There are a wide variety of things to do and see while enjoying your stay at the Harbour Inn Buncrana, here is a list of just a few get you started, more information is available locally or from the hotel reception.
Golf
Buncrana Golf Course, an 18-hole par 3 course is ideal for beginners or for the more experienced golfer seeking to master a short game. More information avaialable at
www.buncranagolfclub.com
The Northwest Golf Club was founded in 1890 and is situated 3 miles from Buncrana, 15km from Derry. The Northwest is an exceptional winter course, with greens and fairways, kept in excellent condition and 18 spectacular holes. More information avaialable at
www.mainsite.northwestgolfclub.com
Ballyliffin Golf Club is one of the finest golf resorts to be found anywhere in Ireland. With its two contrasting links courses and 36 wonderful holes it is designed to test your skills to the limit in spectacular surroundings.
www.ballyliffingolfclub.com
Cycling
Get away from the noise and stress of everyday life and escape to the open and peaceful country roads that surround Buncrana. Mary Kelly from Pedal Right can provide you with everything you need to have a great day in the saddle. Contact mkelly@pedalright.com
For more information:
North Pole CyclingWalking & Climbing
The lonely rugged hills, hidden glens and miles of trails that surround Buncrana are a must for the walker. For those seeking less challenging rambles we recommend the incomparable shore path starting at Buncrana Castle and following the coast for a little over a mile and a half to the shore of Stragill strand. For nature lovers, Swan Park, a little way north of the town, provides a peaceful setting for scenic walks and family picnics. Other local walks include those at Dunree and Inch Wildlife Reserve.
Equestrian
Enjoy a horse riding break tailor-made to suit your skill level. Go for a gentle trot on the beach or break out to cross-country runs. Breathtaking scenery, exhilarating rides and trails and the great outdoors – there is no better feeling than going horse riding around Buncrana. More Information: Tel: 0861616351 or 0861063444
Blue Flag BeachesBuncrana has some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. From secluded, private coves, to long family-perfect strands and Blue Flag beaches. Nothing rejuvenates the mind and body better than a stroll along a sandy beach enjoying the roar of the breakers crashing on the shore.
Surfing
Inishowen has some of the most consistent waves in Ireland due to its exposure to South West, West and Northerly/North easterly swells. Its long stretches of golden, sandy beaches make for safe conditions for beginners. More Information:
www.inishowensurfschool.com or Tel: 0877773323
Other Water ActivitiesWhether your thing is a leisurely sail out on the Lough Swilly, a deep-sea dive for hidden treasure, kayaking in the open sea or a white water experience you wont be disappointed. Great facilities, experienced qualified instructors and the chance to try your hand at a new water sport, makes Buncrana the perfect choice for an all-action activity break.
Angling
The Buncrana Angling Association controls the Crana River and Fullerton reservoir. The Crana River is a 12km long spate river which tends to fish late with good runs of grilse and sea trout during July. Fullerton reservoir is 400 acres in size and has a large population of both wild and stocked brown trout. The Mill River is also ideal for trout fishing. For more information:
www.buncranaangling.ie
There is endless amounts of things to do and see in Buncrana, full details of the activities listed above and more are available at Visit Buncrana -
www.visitbuncrana.com
Kids ActivitiesLeisure Centre,
Shore Front, Buncrana
Tel 0749361000
www.buncranaleisurecentre.com
Wains World
Unit 10, Miltown Business Park, Buncrana
Tel: 0749322450
Inishowen Quad Safari
Drumfad, Linsfort, Buncrana, Co. Donegal
Tel: 0876646346
www.inishowenquadsafari.ieGlenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland. Situated in the Northwest of Co. Donegal, Glenveagh encompasses some 16,000 acres in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Such a great wilderness is the haunt of many interesting plants and animals. These lands were managed as a private deer forest before becoming a national park in 1975. With the completion of public facilities Glenveagh National Park was officially opened to the public in 1986.
Full details are available by clicking here.
Fort Dunree
Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather” and indicates that this site has been an important defensive site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to one of Inishowen’s most beautiful and peaceful locations.
Full details are available by clicking here.
Inishowen 100
The Inishowen 100 gets its name from the approximate distance in miles of the signposted drive, which officially starts in Bridgend on the Inishowen Peninsula. It is the perfect drive to see all on offer around the peninsula including the 5km sandy beach in Buncrana (opposite the hotel), the ruins of Buncrana Castle, Malin Head - Irelands most northernly point and interesting villages such as Ballyliffin,Carndonagh, Culduff and Redcastle.
Further details are available by clicking here.
Northern Ireland
Giants Causeway
Only 1 hours drive from the Hotel is Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to a wealth of local history and legend. Explore the basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago and search for distinctive stone formations fancifully named the Camel, Harp and Organ.
Full details available by clicking here.
Bushmills Distillery
The "Old Bushmills" Distillery is the world's Oldest Licensed Whisky Distillery and has been legally producing Irish Malt Whisky since 1608 when Sir Thomas Phillips was empowered to issue licenses by King James I. Although as early as the 13th century, there is mention of Uisce Beatha - The Water Of Life in Gaelic. Daily guided tours illustrate how the golden liquid is produced , and after there's the opportunity to sample.
Full details are aavailable by clicking here.