Mill Bay Beach is the main beach on Inch Island, a lovely pebbly shore with fantastic views across Lough Swilly to Rathmullan and the Fanad Peninsula. It's a peaceful spot popular with dog walkers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a quiet stretch of coastline away from the crowds.
Mill Bay Beach
Mill Bay sits on the western side of Inch Island, looking out across the calm waters of Lough Swilly. The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, which keeps it quieter than Donegal's more famous strands – perfect if you're after tranquility rather than bucket-and-spade beach days.
What Makes It Special
- Stunning views across Lough Swilly to Rathmullan and the hills of Fanad
- Walk to Inch Castle – at low tide, you can walk along the shoreline to the atmospheric ruins of the 15th-century castle
- Hike to the Wishing Chair – a coastal walk from Mill Bay takes you to this local landmark with panoramic views
- Dog-friendly – a popular spot for walking dogs along the shore
- Peaceful atmosphere – rarely crowded, even in summer
- Wildlife – part of an internationally important wetland area
Parking and Access
The car park for Mill Bay Beach is directly beside the beach, with great views from the parking area itself. The location makes it a popular overnight stop for campervans – you can wake up to views across the lough.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free car park beside beach |
| Beach type | Pebbly |
| Dog-friendly | Yes |
| Facilities | Car park only |
| Best for | Walking, dog walking, peaceful exploration |
Walking to Inch Castle
One of the highlights of visiting Mill Bay is the low-tide walk to Inch Castle. The 15th-century castle stands on a cliff overlooking Lough Swilly, and when the tide is out, you can walk along the shoreline to reach it.
Check our Inch Island tide times page to plan your walk – aim for 1-2 hours either side of low water for the best access.
The Wishing Chair
From Mill Bay, you can hike along the coast to reach the Wishing Chair – a natural rock formation that's become a local landmark. The coastal path offers panoramic views across Lough Swilly, and the chair itself is a popular spot for photos. It's a nice extension to your beach visit if you fancy a longer walk.
Inch Pier Beach
At the northern tip of the island, near Inch Fort, you'll find another small beach at Inch Pier. This spot offers some of the most incredible views on the island – looking directly across Lough Swilly to Rathmullan.
The beach here is small but the setting is stunning. The ruins of the early 19th-century Inch Fort provide an atmospheric backdrop, and it's a quieter alternative to Mill Bay if you're looking for solitude.
The Island's Coastline
Beyond Mill Bay, Inch Island has approximately 13km of coastline to explore. The eastern and northern shores tend to be rockier, with mudflats on the western side that form part of the Inch Wildfowl Reserve.
The varied coastline supports abundant birdlife – the area is designated as a Special Protection Area under EU law, recognising its international importance for migratory birds. If you're interested in wildlife, combine a beach visit with the 8km Inch Wildfowl Reserve walk.
What to Expect
Inch Island's beaches suit visitors who appreciate:
- Natural, unspoilt shoreline – no beach bars or amusement arcades
- Birdwatching opportunities – waders, swans, and geese depending on season
- Rock pools at low tide, particularly on the eastern shore
- Photography – the views across Lough Swilly are spectacular, especially at sunset
Where to Eat Nearby
After exploring the beach, you'll find places to eat in the nearby village of Fahan, just a few minutes' drive from the Inch Island causeway:
- The Red Door Restaurant – well-regarded local restaurant in Fahan
Local Shopping
Shivon Soap is located close to Mill Bay Beach, where you can buy 100% handmade soaps – a nice stop to combine with your beach visit.
Combining Beach Time with Other Activities
A great day on Inch Island might include:
Morning: Walk the Inch Wildfowl Reserve loop (8km, 1.5-2.5 hours)
Midday: Explore Mill Bay Beach and walk to Inch Castle (check tide times)
Afternoon: Visit Shivon Soap, then lunch at The Red Door in Fahan
Other Beaches Near Inch Island
If you're staying in the area and want to explore more of the Lough Swilly coastline, several other beaches are within easy reach:
Lisfannon Beach (5 minutes)
The nearest sandy swimming beach, located between Fahan and Buncrana. Lisfannon has Blue Flag status and lifeguards during summer (June-September). The sheltered position within Lough Swilly means calm, safe waters for swimming.
From Lisfannon, you can actually see Inch Island across the water.
Rathmullan Beach (15-20 minutes)
Visible from Inch Island on the opposite shore of Lough Swilly, Rathmullan has a long sandy beach stretching nearly 3km. Popular for walking, kayaking, and the historic "Flight of the Earls" sculpture.
Portsalon Beach (30 minutes)
Once voted the second most beautiful beach in the world by readers of The Observer magazine. A mile-long stretch of white sand with views across Lough Swilly – worth the drive for a special day out.
Swimming on Inch Island
Mill Bay Beach is primarily a walking and exploration beach rather than a swimming destination. The pebbly shore and shallow waters at low tide make it better suited to paddling than swimming.
For dedicated sea swimming, head to Lisfannon Beach (5 minutes away), which has:
- Blue Flag water quality
- Lifeguards June 1st to September 15th
- Sandy beach with gradual entry
- Sheltered, calm waters
Water temperatures in Lough Swilly typically range from 10-15°C in summer – many swimmers wear wetsuits.
Tides and Beach Access
The state of the tide significantly affects your experience at Mill Bay:
- Low tide – exposes more of the shoreline and enables the walk to Inch Castle
- High tide – the beach area is smaller but the views remain stunning
Check our Inch Island tide times page before visiting, especially if you want to walk to the castle.
Summary
Inch Island has two lovely beaches to explore. Mill Bay Beach offers a peaceful stretch of coastline perfect for dog walking, nature watching, and the low-tide walk to Inch Castle – plus you can hike to the Wishing Chair for panoramic views. Inch Pier at the northern end of the island provides a quieter spot with incredible views across to Rathmullan and the atmospheric ruins of Inch Fort.
Neither beach is a traditional swimming beach, but their tranquil atmosphere and stunning locations make them well worth a visit. For sandy swimming beaches, Lisfannon is just 5 minutes away.
Useful Links
-
Inch Island Tide Times – plan your visit around the tides
-
Inch Island Walk – the 8km Wildfowl Reserve loop
-
Donegal County Council – Beaches – Blue Flag beach information