Beaches -- There are Blue Flag beaches in Portnoo and Navan. Magheroarty, near Falcarragh on the northern coast, has a breathtaking beach, unspoiled by crowds or development. The same goes for Tramore beach on the western side of Horn Head near Dunfanaghy; you have to hike a short distance, but the rewards are seclusion and miles of creamy sand.
Golf -- On the Rosguill peninsula, one of Ireland’s most challenging golf courses is the Rosapenna Golf Club, on Atlantic Drive in Downings (www.rosapenna.ie; 074/915-5000), an 18-hole championship seaside par-70 links course laid out in 1983 by Tom Morris of St. Andrews. It also has the newer Sandy Hills links, which was named the top course in the whole of Ireland and Britain by Golf World magazine in 2008. Greens fees are €110, but there’s a €25 discount if you book your tee time online. The twilight rate is €55. It’s closed from October to March.
Horseback Riding -- Dunfanaghy Stables, Arnold’s Hotel, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal (www.dunfanaghystables.com; 074/910-0980), specializes in trail riding on the surrounding beaches, dunes, and mountain trails. An hour’s ride is €32 adults, €27 children. Between May and September they also offer guided trail riding holidays, including meals and accommodations.
Walking -- The Ards Forest Park, on a peninsula jutting into Sheep Haven Bay about 5.6km (3 1/2 miles) south of Dunfanaghy on N56, has lots of signposted forest trails as well as an area of dunes along the water. You can buy a guidebook as you enter the park.
For a bit more of a challenge, you can try some scenic hiking on Horn Head, signposted off N56 just west of Dunfanaghy. From the concrete lookout point, a trail leads out to a ruined castle on the headland and continues south along a line of impressive quartzite sea cliffs that glitter in the sun.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
