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Description
Mullaghderg is a spectacular coastal location consisting of beach, rugged headlands with many coves and inlets and coastal grassland. It is subject to winds from the west crossing the Atlantic. After periods of gales the bay at Mullaghderg can hold large numbers of Χιονόπαπια, Παγοβούτι, (Κοινή) Πουπουλόπαπια and many other coastal birds.
Exploring the small bays and inlets can result in Black Guillemot, Αμμοσφυριχτής, (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα, Λασποσκαλίδρα, Χαλικοκυλιστής and Λευκοσκαλίδρα. Seals can be seen, and Dolphin regularly enter the bay to feed.
The coastal grasslands attract Πετρίτης, Νανογέρακο and (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι. Κοκκινοκαλιακούδα can be found feeding amongst the cattle. Large numbers of Λιβαδοκελάδα, (Κοινή) Σιταρήθρα and Θαλασσοκελάδα can be found.
Summer does bring lots of tourists and holiday makers exploring the Wild Atlantic Way to this area. Out of season, Spring and Autumn bring in good numbers of seabirds and the bay is a most for exploring after any Atlantic gale.
Details
Access
Mullaghderg (55.037281, -8.37008) can be accessed by following the Wild Atlantic Way from Dungloe in the south or Bunbeg in the north. The road to the beach is opposite the Gaelic Football pitch just before Mullaghduff if coming from Dungloe. At the end of this road is a car park. Please park here and do not drive over the grassland.
There is a boardwalk down onto the beach. Please note this beach has strong undertow currents and is not safe for swimming.
To explore the headland and coves just follow the coastline. There are a number of barbed wire fences, but these are easy to cross.
Terrain and Habitat
Beach , Grassland , Sea , DunesConditions
Rocky , High water possible , SandyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Winter , Spring migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The popularity of this area has grown greatly in recent years. The beaches are spectacular, many being Blue Flag beaches. The area therefore can get busy in Summer but it is under birdwatched and offers great potential.
There are no facilities at Mullaghderg but there are good pubs nearby and Annagry has a number of cafes, fast food outlets and shops.