Discover Rathmullan on Lough Swilly

Rathmullan is a coastal town on Lough Swilly in County Donegal. Local options range from activities on the water to walking trails, cycling and culture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rathmullan, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: activities on the water, exploring on foot or local history. The different experiences offer practical ideas to help you decide.

Watersports on Lough Swilly

Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports School offers courses for children and adults on Lough Swilly. Check seasonal opening times and bookings before you arrive. Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports Club offers kayaking, boat trips and sailing on Lough Swilly; its seasonal operating period may change. Check the latest information before planning your activity.

Rathmullan Charters offers deep-sea fishing, boat trips and cruises. The operator runs two boats: Enterprise 1 is a charter fishing boat, while Swilly Explorer is an Interceptor 42. The offering also includes a Wild Atlantic Way tour for whale and dolphin watching around Fanad Lighthouse. Confirm fleet details, operating arrangements and current availability before booking or travelling.

Walking and cycling

Rathmullan has walking trails where you can explore the town and its surroundings on foot. Guided walks with local guide Deirdra Friel are also available. Confirm her availability before your trip. Cycling is another option: you can ride along the winding country roads. This lets you focus on walking trails, guided walks or cycling tours.

Beach, playground and sauna

Rathmullan Beach is one of Donegal’s beaches currently accessible to wheelchair users. As accessibility facilities may change, check the current beach facilities before visiting. There is also a playground for children and families next to the beach; check its condition and access locally.

The Swilly Sauna is a wood-fired beach sauna beside Rathmullan’s main beach car park and offers 50-minute sessions. Check the current session times before your trip.

History and film

Rathmullan Fort is used as a heritage centre and museum. Its historical interpretation focuses on the old Gaelic order and the Flight of the Earls. Rathmullan is also home to the life-size bronze sculpture “Flight of the Earls”.

Rathmullan Film Festival is a volunteer-run, non-profit and participatory festival in Rathmullan. It was founded in 2017 and launched in 2018. The programme includes screenings of local films, documentaries, Irish short films, new releases and older favourites, as well as food-and-film experiences and industry talks. The programme may vary with each edition; check the latest dates and content before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kindrohid, Carndonagh, Ballygorman, Annagry, Drumfree, Baylet, Rosnakill, Gweedore

For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.