Local Area Information
Discover Rathmullan & Donegal
Sea Vista Rathmullan is ideally located for exploring Donegal and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, with spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, mountains and historic villages all within easy reach.
Rathmullan (Irish: Ráth Maoláin) is a picturesque seaside village on the western shore of Lough Swilly, on County Donegal’s Fanad Peninsula. With its sandy beach, woodland walks, welcoming pubs and restaurants, it is a wonderful base for discovering this beautiful corner of north-west Ireland.
The village is also rich in history. Rathmullan is best known as the departure point for the Flight of the Earls in 1607, one of the most significant events in Irish history.
Explore the local area
Guests at Sea Vista Rathmullan can enjoy walks through Rathmullan Woods and Kinnegar, unwind on nearby beaches, or explore the Fanad Peninsula, Fanad Lighthouse, Ballymastocker Bay, Glenveagh National Park and some of Donegal’s finest coastal scenery.
The area is also popular for fishing, walking, cycling, golf and water-based activities. Anglers can enjoy opportunities for trout and salmon fishing, while sea fishing is also available locally.
During the summer months, the Rathmullan–Buncrana ferry across Lough Swilly provides a convenient and memorable way to explore the Inishowen Peninsula and the many attractions of northern Donegal.
Sea Vista Rathmullan’s location makes it easy to experience some of Donegal’s finest scenery while still enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Rathmullan.
Discover the Wild Atlantic Way
Wild Atlantic Way
Rathmullan on Facebook
• https://www.facebook.com/rathmullan.donegal
Videos of Rathmullan
• https://youtu.be/nyKHoW8kbbw (Rathmullan Images)
• https://youtu.be/Ldj7QSBWLWs (Rathmullan on the Wild Atlantic Way!)
Places of Interest
Visit the ruins of the Carmelite Friary in Rathmullan (just a 200m walk from Sea Vista) which was built by Eoghan Rua MacSweeney in 1516. The Friary was sacked by the English garrison from Sligo in 1595. In 1607, Rathmullan was also said to have seen the last of the Gaelic Order, most notably the Clan Ó Néill and the Clan Ó Domhnaill, during the Flight of the Earls to the Continent. This 'flight' took place from Portnamurray on the southern edge of the town. In 1617 the Friary was occupied by the Protestant Bishop of Raphoe, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Andrew Knox. A subsequent Bishop of Raphoe turned it into a fortified house in anticipation of a possible French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. This battery still stands and today serves as a heritage centre located near the pier in the village.
Things to do in / from Rathmullan Village
Rathmullan Donegal – Village Map including places of interest. https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Xcj8CxqVI810_ms3LCP_AL4rty4&usp=sharing
• Walk on the idyllic Rathmullan or Kinnegar sandy beaches
• Walk in the Rathmullan Woods
• Cycling or Hiking - Rathmullan offers the walking or cycling enthusiast the opportunity to discover one of the few remaining unspoiled landscapes in Europe. By following way-marked (signposted) routes or simply your instinct, the visitor can explore a region that is truly breath taking in its beauty and splendour.
• Kids playground in the village
• Swim in the clean sea, it can be chilly but it’s always rewarding!
• Visit the Excellent Drumhalla House https://drumhallahouse.ie/ Wedding Venue.
Water sports & Water Leisure for the Family
• http://www.rathmullancharters.com/
• https://rathmullansailing.com/
• http://swillyferry.com/ (Ideal for a day trip to Buncrana by foot or car)
Eating out / Restaurants in the Village
• https://rathmullan.net/places-eat-rathmullan/
• http://thebeachcomberbar.com/ (Food & Drinks) The bar has a fabulous setting on the sea front and enjoys panoramic views over the Lough Swilly towards Inch Island and Inishowen Peninsula. These superb views can also be enjoyed from the large beer garden
• https://www.rathmullanrestaurants.com/ Belle's Kitchen Website - This nautically themed, family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast until noon, then an extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, burgers, fish and chips, cakes and desserts.
• https://www.anbonnanbui.ie/ Café & Bistro
• https://www.rathmullanhouse.com/ 4 Star Luxury Hotel
• https://www.rathmullanhouse.com/the-cook-and-gardener-restaurant.html (High End Restaurant)
• https://www.rathmullanhouse.com/the-tap-room.html (Excellent Family Pizza Restaurant)
• Carbery's Shop (Small Grocery Shop Near Sea Vista)
• Scarpello & Co – Restaurant at the Village Pier
• An Stad Coffee Shop
• The White Harte
Things to do Nearby Rathmullan
Day trips (by Car)
• https://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/ Glenveagh National Park – Excellent Family Visit
• https://fanadlighthouse.com/ Fanad Head -
• https://curiousireland.ie/voted-2nd-most-beautiful-beach-in-the-world-ballymastocker-bay-portsalon-donegal/ Ballymastocker Bay known as Port Salon Beach – must see!
• http://www.sliabhliag.com/ Slieve League Cliffs
Golf
• http://www.portsalongolfclub.ie/ Portsalon Golf Club
• https://www.northwestgolfclub.com/ Lisfannon, Fahan, Buncrana, Co Donegal