Western Ways George Keegan on what’s happening in travel, the arts, food and entertainment along the Western Seaboard
Life’s a beach.. Lahinch beach Co Clare, a resort which welcomes large numbers of holidaymakers every year from the Limerick area. Another great place for surfing and the town has a championship links golf course.
I have no doubt that readers of a certain vintage (meaning my own!) will have special memories of spending a week or fortnight each summer in a seaside town somewhere in Ireland. Memories of sandy beaches, paddling pools, a dip in the ocean, funfairs, fishing in a rock pool with a net attached to a long stick and building sand castles using a colourful small bucket and spade. Oh, those memories! At some beaches you could even drive the car on and park, taking a picnic with you of course. I grew up along the east coast and can remember my father giving me driving lessons along a certain beach. There have been many songs written about beaches and holidays. Remember big hits such as Brian Hyland’s Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini or Cliff Richard’s Summer Holiday. There are also numerous poems with titles such as A Day at the Beach or While Walking on the Beach. In a recent survey Ireland was placed 5th on a list of most popular European countries for their beaches. Western beaches Spending the day on a fine sandy beach in summer is a lovely experience however there should be other attractions too, especially if it’s a family holiday. The following are some of the superb beaches you can discover along the Wild Atlantic Way, all with Blue Flag status and offering special attractions within easy reach, adding to the overall enjoyment. We begin our journey in County Donegal Bundoran Beach: a great example of the typical seaside town. The sandy beach faces Donegal Bay and the Atlantic. There are two outdoor sea water swimming pools and it’s a haven for surfing with no less than 5 surfing schools. This town has an abundance of ‘things to do’ with cliff walks, an adventure park, waterworld and an equestrian centre. There is a fine golf course overlooking the sea on one side with the Dartry Mountains as a backdrop on the other. Attractions include the Fairy Bridges on Tullan strand (sea stacks hundreds of years old) and a Wishing Chair to sit on and look out to sea. 38 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Rathmullan Beach, Co Donegal, a lovely fine sandy beach New here for summer 2022 is a beach wheelchair for those with mobility problems
Rathmullan Beach, Co Donegal: a lovely fine sandy beach in the same county but not often written about. New here for summer 2022 is a beach wheelchair for those with mobility problems. It must be pre-booked but is free of charge. There is a 6km looped walk from the pier along the beach. A local charter company offers day trips to Tory Island and deep sea angling excursions. The Lough Swilly car ferry operates from here to Buncrana from June to September. It can carry 18 cars and over a 100 foot passengers. The crossing takes 40 minutes. Rathmullan has a good selection of rental accommodation and Just a few metres from the beach you will discover the really excellent Rathmullan House Hotel. This 18th century Georgian house has been owned by the Wheeler family for many years. There are two award winning restaurants and food served is delicious. Quite a lot of the ingredients come from their large walled vegetable garden. During summer months (July and August) a purpose built Pavilion is open to residents and nonresidents for casual dining. It is situated on a lawn close to the main entrance offering stone baked pizzas and locally brewed craft beers. Quite close and along the town’s Pier Road is a delightful café named Belles. It has a very extensive menu of snacks and meals. Open 9.30am -6.30pm. The Irish Navy service ship the LE James Joyce is scheduled to anchor at the village pier during the Community Festival & Annual Regatta on Sunday 6th August as part of the week-end festivities. A short distance away is the small but interesting town of Ramelton on the Lennon River, one of 5 Heritage towns in the county. A country market is held in the local Town Hall weekly.
