Dunfanaghy or Fort of Fionnchu is a coastal town along the Wild Atlantic Way with a strong fishing heritage. Fisherman from around the Sheephaven Bay area and as far as Scotland came to fish during the 1900s.
However this industry has now almost died out. The town is now best known worldwide for its beautiful scenery, golf course, coastline, water sports such as surfing and kayak and coastal drive along Hornhead.
Living in Dunfanaghy
Around 312 residents live in the area, most are self employed, managers and non manual workers. In the past Dunfanaghy was a commercial centre for NorthWest Donegal, up until the 1990s it had a bank, post office and many different shops.
The main street now features many different businesses catering for tourists and day visitors to the area such as cafes, takeaway, pubs, hotels, supermarkets, a petrol station, boutique shops, an estate agent and water sport businesses.
The main street through the town is along the N56 route north to Falcarragh and south to Creeslough. The centre of the Town has a courtyard area where a country market is held every Saturday. Fresh fish, fruit and vegetables and cakes are sold at the market.
Dunfanaghy at 7km away is the nearest town to Creeslough and the two towns share many resources such as doctors, the family resource centre and the credit union under the informal umbrella district of Sheephaven Bay.
Many people have a second home in the area or a caravan at Marble Hill and visit regularly. There are some beautiful places to stay in Dunfanaghy such B&Bs, Hotels self catering holiday homes or on a camping site. Places to stay in Dunfanaghy.
Beaches
Dunfanaghy is famous for its beautiful coastline with blue flag beaches and rugged coastal drive around Horn Head or along the N56 from Portnablagh to Falcarragh.
Portnablagh with its pier and many fishing or cruising boats is along the N56. This is a popular sport of boats, fishing and kayak.
Killahoey is located beside the Golf Course. This is a long sandy beach which can be accessed from the town or from behind the golf course. It is also where the local horse riding school takes horses out on treks.
Marble Hill which is off the road at Faugher. This golden sandy beach is popular with tourists and locals and many water sports enthusiasts. It has blue flag status.
Tramore, this isolated beach can be accessed from a sandy path behind the Naomh Michael Football pitch along the road to Hornhead.
Dunfanaghy Workhouse
This building was built in 1844 as a pauper house and for many years there was a stigma to those who lived there. Over time it became more of a hospital and place for people to recuperate although the conditions were still poor.
The building is now open to the public as a famine exhibition and local history centre. It also has a tour of the life of one of its residents upstairs, a cafe, a gift shop and an outdoor play area.
Dunfanaghy Golf Club
Golf has been played in Dunfanaghy for over 100 years. This 18 hole golf course is well renowned for its beautiful scenery over Sheephaven Bay and Portnablagh. This golf club is where International golfer Paul McGinley learned to play and he continues to revisit the club regularly. Find out more.