Do you think wild, remote and deserted beaches no longer exist? The discovery of Boyeeghter Bay in Ireland will change your mind!
Green cliffs that house a golden sandy beach, waves that thrive with power on a wild coast, a spectacular untouched landscape of all human tracks, this is what awaits you by going to visit the Bay of Boyeeghter, in Northern Ireland!
Located in Donegal County, the most northern region of the country, you will not fall on Boyeeghter Bay by chance. His nickname, Murder Hole Beach , until its location — nestled at the creu of a cliff behind the fields — this beach remains mysterious. Nature lovers who have already had the chance to get there agree that this is a place to pure and overwhelming beauty. Are you ready to go on adventure to explore this hidden gem of the Irish coast?
In the footsteps of Boyeeghter Bay, Ireland
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Babetts Bildergalerie
The County of Donegal , northwest of the country, is an isolated region that few visitors take the time to explore during a trip to Ireland. The coastline is wild and very steep, the climate can be harsh and violent winds, but it would take much more to tarnish the beauty of its landscapes.
On the peninsula Rosguill , the Bay of Boyeeghter is also called Murder Hole Beach , which means “ The beach of the killer hole “in French. A nickname for one of Ireland’s most beautiful, pure and authentic bays. So where does this nickname come from? Some say that she wears it since the mysterious fall of a woman from the top of her cliffs in the 19th century, others prefer to say that the wild waters of the Atlantic are so powerful that when the tide rises, waves and currents can become dangerous, and therefore murderous.
But don’t get me wrong, which characterizes above all the beautiful Bay of Boyeeghter once it unfolds to you, it’s its peaceful atmosphere and the power of nature. In other words, what to make you forget very quickly his nickname not so much!
What's behind Boyeeghter Bay in Ireland?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Babetts Bildergalerie
The Bay of Boyeeghter will appear before your eyes after a short journey through fields. But what do we find out once on the spot? A life-giving nature away from civilization!
At low tide, you will observe a large and pretty sandy beach which is divided into two to high tide, as well as one small island accessible on foot. Under the sun, its waters become turquoise and its golden sand. The show is definitely worth the detour!
But the visit does not stop there! With all its power, the Atlantic dug the rock on the coast over time. There are spectacular rock formations, including one cave cave cave cave cave cave cave cave cave cave particularly impressive, accessible only to low tide.
Those who wish to admire the bay from another angle can follow the path that starts at the bottom of the beach, to climb on the surrounding hills and reach one guet dating from the Second World War.
To go
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Babetts Bildergalerie
How?
- From Dublin
To access the Bay of Boyeeghter from Dublin, the Irish capital, two options are available:
By plane
You can fly to Donegal Airport in the city of Letterkenny and then rent a car to Boyeeghter Bay.
The flight lasts 1h05 about, and the driving time then is estimated at 1h15 .
By car
You can opt for it car rental directly to Dublin to reach the bay 280 kilometres from there.
The driving time is estimated at 4 hours about. This option is the most convenient if you plan to visit other places on the way, especially in Donegal County.
- On site
Once on the road to Donegal County, drive to Melmore. It will be possible for you to park at the end of the road, Melmore Head .
The Bay of Boyeeghter deserves because once the car is parked, you will have to follow the sign that indicates the entrance and walk for about ten minutes through pastures, usually occupied by animals. Stay on the left, pass the hill slightly sandy, and descend along the dune. Your effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape!
Note : The farmer who owns these pastures does not see any inconvenience to what visitors pass through his property, provided that certain rules are respected. In other words, dogs are not allowed on the way to Boyeeghter Bay, even on a leash, the photographs must be taken for personal purposes only or the prohibition of using a drone.
When?
Taking into account the climate, the best time to go to Boyeeghter Bay and hope to see it under the sun is summer, June to September particularly during the months July and August which are the most “hot” (15° on average).
But more importantly, we invite you to check the tides schedules before your arrival. The high tide would prevent you from accessing the caves in the cliff, but especially the situation could become dangerous in case of agitated seas.
At what price?
Access to the bay is free . However, you will need to take into account in your budget the means of transport used, as well as your accommodation if you plan to stay several days in the area, which we recommend.
To give you an idea, a flight between Dublin and Letterkenny will cost you about 35€ , and renting a car at this airport between 30€ and 120€ a day. If you choose to rent a car from Dublin, it will cost you between 15€ and 210€ a day.
Finally, to sleep in the area, count 60€ per night on average according to your mode of accommodation.
To sleep
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Babetts Bildergalerie
On site
The closest accommodation is in the city of Downings , a quarter-hour drive from the bay. The rate per night is between a hundred euros for a room in a hotel, at 375€ for an entire cottage that can accommodate up to 6 people . Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find accommodation at the best price and your taste!
Otherwise, if you want to find other types of accommodation, away from the classic hotel rooms, you can also turn to Airbnb to find private rooms from 55€ at night.
If you are travelling in tents, vans or caravans, know that several campsites and caravan parks — open from early March to late September — is less than 2 kilometres from Boyeeghter Bay, such as Mulroy Bay Caravan Park , or Rosguill Holiday Park . A tent location for 2 people will cost you about 20€ at night without electricity, or 25€ with electricity.
Nearby
For those who plan to visit the region, you will also be able to sleep in several other villages:
Dunfanaghy
- Shandon Hotel & Spa
- Arnolds Hotel
Letterkenny
Dungloe
To eat
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Babetts Bildergalerie
On site
If the weather is on your side and you've thought about doing some errands on the way, enjoy it for a picnic. In this case, don’t forget to leave nothing behind you! By acting like that, you help preserve these little paradises, of which the Bay of Boyeeghter is part.
If you prefer to eat a hot local dish, head to the Fisk Seafood Bar Crocknamurleog, located in 15 minutes about the bay. On the menu? Inventive dishes based on seafood and fish!
For a 100% Irish atmosphere, we recommend a must in Ireland, the pub, as The Singing Pub Downings.
Nearby
Located in 30 kilometres about the Bay of Boyeeghter, the village of Dunfanaghy offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Among them are:
- Coffee The Shack
- The elegant Cove Restaurant
- The pizzeria The Rusty Oven Wood Fired
- The Patsy Dan’s Pub
To take in my backpack
We advise you to be well prepared in order to face all situations and it is not the Irish, accustomed to their changing weather, who will say the opposite! Before you go on adventure, make sure you have in your bag:
- Hot clothes, the wind can blow from the top of the cliffs
- Sunglasses
- Solar cream
- Waterproof shoes or boots, in case the grass of pastures would be wet
- Waterproof and/or umbrella. Should we remind you that the rains are not rare in Ireland?
- A camera
What I can discover in the region
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Amedeo Iunco photographer
♪ 2017 , the County of Donegal was named “ the Coolest Place on the Planet “, either “ the coolest place on the planet “, by the magazine National Geographic Traveller . And this title is widely deserved!
Your trip to his lands will start on the road, by borrowing the Atlantic Drive , of the Wild Atlantic Way on which there are many spots not to be missed. By staying on the Rosguill peninsula, only 30 minutes from Boyeeghter Bay, you can visit the fortified enclosure Doe Castle , or Bay of Tranarossan . If you have time in front of you, continue to Malin Head, Fanad Head , Cruit Island, cliffs Slieve League or Murvagh Beach.
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