from Tullan Strand beach.

If you’re up early enough then head to the beach to catch sunrise as its unmissable or even sunset is just as good. Surrounding the beach are some great cliff walks that you can check out as you get to see all over Bundoran, it’s pretty impressive.

Cinema, Golf and Footgolf

Bundoran has a great golf course and is one of the oldest golf courses located in Ireland. The course itself offers panoramic views out to the Atlantic Ocean. The impressive 18 hole golf course was designed so that all golfers of different degrees would enjoy it.

There is also a cinema located in the town ‘Eclipse Cinema’ where you can watch all the latest films. They also put on a variety of different fun events and on Saturday morning’s they have a kids club. They cater for parties and will make sure you have a great experience.

Or why not try something different while you’re here such as footgolf which is quickly becoming a popular sport. In Bundoran, they offer a custom built nine hole footgolf course that is suitable for all levels of fitness and is a lot of fun.

It can be casual fun or you can choose competition rounds that include prizes. Young and old will love this unique sport.

Donegal Adventure Centre

This adventure centre located in Bundoran is Ireland’s largest surf school. Running for over a decade-long here you can take part in a variety of exciting outdoor activities.

Suitable for all experiences with activities that include surf lessons, kayaking lessons, cliff jumping, abseiling, archery and much more.

There really is no better place for you to learn to surf or get better skilled at the sport that in Bundoran. The Surfing Capital of Ireland. You’ll be taught by professionals and you’ll enjoy world-class surfing conditions with classes dedicated to both children and adults. During the holiday times, they provided family and kid camps as well.

Bundoran Surfing
Bundoran Surfing

Fairy Bridges Bundoran

While in Bundoran you can’t miss the opportunity to check out the famous Fairy Bridges and Wishing chair located near Tullan Strand beach.

At the location, you’ll learn all about the Fairy Bridges and the Wishing Chair from dedicated plaques. That will tell you its history, the geology of the area and how to make a wish just like people before you have done.

The unique attraction has been around in Bundoran since the 1800’s and its said that many famous visitors to the town have sat here. The Fairy Bridges are made from hundreds of years old sea stacks. They were given the name ‘Fairy Bridges’ as locals thought they were haunted by fairies back in the 1700’s.

This is one of Bundoran’s Hidden Gem that most people forget to explore but we highly recommend checking it out.

Go-karting and Outdoor Amusement Park

There is an endless list of things to do in Bundoran but we can’t forget to mention the fun outdoor amusement park that is usually here during the summer months and holidays. There are many great rides here one being the popular Big Wheel where you can see all over Bundoran while you’re on it.

You can try out some bungee trampolines, hits the amusement arcades or have a go at walking on water in a giant bubble. So much fun to be had at the outdoor adventure park.

Right next to this you’ll find go-karting which is another enjoyable activity to take part in. For anyone that loves a thrill or driving race cars then this is definitely for you. Why not get your family or friends together and have some friendly competition on this mini Grand Prix race track.

Festivals Bundoran
Festivals Bundoran

 

Festivals in Bundoran

Bundoran is the perfect location to hold a variety of festivals, one of the most popular festivals that happens here is ‘Sea Sessions.’

Sea Sessions is one of the best respected small festivals in Ireland and the best place for you to enjoy great music, camping and surfing all in Bundoran. Each year the festival is always sold out and only ever gets more popular.  Sea Sessions has played host to a variety of well-known artists and bands from Dizzee Rascal, Bastille, Walking on Cars, Picture This and more.

The festival brings 1000s of people to the town, adding a buzzing atmosphere the whole time the festival is on. Great atmosphere, great music and great fun. If you get the chance you need to be in Bundoran during Sea Sessions.

Places to Stay in Bundoran/ Bundoran Hotels

If you are planning on visiting Bundoran for more than a day you’ll not be short of places to stay from B&B’s, Hotels, Apartments and Caravan Parks that cater for whatever type of stay you are looking for. But remember during the holiday times places start to book up pretty quickly so always book in advance so you’re not disappointed or missing out.

Holyrood Hotel

Located right in the heart of Bundoran you’ll be in walking distance to all the best attractions from the Holyrood Hotel. Perfect for families and couples in a gorgeous location that offers a kids club, spa facilities and a gym. The hotel puts on a variety of different family events during the summer months and school holidays that help add to its fun atmosphere.

The Allingham Arms Hotel

Next is this beautiful 4-star Hotel that is located within walking distance to Bundoran’s main beach. The hotel was named after 19th-century poet William Allingham.

The hotel is elegant and a relaxing place that would be perfect for couples to stay. The staff are super friendly and will make you feel welcomed once you step foot inside. The Allighman Arms offer two onsite dining choice.

One is Quay West which is a lovely cafe/bar where you can relax with a cup of coffee and a bun day or night. Quay West also provides a lunch and snack menu for you to enjoy. Then there is Coolmore Bar which is the livelier of the two and provides traditional Irish and country entertainers.

Bundoran Main Street
Bundoran Main Street

Self Catering

If you’re looking for self-catering options then you won’t be short of finding one in Bundoran. There is a variety of holiday homes that are perfect for bigger families or groups of friends.

‘Bundoran Holiday Homes’ can sleep six people and more and you can come and go as you please. Many of the homes with include living room with open fire, Tv, fitted kitchen with every you need for self- catering. They are also located outside the town to won’t be as noisy as other accommodation

Turf and Surf Lodge

This is another great place to stay not only is it a surfing school, but also a place for you to stay in the heart of Bundoran. If you’re interested in learning to surf then there is no better place for you to go. A perfect place for tourist who wants to mix with locals and try something new.

These accommodations can sleep up to eight people with a variety of double, twin and trip room great for large groups.

The Great Northern Hotel

We can not talk about hotels in Bundoran without mentioning the iconic four-star Great Northern Hotel. The beautiful hotel comes with a golf course, a leisure centre and offers spectacular views of the sea.

Guest will have access to their swimming pool, jacuzzi, a gorgeous restaurant and on-site parking. The hotel is only a short distance from the beach and perfectly sits along a beautiful coastal walk that you have to experience.

Great Northern Hotel Bundoran
Great Northern Hotel Bundoran

These are just some of the  Bundoran hotels and accommodations that I’ve mentioned but there is also plenty of B&B’s around the area, and caravan sites if you fancy having somewhere more permanent to stay when you come and visit.

Restaurants and Bars in Bundoran

You’ll not be short on places to eat or drink in Bundoran as it’s full of traditional, modern Irish pubs and restaurants that’ll make you feel welcome. On the main street is where you will find many of the bars. Some of the popular ones include the Kicking Donkey which is great for live sports and entertainment.

There is the traditional Irish pub known as the ‘Railway Bar’ that offers a relaxing and friendly atmosphere where you can sit beside a beautiful open fire and enjoy a drink. Then there is the Chasing Bull which again is popular with tourists, a place where you can enjoy some great music and lively atmosphere.

Bundoran Restaurants
Bundoran Restaurants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stakes Restaurant on the main street is one place to hit for some amazing food from steaks, chicken and seafood dishes plus lots more. You don’t even need to make any reservations just walk right in and they will look after you.

If you’re looking somewhere with a bit more elegance then the Peak Restaurant is the perfect place. You’ll love their amazing selection of seafood and other dishes and to top it all of the impressive views you’ll enjoy right from your table.

These are just a few of the places you can enjoy delicious food and drink in Bundoran. Other places that are worth checking out also are Maddens Bar, The Barbeque, Carolines Cafe, and McGarrigles Restaurant.

Make Sure You Visit Bundoran

Bundoran really is an amazing holiday destination in Ireland. No need to go away anywhere fancy we got all we need right here. For many Irish people, this is where you would have spent many childhood days and is great to relive that as you’re older.

Also highly recommended to tourists visiting Ireland to check out this beautiful seaside resort and get a feel for the Irish culture, no place is better than Bundoran.

Have you ever been to Bundoran in County Donegal, Ireland before? We would love to hear any experiences or stories you have 🙂

Also, don’t forget to check out other attractions and places in Ireland and Northern Ireland: Grianan of Alieach| Clifden- Galway| Kilkenny| Glens of Antrim| Exploring Belfast| Giants Causeway| Letterkenny| Connemara| Waterford Ireland’s Oldest City|

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