Summary
- In the footsteps of Boyeeghter Bay, Ireland
- What's behind Boyeeghter Bay in Ireland?
- How to get there
- - How?
- - How? When?
- - At what cost?
- To sleep there
- - On the spot
- - Nearby
- To eat there
- - On the spot
- - Nearby
- To take in my backpack
- What I can discover in the region
You think wild, remote, deserted beaches don't exist anymore? The discovery of Boyeeghter Bay in Ireland will change your mind!
Lush green cliffs sheltering a golden sandy beach, waves crashing powerfully along a wild coastline, spectacular scenery untouched by human activity - this is what awaits you when you visit Boyeeghter Bay in the north of Ireland!
Situated in County Donegal, the northernmost region of the country, the Bay of Boyeeghter isn't just a coincidence. From its nickname, Murder Hole Beach, to its location - nestled in a cliff cut behind fields - this beach remains a mystery. Nature lovers who have had the chance to visit it agree that it is a place of pure and overwhelming beauty. Are you ready to set off on an adventure to explore this hidden gem of the Irish coastline?
In the footsteps of Boyeeghter Bay, Ireland
County Donegal, in the north-west of the country, is a remote area that few visitors take the time to explore on a trip to Ireland. The coastline is wild and very rugged, the climate can be harsh and the winds strong, but it would take much more than that to tarnish the beauty of its landscapes.
On the Rosguill Peninsula, Boyeeghter Bay is also known as Murder Hole Beach, which means "The Beach of the Murder Hole" in French. A macabre nickname for one of the most beautiful, pure and authentic bays in Ireland. So where does the nickname come from? Some people say that it has had it since the mysterious fall of a woman from the top of its cliffs in the 19th century, others prefer to say that the wild waters of the Atlantic are so powerful that when the tide rises, the waves and currents can become dangerous, and therefore deadly.
But make no mistake, what characterizes the beautiful Boyeeghter Bay above all else once it reveals itself to you is its peaceful atmosphere and the power of nature. In other words, you'll soon forget its unattractive nickname!
What's behind Boyeeghter Bay in Ireland?
Boyeeghter's Bay will appear before your eyes after a short trip through the fields. But what will you discover once you get there? An invigorating nature far from civilization!
At low tide, you'll see a large and pretty sandy beach that splits in two at high tide, as well as a small island accessible on foot. Under the sun, its waters become turquoise and its sand golden. The spectacle is undeniably worth the detour!
But the visit does not stop there! With all its power, the Atlantic has carved out the rock on the coast over time. Spectacular rock formations can be seen, including a particularly impressive cave, accessible only at low tide.
Those who wish to admire the bay from a different angle can follow the path that starts at the bottom of the beach, to climb the surrounding hills and reach a lookout dating back to the Second World War.
How to get there
How?
- From Dublin
To reach Boyeeghter Bay from Dublin, the Irish capital, you have two options:
By airplane
You can fly to Donegal Airport in the town of Letterkenny and then hire a car to drive to Boyeeghter Bay.
The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, and the estimated time to drive there is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
By car to Boyeeghter Bay
You can choose to rent a car directly in Dublin to reach the bay 280 kilometres away.
Estimated travel time by car is approximately 4 hours. This option is most convenient if you plan to visit other places on the way, especially in County Donegal.
- On Site
Once you're on the road to Donegal County, drive to Melmore. You will be able to park at the end of the road at Melmore Head.
Boyeeghter Bay is well worth the trip as once you have parked, follow the sign to the entrance and walk for about 10 minutes through pastures, which are usually occupied by animals. Keep to the left, pass the slightly sandy hill, and walk down the dune. Your effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape!
Please note: The farmer who owns these pastures has no problem with visitors crossing his property, as long as they respect certain rules. Namely, dogs are not allowed on the Boyeeghter Bay Road, even on a leash, photographs must be taken for personal use only or the use of a drone is prohibited.
When?
Taking into account the climate, the best time to go to Boyeeghter Bay and hope to see it under the sun is in summer, from June to September, and especially during the months of July and August which are the "hottest" (15° on average).
But more importantly, please check the tide times before you come. High tide would prevent you from accessing the caves in the cliff, but above all the situation could become dangerous in case of rough seas.
At what cost?
Access to the bay is free. On the other hand, you will have 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 around 35€, and renting a car at this airport between 30€ and 120€ per day. If you choose to rent a car from Dublin, it will cost between 15€ and 210€ per day.
Finally, if you want to sleep in the area, you should expect to pay an average of €60 per night depending on the type of accommodation you are staying in.
To sleep there
On the spot
The nearest accommodation is in the town of Downings, about 15 minutes drive from the bay. The rate per night ranges from around 100€ for a room in a hotel to 375€ for a whole cottage that can accommodate up to 6 people. Don't hesitate to use a hotel comparator to find accommodation at the best price and to your taste!
Alternatively, if you wish to find other types of accommodation, far from the classic hotel rooms, you can also turn to Airbnb to find private rooms from 55€ per night.
If you are travelling in a tent, van or caravan, there are several campsites and caravan parks - open from early March to late September - within 2 kilometres of Boyeeghter Bay, such as the Mulroy Bay Caravan Park, or the Rosguill Holiday Park. A tent pitch for 2 people will cost you around 20€ per night without electricity, or 25€ with electricity.
Nearby
For those who plan to visit the area, it will also be possible to sleep in several other villages:
Dunfanaghy
- Shandon Hotel & Spa
- Arnolds Hotel
Letterkenny
- White Park Bed and Breakfast
- Glencairn House
- Bridgeburn House
Dungloe
- Radharc An Oileain
To eat there
On the spot
If the weather is on your side and you've thought about doing some shopping along the way, take the opportunity to picnic in the great outdoors. In that case, don't forget to leave nothing behind! By doing so, you are helping to preserve these little paradises, of which Boyeeghter Bay is a part.
If you prefer to eat a local dish in the warmth, head for the Fisk Seafood Bar in Crocknamurleog, located about 15 minutes from the bay. On the menu? Inventive seafood and fish dishes!
For a 100% Irish atmosphere, we recommend a must in Ireland, the pub, such as The Singing Pub in Downings.
Nearby
Located about 30 kilometres from Boyeeghter Bay, the village of Dunfanaghy offers a wide choice of restaurants and cafes. Among them are :
- The Shack Cafe
- Elegant Cove Restaurant
- The Rusty Oven Wood Fired Pizzeria
- Patsy Dan's Pub
To take in my backpack
We advise you to be well prepared to face all situations and it is not the Irish, used to their changing weather, who will say otherwise! Before setting off on your adventure, make sure you have in your bag :
- Warm clothes, the wind can blow off the cliffs...
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof footwear or boots, in case the grass in the pasture is wet.
- A raincoat and/or an umbrella. Need we remind you that rain is not uncommon in Ireland?
- A camera
What I can discover in the region
In 2017, Donegal County was named "the Coolest Place on the Planet" by National Geographic Traveller magazine. And this title is well deserved!
Your journey on its land will start on the road, taking the Atlantic Drive, the Wild Atlantic Way, on which there are many spots not to be missed. Staying on the Rosguill Peninsula, only 30 minutes from Boyeeghter Bay, you can visit the fortified enclosure of Doe Castle, or the Tranarossan Bay. If you have time on your hands, continue to Malin Head, Fanad Head, Cruit Island, Slieve League Cliffs or Murvagh Beach.
