There are two big reasons to like Bundoran. One is the annual Ballyshannon Folk Music Festival nearby (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ballyshannon%20folk%20festival&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CFEQtwIwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DD01N-5YGhuo&ei=ZjdzUczwApCvigKF-oFA&usg=AFQjCNHB6wJILw1qcAQGCzzO4RDncfleIw&sig2=4Y6_BtrjTLSAn5J52BEOaw&bvm=bv.45512109,d.cGE) and two, the surf. We missed the fest* but hoped to score some waves. Bundoran plays host to several surf locations that draw surf travelers, pros and wannabes that don't mind a little cold water. This is because the pubs always have a warm seat and a tall pint or hair-of-the-dog to chase off the chill and they are always close. Donegal is my favorite area of Ireland and is about as far away from crowded Dublin as the island can offer. It is a small beach town chock full of friendly faces, unreal views and tasty waves, like The Peak* where the pub is within a stone's throw of the infamous break. And when the waves are small, there are the most scenic expanses of castles and redoubts, cottages and cliffs, farms and rock-strewn fields. You know, "Lord of the Rings" country, Middle-earth. Drink enough and you'll see Frodo and Samwise. If Orcs lived in Cork, they'd be "CorkOrcs", okay, I'll stop. This is my style of Ireland and what I'll always remember about it. Erin go Bragh. (I pray my surf brothers and sisters from across the pond don't send over a hit-team on me for "publishing" this wave and effing it up for all and ever. I say not to worry. This beach is about as far away from the Malibu look as one could imagine. You will never see a bikini here. Ever. And no one reads Yelp anyway.) *We come in September, the fest is in August. read more

See all