Buncrana

Buncrana is a destination in Ulster, Ireland. Buncrana (Irish: Bun Cranncha) is the main town of the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, set on the shores of Lough Swilly. It is a popular seaside resort with a long sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a range of restaurants and pubs. The town has a strong family holiday tradition and is a good base for exploring Malin Head, Ireland's northernmost point, and the stunning Inishowen coastal scenery.

By Car

The most practical way to reach Buncrana is by car. Ulster (IE-U) is best explored with your own transport, as public connections are limited. The main roads are the N15 (Sligo–Donegal–Letterkenny), N13 (Letterkenny–Stranorlar), N14 (Letterkenny–Lifford), and N2 (Dublin–Monaghan–Letterkenny), all of which are good quality. Minor roads in Donegal are often narrow and winding — allow extra travel time.

By Train

There is no rail service within Ulster (IE-U). The nearest train stations are in Sligo (for Donegal) and Dundalk/Drogheda (for Cavan and Monaghan), where connecting buses are available. Irish Rail operates services to these stations from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston.

By Bus

Bus Éireann operates services from Dublin and other major cities to Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Cavan, and Monaghan. Local bus services connect smaller towns but are infrequent, especially on Sundays. Advance route planning is essential, particularly for reaching remote coastal areas.

By Air

Donegal Airport (CFN) at Carrickfinn has flights from Dublin operated by Aer Lingus Regional. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) in County Mayo is an alternative for visitors to south Donegal. Dublin Airport (DUB) is about 2–2.5 hours' drive from Cavan and Monaghan.

Buncrana is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is essential. The region's public transport network is limited, so advance planning is necessary for bus-based travel. In Donegal, the stunning coastal scenery rewards drivers willing to take the slower, more scenic routes.

Castle Bridge at the outlet of Crana River leads to the Keep and Swan Park.

O'Doherty's Keep is the shell of a tower built by the Normans in the 14th century. The third floor was added in 1602 to welcome the Spanish army that would surely drive out the English; but they landed altogether the wrong end of the country at Kinsale , and were besieged then sent packing. Nothing daunted, Sir Cahir O'Doherty launched his rebellion of 1608, burning Derry, but he and his men were soon beaten. It only remained for the English to burn this place in reprisal, put to death any remaining rebels, and award the land to their own supporters. The Keep passed to the Vaughan family, who in 1718 recycled much of the stone to build Buncrana Castle adjacent (a private mansion, no tours), and they laid out the town on its present pattern. The Keep is unsafe to enter but you come for the scenic riverside park.

Ned's Point Fort half a mile beyond the Keep is a gun battery built in 1812 against Napoleonic invasion. It was re-armed in the 1890s but disarmed in 1905. The structure is derelict and you can't enter.

Fort Dunree ,

Linsfort .

M-F 10:30AM-4:30PM, Sa Su noon-6PM .

Built against Nap

Cinema:

Buncrana Cinema is on St Mary's Rd, north end of Main St.

Golf:

Buncrana GC is south side of town by Amazing Grace Park. Northwest GC is on the coast at Lisfannon 3 km south.

Fishing: you need a permit for fishing in the river, available at several stores.

Art: there isn't a public gallery, but Northern Light on Main St is a commercial gallery displaying the photography of Adam Rory Porter.

Wains World is a children's indoor adventure play area on Milltown Business Park, 200 m east of Lidl. It could save your sanity.

Main St has a slew of budget places: Ubiquitous Restaurant, Four Lanterns, Oscar's , Abrakebabra, Sherpa and La Papa .

The Drift Inn ,

Railway Rd, Buncrana

( by Gateway Hotel ),

☏

+353 74 936 1999 .

Th 2-9:30PM, F-Su 1-9PM .

Gastropub in the former railway station.   ( updated Aug 2021 )

The hotels have the best dining, with Red Door getting the best reviews.

O'Flaherty's Bar ,

41 Upper Main St, Buncrana F93 X21F .

Friendly central bar.   ( updated Aug 2021 )

Rodden's Bar ,

4 Upper Main St, Buncrana F93 K3CF ,

☏

+353 86 894 8177 .

Triendly bar often has live rock or soul at weekends and trad sessions Sundays. Open fire in winter. Decked beer garden open year-round.   ( updated Aug 2021 )

Camping and caravans may be able to pitch at Amazing Grace Park south side of town. Lough Swilly caravan park has closed.

Tullyarvan Mill Hostel ,

Mill ,

☏

+353 74 93 61613 .

Open June-August.

Dorms €25 per person, per night. Twin/Double room €58 per night (sleeps 2). Family room €75 per night (sleeps 6 or 7). .   ( updated Aug 2024 )

B&Bs : try St Columbus House or Town Clock B&B in the centre, or Caldra along Westbrook.

Lake of Shadows Hotel ,

Grianan Park, Buncrana F93 VY36 ,

☏

+353 74 936 1005 .

Comfy friendly hotel in town centre.

B&B double €100 .   ( updated Aug 2021 )

Westbrook House B&B ,

Westbrook, Buncrana F93 H795 ,

☏

+353 74 936 1067 .

Welcoming B&B in a Georgian mansion.

B&B double €110 .   ( updated Aug 2021 )

Inishowen Gateway Hotel ,

Railway Rd, Buncrana F93 PPH9 ,

☏

+353 74 936 1144 .

Decent mid-price hotel on coast south edge of town, comfy but service erratic.

B&B double €100 .   ( updated Aug 2021 )

Harbour Inn ,

Derry Rd, Luddan F93 V57X

( by Northwest Golf Course ),

☏

+353 74 932 1810 .

Friendly well-run small hotel on coast road.

B&B double €80 .   ( updated Aug 2021 )

The Red Door ,

Buncrana is the main shopping town, with Aldi, Lidl, and SuperValu.

There are ATMs outside Bank of Ireland, AIB and Ulsterbank.

Carndonagh is the main settlement in the north of Inishowen Peninsula, with Malin Head the most northerly point on the Irish mainland.

Derry is a fascinating historic city with intact 17th-century walls.

Letterkenny is Donegal's main transport and accommodation hub.

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