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Donegal Bay

  • Saltwater
  • Bay
Sq. miles
155
Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
0
Species
46

Donegal Bay is a major marine fishing destination on Ireland's northwest coast, stretching approximately 25 miles across with depths reaching over 300 feet. This expansive bay, bordered by County Sligo and County Donegal, offers a diverse and rich fishery that supports both recreational angling and local commercial fishing communities. The environment ranges from precipitous cliffs and deep offshore waters to sheltered inlets, sandy beaches, and fjord-like bays, creating habitats for a wide array of species from inshore flatfish to massive migratory pelagics.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Donegal Bay. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Key locations include Rathlin O’Beirne Island, famous for record bluefin tuna. The rocks on the southern side of Glen Bay provide good shore fishing. Trabane beach offers surf fishing for flounder, mackerel, and dogfish, with deeper water accessible by small boat for dabs, ray, and turbot. Teelin Bay and its pier provide access to water over 20 meters deep from the rocks for pollack and cod, and its sheltered waters are productive for a mixed bag from small boats. The Pool below the waterfall on the Bunduff River is a noted salmon holding spot. The outer reefs attract large pollack and coley when baitfish are present inshore.

Know where you can legally fish on Donegal Bay

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Co. Sligo licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for Co. Sligo.

Take Donegal Bay with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Donegal Bay to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Donegal Bay to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Donegal Bay and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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