maghera beach and caves

VanessaBelfast

5 mile drive from the outskirts of Ardara, on winding narrow roads with pretty scenery at every turn. Stop at Assaranka waterfall on your way but drive carefully. Park and walk for ten mins at the three euro car park at the tiny village of Maghera, and you will be greeted by a beautiful, mostly secluded beach, even at the height of summer. Turn left and walk to the caves, where Cromwell's men reputably murdered local woman and children. But, please, please be very wary, even in the shallow water at the edge of the beach as this area has claimed lives due to the treacherous unseen undercurrents. There used to be signs warning bathers of this danger but they seem to have been removed. Worth a visit but be careful. The kids can play safely on the beach and the sand dunes. Just stay out of the sea.

432frederikb

Driving to it, see a nice waterfall as well. Beach isnt more spectacular than the dutch Wadden.. but views are great. Road is narrow, be aware.

OliviaK602

The wind has painted patterns in the sand and it is so beautiful to see. I didn't make it to the caves as I got there too late. They are a bit of a hike up from the beach so be sure to allow some time if you want to see them. But the beach on its own is so serene you could just sit there for hours.

Milouje

Maghera Beach is the kind of place where you could just stay for hours either walking on the beach which extends for miles or just sit and relax while listening to the noise of the waves. The peace of the place is amazing. This is a real gem.

HUGS64

A couple of Euro to park the car and a 3 minute walk through the sand dunes reveals this HUGE, clean and empty beach. A few caves to explore and amazing tranquility

MsRiley

The most amazing beach, powder white sand, turquoise and green sea, multicoloured rock formation in the caves. We were lucky to visit on a perfect sunny day in September. Easy car parking, and a boardwalk through the sand dunes. The history of this place makes it really special. We walked and explored the caves, and got completely lost trying to find our way back to where we had parked the car, very grateful to the lady walking her goats who rescued us and pointed us in the right direction.

231stephenw

Spent a week in Donegal. Stayed in a cottage in laghey and had a great time. We love Ireland for the deserted beaches and we were not disappointed. Our local one was murvagh but maghera was awesome. I can only describe it as a 360° experience. We were lucky with the weather and on the day the sand was white the grass was green(!) The sea was turquoise and we were surrounded by mountains. Unfortunately the pictures we took don't do it justice. Had to to ring family to share the experience. You must go!!!!

MattP908

Just down from breathtaking Glengesh Pass and past the amazing Assaranca waterfalls, the white, broad sands of Maghera Beach beckon. Water is calm and clear, depth increases very gradually. making it perfect for both waders and swimmers.I've been on some of the most scenic Caribbean beaches and I'd put Maghera up with the best of them. Not to be missed. Nor is Glengesh, Assaranca, or the lovely, welcoming people of Ardara.

Andy-Cabs

I have been at this beach many times but when I arrived on a cold wet afternoon in June I was asked to pay €3 to park the car. There was no-one else about and the road to get to the beach - via the waterfall is 'scary'. I was not impressed that the 'locals' are looking money to park a vehicle. I was only intending to visit the caves and back again. I declined the fee and drove away again.At least you can park at the waterfall for free.

SJT77

This is a gorgeous beach of long white sand and undulating dunes leading up to it. The caves are also very atmospheric. Great for building sand castles and letting kids run free. Only issue is that as tempting as it might be its a really bad idea to swim here. According to locals there is a really strong rip tide and there have been several fatalities over the last few years. There is only one sign to indicate this and we were not warned by the elderly man who took our money, despite us having a body board for our little girl. We were warned by another family visiting the beach. Enjoy- but don't swim! Go to Portnoo for this- also a fabulous beach with blue flag rating and safe for swimming and water sports.

Teppin

What a fantastic beach, if the weather had been more tropical we could have pretended we were in the Carribean!We had the place to ourselves and walked for miles across the brilliant white sands and dunes.

ruthm890

beautiful clean beach with caves stay the whole day and the car parking is only £3 euro there are toilet facilities

mrsdiv

We parked up and paid our €3 in the kiosk (we were provided with a leaflet and advised on how to get to the beach/caves and told to keep an eye on the tide) and used the facilities (50C) before heading along the path and boardwalk. Beach was stunning. Kids loved clambering up and down the sand dunes and rocks. We only got to see one cave as the tide was in but we totally loved our visit. You could spend all day here and, if feeling adventurous, there were some good waves for body boarding. The waterfall in my profile picture was in Ardada on the way to the caves. We had to stop off and see it. Kids were very impressed. Highly recommended.

C23_13

Beautiful beach, however car parking and toilets should be free. Don't think there are any other car parking facilities available. Worth a visit though!

intensivekerr

We spent an afternoon at this beach and it is fantastic with high sand dunes that the kids had a great time playing in and a long sandy beach leading to a set of caves to explore.