Great Pollet Sea Arch
Follow the Wild Atlantic Way - Ireland’s epic (and the World’s ultimate) road trip - and you’ll be treated to some of the country’s most dramatic and rugged landscapes as well as a few hidden gems. When exploring the Donegal leg of the WAW don’t miss Ireland’s largest sea arch, the spectacular Great Pollet.
Back in 2020, we set off on foot to find the legendary Great Pollet Sea Arch on Donegal’s spectacular Fanad Peninsula. Our hike started from Doagh Beach and we really enjoyed the walk along the coast but we soon found ourselves on a cliff hanger - well, not quite that dramatic, but as none of us are free climbers we decided to abandon the trip for safety reasons. But there is good news to all you non-boulders out there as earlier this year a new path was created leading from a designated car park to the arch. This may take some of the adventure out of it and it does mean that the spot is a little busier with visitors as it would have been, but at least there is now safe access for everyone to this iconic site (including your pooch as dogs are permitted - yey!)
This unique formation is truly breathtaking. Carved out off the nearby cliff by the constant force of the Atlantic (geography class in motion!) a window to the sea has been created - on a sunny day it would give Malta’s late, great Azure Window a run for its money.
Visit the Arch at low tide to get up close and personal, sit and enjoy the space and drink in the views of Malin Head across the bay. If you’re after a more thrilling experience, contact Unique Assent to plan a climb or access the Arch by sea -don’t worry if you don’t have your own kayak as Eco Atlantic Adventures offer great experiences.
If its a swim you seek, nearby Doagh Beg, Drumnacraig Beach and Pincher Bay are hidden gems for a dip.
All this exploring is thirsty work so swing by the famous Lighthouse Tavern for one of the best pints of Guinness in the county with definitely the best view.
Pint with a view
Travel a little further north to Fanad Lighthouse
