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Description
Starting at the car park by Donegal Airport, you walk down onto the Blue Flag beach of Ballymanus. Looking out onto the bay Havsule, Gråmåke, and Fiskemåke can be seen. Storskarv and Toppskarv are regularly seen fishing off-shore along with a Storlom), Smålom and Islom. Small flocks of Havelle can be seen in autumn and winter especially after a period of strong winds. Ærfugl and Siland can also be seen.
Small groups of Myrsnipe and Sandløper feed along the water edge of the beach as do Tjeld and Storspove.
Walking to the far end of the beach brings you to a series of inlets and bays. These can hold Teist, Skjærpiplerke and a variety of Gulls. The sand banks have in the past held large numbers of Sandsvale but pressure from disturbance has reduced the numbers.
Beyond the small bay with the fishing pier is an area of coastal grassland and further bays to explore. This area is covered in flowers in spring and is a good location for Enkeltbekkasin, Heipiplerke and Svartstrupe. Alpekråke can also be found.
Returning from the headland it is worth crossing over and walking down to Annargy Estuary (Braade Strand). On the way you pass a freshwater lake with Dvergdykker and Stokkand present all year. The fencing around the airport runway is worth checking for (Svartstrupe and Heipiplerke) which gather on the top of the fence.
At low tide it is safe to walk out into the estuary (Braade Strand)in order to find high numbers of Sandlo, Sandløperand Myrsnipe. Storspove and Tjeld feed in good numbers and there is a wide range of Gulls present. Splitterne can be seen in Summer and Sangsvane are often present in winter.
Details
Access
Follow signs to Donegal Airport. Pass the airport and park in the small car park. Walk down onto the beach to start exploring the area. When returning off the estuary walk past the aiport. The airport has a small cafe and toilets.
Terrain and Habitat
Beach , Sea , GrasslandConditions
Flat , Sandy , No shadow , High water possible , RockyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , WinterBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The area can get busy during the summer months so best visited out of season.