Local Area Information
Overview:
Donegal is seen by many as the starting point on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way coastline. https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home - Sea Vista is located directly on this route.
Rathmullan (Irish: Ráth Maoláin, meaning "Maoláin's ringfort") is a small seaside village on the Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland. It is situated on the western shore of Lough Swilly, 11 km (7 miles) north-east of Ramelton and 12 km (7.5 miles) east of Milford. Rathmullan serves as an important historical village as it was the scene of the Flight of the Earls in 1607, a major turning point in Irish history.
Situated midway on the western shore of Lough Swilly, Rathmullan is a good base for exploring this beautiful area. There are pleasant walks and drives in the area including Kinnegar and Rathmullan Woods. There are a also number of beautiful and idyllic beaches within easy reach of the cottages where you and your family can while away a sunny afternoon. There is excellent fishing for wild brown trout and salmon in the area, and, for the more adventurous, deep sea fishing is available. The arrival of the Summer ferry has also made the hidden treasures of Northern Donegal easily accessible from Rathmullan.
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