Buncrana and Lough Swilly Coastal Walk
This lovely walk takes you along the coastal path from Buncrana to Stragill Beach on the Inishowen Peninsula in the north of County Donegal. The attractive route provides some splendid views over Lough Swilly.
Starting from the car park at Shore Greens the path heads north to Swans
Park where you cross the river on Castle Bridge.
You continue to a historic highlight of the walk at Ned's Point Fort. The fort was constructed between 1812 and 1813 as part of a series of coastal defences along Lough Swilly during the Napoleonic Wars. Its primary purpose was to guard against potential French invasions, reflecting the strategic importance of the area at that time.
The route continues north along Porthaw Beach before finishing at Stragill Beach shortly after.
If you continue north you can extend your walking around Dunree Head and the historic Dunree Fort. To the south there's the splendid Inch Island to explore.
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Beacon, Buncrana
Castle Bridge in Buncrana
Entrance, Ned's Point Fort. The fort's design included a rectangular blockhouse equipped with two guns, complemented by a supporting battery that housed four additional guns. A surrounding ditch provided an extra layer of defence. In the 1890s, the fort underwent significant modifications, including the installation of two 6-inch guns on hydropneumatic mountings and the construction of an underground magazine complex. These enhancements aimed to modernise the fort's capabilities in response to evolving military technology.
Following the recommendations of the Owen Committee in 1905, the fort was disarmed by 1907, and by 1913, it no longer housed any armaments. Despite this, the structure remained largely intact. In the 1990s, Buncrana Town Council initiated restoration efforts to preserve the site, with additional restoration activities reported as of 2012. While the fort itself is not open to the public, it can be viewed from nearby walking routes along the shore of Lough Swilly.
Porthaw Beach and coastal path, Co.Donegal. Along the shoreline, you can find coastal plant species such as marram grass, sea holly, and sand couch. These plants help to stabilise the sand dunes and provide vital habitat for various invertebrates, including moth species that thrive in the sandy environment. You might also see salt-tolerant plants like common sea lavender growing in the wetter areas near the beach.
Coastal path, Ned's Point. Birdlife is abundant along this route, with common sightings including oystercatchers, grey herons, and gulls. During migratory seasons, Porthaw Beach and Stragill Beach attract a range of visiting birds, including brent geese, waders, and terns. The coastline also provides feeding grounds for various species of seabirds, including gannets and fulmars. If you're fortunate, you might spot birds of prey such as buzzards soaring above the cliffs and open areas, looking for small mammals.
Stragill Strand, Co. Donegal. The waters off the coast are home to several marine species. You may see seals basking on the rocks, and occasionally, porpoises or basking sharks can be spotted in the lough. The area is also frequented by a variety of marine invertebrates, including crabs and starfish, which can be seen when the tide goes out. The beaches offer a peaceful habitat for wildlife, with Stragill Beach being a particularly scenic spot for observing the natural environment.
As you walk, you may also encounter some of the coastal scrub, which is home to small mammals and invertebrates. The combination of the sandy dunes, rocky shorelines, and salt marsh areas creates a varied ecosystem, supporting a wide range of life throughout the year.