Water Sports at Donegal Thatched Cottages

Swimming/snorkling

The best and safest place to swim/snorkel on Cruit Island is on the safe sandy beach about 300 metres from the cottages. This beach fronts onto the enclosed Kincasslagh Bay and slopes gradually, enabling swimmers to choose the depth at which they wish to swim. Accessible whether the tide is in or out and free of undercurrents. The sandy beach at the little pier opposite cottage no.10 is also good for swimming but if the tide is fully in the beach disappears. We do not recommend the lovely sandy beach just down from cottage no. 6 as this beach shelves rather steeply and also fronts onto the open Atlantic. Equally we do not recommend the sandy beaches at the end of Cruit Island, or indeed any beach which fronts onto the open Atlantic. Those who prefer to swim indoors in a heated pool may do so at the leisure centre attached to Ostan na Rossan, in Dungloe. Open to the public all year round. About 6 miles from cottages. Tel.074 9522444.

Canoeing

The enclosed Kincasslagh Bay, with its many small islands to explore is a great place to canoe, as it is generally quite sheltered and access is from the little pier just opposite cottage no. 10. More experienced canoers could venture out round Owey Island and explore the many caves or in really calm and settled conditions could try their hand at canoeing all the way around Cruit Island. As with all canoeing activity : take due care.

Wind Surfing

As with canoeing the enclosed Kincasslagh Bay is an ideal location for wind surfing and is easily accessible from the cottages via Iomaire Bui, the pier opposite cottage no. 10. Those who prefer wider expanses could try Carrickfin beach beside the local airport.

Water Skiing

Again Kincasslagh Bay is perfect for this sport. Probably best to launch your speed boat from Kincasslagh Pier. Go into Kincasslagh village and turn left at Iggy’s pub. The pier is about one mile further on.

Surfing

Carrickfin beach beside the airport is probably the best local beach…..regular waves but not the kind of rising swell to make it a top class location.

Diving

For those with enough courage the bridge onto Cruit Island presents a good challenge. Also any of the local piers.

Scuba Diving

Burtonport is an excellent scuba diving centre. The waters around the various off-shore islands offer exciting opportunities to explore caves and a number of local wrecks. The waters are incredibly clear and unpoluted.

Water Sports at Donegal Thatched Cottages