Top Things To Do In Bundoran
24 for 24!
There’s more than 24 things to do in Bundoran this year but 30 for 24 just wouldn’t have sounded right….!!! Here’s our top choices and highlights for this year. Please remember for all events to check the website/social media before travelling.
1 – Learn to Surf
Bundoran isn’t called the Surf Capital of Ireland for no good reason! With the best beginner beach for surfers as voted by Red Bull (Tullan Strand) and some of the best conditions for intermediate and pro surfers as well as great surf culture there’s no better spot than Bundoran to learn how to ride the waves and get away from it all in the Atlantic Ocean! For more see discoverbundoran.com/surfing
2 – Make a Wish and hang with the Fairies
Bundoran’s famous Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair were the town’s original tourist attraction back in the 1700s when we started to welcome guests to the town to experience the famous hospitality for which we are known! The Fairy Bridges at Tullan Strand are natural sea arches and blow holes – so called as locals used to think they were haunted by fairies! We’re not sure if any have been sighted recently but no harm in heading up there and checking it out for yourself! While you’re there, why not make a wish on the Wishing Chair. Follow the ritual to ensure that your wishes come true! For more see discoverbundoran.com/fairybridges
3 – Run 10 miles
The big Bundoran 10 run is back on the first weekend in March and some say* it is the most scenic race route in Ireland straddling two counties and finishing off on the world famous Roguey Walk and down to Main Beach. The event attracts hundreds of athletes every year and this year as almost at capacity so make sure to get registering to ensure your spot. For more see bundoran10.com
*we say!
4 – Experience live country music
As well as being Ireland’s #SurfCapital, Bundoran is also known as Ireland’s #CountryCapital where every weekend the top country starts on the Island will be in town to do their show and attract hundreds of fans along with them! Established stars like Declan Nerney, Derek Ryan, Jimmy Buckley and Mick Flavin join new and up and coming country stars on stages all over town but particularly the Allingham Arms each weekend.
5 – Take the perfect sunset picture!
There’s nothing like a Donegal Bay sunset to sooth the soul and make you appreciate the nature around us. On a “Sunset Evening” there’s lots of places along the coastline, on the Roguey Walk, the Fairy Bridges, the West End Walk and the Promenade to get the perfect snap of the sun going down after another beautiful Bundoran day! And let’s face it, you know you want that new desktop photo for your computer! Check the weather before you get here at discoverbundoran.com/weather
6 – Build a Sandcastle
You can’t come to the seaside and not build a sandcastle! The tradition of the bucket and spade lives on from generation to generation and we’ve seen some amazing creations don the years. But yours need not be so elaborate – just a regular sandcastle on the beach is enough to spend some quality time together with the kids but beware… competitiveness often takes over between siblings!! We look forward to seeing your sandcastle pictures this year – remember to use #discoverbundoran. Check out info about both of our beaches at discoverbundoran.com/bundoran-beaches/
7 – Swim in our outdoor pools
Bundoran has not one but two beautiful outdoor pools that are filled daily with fresh sea water from the Atlantic Ocean. They provide a safe option for sea swimming while not actually swimming in the sea (please note that neither pool has lifeguards on duty and usual water safety precautions should be taken when using the pools). The West End Pool is located along the West End Walk and is in a residential area so due consideration should be given to residents when parking. The Thrupenny Pool is located along the promenade just underneath Waterworld with ample parking (paid from Easter until September) available on Atlantic Way. More details at discoverbundoran.com/outdoor-pools-bundoran/
8 – Or swim the bay!
Speaking of swimming, the annual “Bundoran Bay Swim” will take place in June as hardy sea swimmers will make the 2km distance from Tullan Strand to Bundoran Pier. Now is a great time to get training for this fundraiser which will go towards the fine folk at Bundoran Community Centre to help them run this most important of facilities in the town. More details at bundoranbayswim.com
9 – Just Chill
Sometimes people come to Bundoran for fun, excitement and activities – others just want to chill out and there’s plenty of opportunities to do just that right across town. Take a stroll along either of our beaches (Main or Tullan), around the Rougey Walk, West End Walk, have a spa, swim in the sea, enjoy a coffee or home bake, a pint and the paper or just wander casually through town exploring everything we have to offer. Take your own time and look after number one!
10 – Go golfing
What about a round of golf overlooking Donegal Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way? Our famous course on the headland was built in 1894 by Harry Vardon and has been attracting golfers from across the globe ever since. Open all year round Bundoran Golf Club provides a challenging game for the beginner and even the pro! Pop into the Professional Shop to pick up all your accessories and head upstairs to the bar to the 19th afterwards for some liquid refreshment! More at discoverbundoran.com/golf
11 – Race down the slides at Waterworld
Bundoran’s favourite attraction will be open again at Easter and there’s plenty of opportunities for fun family time with over 15 great water features. Check out the Whizzer, Gravity and Tornado slides, the three lane multi slide, the pirate’s galleon ship and of course the famous Wave Pool! Keep an eye on the Waterworld social media channels (Instagram and Facebook) to find out when the facility will open and also to find out when you can start booking your slot! More at waterworldbundoran.com
12 – Amuse yourself in the arcades
Bundoran has plenty of arcades and gaming halls to keep everyone in the family entertained – from the latest in VR video games, a hi-tech bowling alley, coin drops, air hockey to the traditional slot machines, hours of fun are guaranteed! The amusement arcades are open all year round seven days a week.
13 – Attend Ireland’s biggest beach party!
Following a move to Tullan Strand last year, Sea Sessions is back with a bang again this year from June 21st to 23rd with a top line up of national and international acts including BLK, Cian Ducrot, Johnny Marr and Jake Bugg. There’s a plethora of fringe events too like surfing, biking, skating, beach volleyball, yoga and more all weekend so Bundoran will be the place to be! Tickets are selling fast – get yours today at seasessions.com
14 – Drink your fill!
Bundoran’s watering holes are famous for their hospitality as well as the wide range of drinks on offer from local, national and international brands. You’d never know what top shelf gems you would come across all over town! For the drivers there’s plenty of non-alcoholic versions available too and don’t forget that we’re never too far from distilleries or breweries for those tours! You’ll find the Donegal Brewing Company in Ballyshannon, The Shed Distillery (Drumshanbo Gin) in County Leitrim, Sliabh Liag Distillery in Ardara and the Crolly Distillery in Crolly (north of Dungloe)
15 – Challenge yourself on the dunes
Bundoran’s newest event is the Dune Run which will take place on the 21st of September at Tullan Strand. It will incorporate a 5k run, a 10k run and a run through the sand dunes – not for the faint hearted! Registration will open soon and the event will surely be the talk of the town during September! Follow them on Instagram here.
16 – The Rougey Walk
Day or night, the Rougey Walk is the perfect place to get your steps in – whether it’s early morning, during the day or late into the evening, this fully lit route is an ideal way to wake yourself up, shake off the cobwebs and get some fresh Atlantic sea air. There’s plenty of history to explore on the walk too including the site of the Halifax Crash, the Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair and see the route of the Donegal Corridor. More details at fairybridgesandwishingchair.com
17 – St Patrick’s Day
We had to leave this one to number 17 of course! This year our national holiday falls on a Sunday so it’s going to be a long weekend. People from all over the world converge on Bundoran to experience or to be part of the annual St Patrick’s Day parade and it’s always a fun day in town with a great atmosphere. The parade will start on March 17th at 3:30pm from East End (Ballyshannon side) and go right through the town as far as the West End (Sligo side). A lot of businesses will open up for the weekend so there will be plenty on offer. For more see discoverbundoran.com/stpatricksday
18 – Fish for your supper!
Being on the coast, there are plenty of opportunities to go fishing in and around Bundoran. We are also lucky to be situated near Lough Melvin and the Drowes River (famed for the first salmon of the year). So sea, river and lake fishing within a short distance and with over 70 species of fish in Donegal Bay alone, there’s lots of choice for the angler in your life! The guys at Drowes Salmon Fishery will help you with any permits that you need. For more see discoverbundoran.com/angling
19 – Eat until you’re full
Maybe you want to have someone else do the work for you (see tip 18) and have anything from a steak, a fish dish, a stew to a Chinese or Indian served to you in the comfortable surroundings of a nice restaurant. We got you covered! Bundoran has an abundance of cool coffee shops and funky restaurants where you can get a meal from food that’s locally grown or even locally caught. From traditional Irish, to European to international dishes – you’ll find them right here in Bundoran. More details at discoverbundoran.com/restaurants
20 – Take a picture on our selfie trail.
Our selfie trail offers a great collection of locations to get that selfie to share on your social media channels. From the Fairy Bridges to the Bundoran mural at Main Beach and all over town there’s lots of spots to get that perfect pic! Don’t forget to use the #discoverbundoran hashtag when you’re posting to Instagram. For more see discoverbundoran.com/selfie
21 – Jump from Top Rock!
For the more daring amongst you, top rock has been a rite of passage for the youth of Bundoran for decades. Located by the diving board on the Rougey Walk there are different heights to get used to. Please be aware of the tides if you are doing this and be mindful that there are no lifeguards on duty in this area.
22 – Do some rockpooling
A fun activity for the younger generation with plenty of spots and pools to find a bunch of sea creatures living along our coastline. As always, be careful of tidal conditions and always ask for advice if you are unsure. You can download our guide to rockpooling here – discoverbundoran.com/downloads
23 – Take a canter along Tullan Strand
One of the lesser used modes of transport in town but one offering the feeling of freedom! Ride on horseback through the Tullan Strand dunes or along the beach for an exhilarating riding lesson courtesy of Donegal Equestrian Centre. Also a great photo opportunity! For more see discoverbundoran.com/equestrian
24 – Take in a festival or event
We’ve already mentioned some of the festivals and events happening in town above but there’s plenty more! From celebrations for St Bridget to Darkness into Light and Culture Night, there’s always something happening! Keep a regular eye to our website discoverbundoran.com/events for all the latest updates!
