Culdaff Beach

Culdaff Beach

The stunning Culdaff Beach located on the Inishowen peninsula county Donegal in the north west of Ireland.

Culdaff beach consists of a sandy beach with two rock outcrops at the south-east of the beach. These are exposed at times during the tidal phase during the day. The beach is contained to the west by sand dunes and to the north-west by the Culdaff River. Culdaff beach is popular with Surfers, with a number of surf schools operating here.

This long sandy beach is popular for swimming, walking and other watersports and is only 50 metres away from the village. There are two beaches called the small beach and the big beach and these can be very busy during the summer.

This coastal area is protected and designated a Special area for Conservation (SAC) divided into distinct zones by the rocky headlands of Black Rock, Buckers Rock and Ladys Rock. Beach use is concentrated on the eastern part of the main beach between Carratra and central access points and in the rock coves between Ladys Port and Black Pool.

Culdaff beach is located off the R243 east of the town of Malin. Culdaff village dates back to the 8th century and was originally the site of the monastery of St Buadán which the Church of Ireland is named.

Beach Lifeguards Lifeguards will be on duty on this beach – from June until September.

Hours of Work: 12.00pm – 18.30pm

Emergency Contact Number: Dial 999

First Aid: There is a first Aid Kit available at:

  • Beach Lifeguard Hut – 12.00pm – 18.30pm
  • Caratra House Bar (Beside Car park)
  • Flags: Red/Yellow Flag – It is safe to swim and lifeguards are on duty. Swim between the flags. Red Flag – High Hazard. It is dangerous to enter the water. Lifeguards are on duty. No Flag – No Lifeguards on duty.

General Advice

All beach users are asked to take care when at the beach, and in particular:

  • Never swim alone – Or surf, dive or sail unless there is someone with you.
  • Always engage in water activities with family or friends.
  • Tell someone when you will be back.
  • Note Locations of Life Saving Equipment – Before entering the water familiarize yourself with the location of lifebuoys.

Report missing or damaged lifesaving equipment

If you find that lifebuoys are missing or vandalized, please contact the Blue Flag Co-ordinator, Donegal County Council, Central Laboratory, The Kube, Magheranan, Letterkenny. (074) 91 22787 or (074) 91 76276. Email – [email protected]

Check out beachawards.ie for more information.