Fanad’s ‘Warden’ beach between Portsalon and Knockalla recognised by Lonely Plant as one of the best

The pristine stretch of sand that runs a few kilometres along Ballymastocker Bay from Portsalon to Magherawardan at the foot of Knockalla, was one of two Donegal beaches in the top ten.

The other was Tramore on the Atlantic side of Horn Heard near Dunfanaghy.

Fionn Davenport, the well-known travel writer who compiled the list, wrote: “This tawny-colored beach on the western shore of Lough Swilly was once named the second-most beautiful beach in the world by the British Observer Magazine, and it’s not difficult to see why. Stretching for almost 2km from the holiday village of Portsalon (which gives it its alternative name of Portsalon Beach), this Blue Flag beauty has wonderful views of the Inishowen Peninsula.

“The beach itself is highly photogenic: as you come around the high headland on the R268 Knockalla coastal drive there’s a pull-off spot that makes for the perfect view of the beach stretching right up to Portsalon.”