Nature spot · County Donegal
Bá Bhaile Uí Thiarnáin (Ballyhiernan Bay)
The EPA does not monitor this beach for bathing water, so there is no water-quality record. Check locally and follow the signs before you swim.
Set along a rural stretch of northeast Donegal near the village of Rosnakill, Bá Bhaile Uí Thiarnáin (Ballyhiernan Bay) is a long, sandy beach perfect for walking and exploring.
Ballyhiernan Bay consists of a long sandy beach, backed by low dunes and confined on either side by rocky headlands, Rinboy Point to the west and Rinmore Point to the east. The beach has a large, free car park and provides views out into the Atlantic.
Outdoors in County Donegal this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Donegal
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct12° / 10°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 9°Medium rain showers
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 11°Sun with grey cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 7.7 km awayIsland Roy - Oileán RuaidhIslandOileán Ruaidh or Island Roy is a truly magical retreat from the rush of the rest of the world. This tiny 65 hectare island, off the coast of Donegal, is so little known and secluded that it doesn't always feature on maps.
Nature spot · 7.8 km awayRos Goill (Rossguill Peninsula)BeachSet between the headlands of Melmore Head and Horn Head, this point on the Rosguill Peninsula in northeast Donegal offers dramatic open views over the Atlantic coastline.