Donegal Atlantic Way - Ireland

This is the first of our full Donegal swimming days and it's a ripper. In the morning, the Lady of Avenel sails north and we stop on Lough Swilly’s western flank at Gortlosk. From here, we carry out a shallow coastal swim along to Drumnacraig beach, which features stunning white sand.

Following lunch on board our ship, we travel to Fanad Head Peninsula and carry out a swim between the two beaches that sit either side of the exposed lighthouse of the same name. From here, there is nothing to see but the vast Atlantic Ocean. In fact, if you kept swimming, Iceland is the next piece of land you would come to. The coastline here is formed of steep jagged rocks that tower above the ocean floor. Due to Fanad Head’s exposed position, you should expect some swell as we swim this stretch.

In the late afternoon, we cruise by ship around to Sheephaven Bay, which is home to one of Ireland’s most vibrant Herring fishing fleets. There is an opportunity to go ashore and stretch our legs as well as visit the Singing Pub, which looks more like a traditional Irish cottage than a pub.

Things start to get really interesting today. We start by approaching Horn Head at the entrance to Sheephaven Bay. The 180-metre high cliffs are some of the tallest in Ireland and make the swimming here all the more spectacular. We carry out a stunning coastal swim underneath these cliffs. There are still remnants of Neolithic stone circles and tombs which dot the landscape.

Once everyone is back on board, we travel across to Tory Island, which lies eight miles off the Irish mainland. The island is steeped in history, mythology and folklore and has a unique rugged quality to it. Swimming here is rare to say the least, so some of the swims that we carry out will undoubtedly be firsts.

We head to East Town and the isthmus that separates Noughermore from the rest of the island. We circumnavigate the peninsula, which features swim throughs, sea stacks and sheer cliffs. It’s certainly a unique place and one that makes for an unforgettable experience. If conditions allow, we will moor near the island and try to enjoy what East Town has to offer in the evening.

This morning features our first long sail as we travel from Tory Island to Owey Island and the islands nearby. During the voyage you will have an opportunity to help sail this square rigger. On route we will see Bloody Foreland and the islands of Inishsirrer, Inishmeane and Gola. It’s a dramatic scene as the wild Atlantic roars along this coastline.

In the afternoon, we carry out our first crossing of the week as we swim first around Owey Island and then hop to Cruit Island. It’s possible to see the seabed most of the way across. Once we reach Cruit, we have a chance to walk around the island and explore. The ship will moor up somewhere in this archipelago of islands where we will spend the night.

We continue on our journey along the Donegal coast. Depending on conditions, we will try to stop off at the Crohy Head Sea Arch, a natural arch inside Knockfola Bay. From here, we head southwest along some impressive Donegal coastline. Conditions will dictate which swims we take on. For example, we may choose to head to the abandoned village of Port Pier, which is believed to be the first maritime community in the county. From here, we can either swim around Toralayden Island or carry along the coast to the Sturall Headland which is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding sea cliff features in the whole of Ireland. With either option, the swims will be exhilarating and something you’re unlikely to have ever done before.

If the weather allows, we will tuck ourselves away in Ardara Bay to spend the night, where there are some stunning walks to be enjoyed.

We are up early as we hold our first swim in Ardara Bay. We swim around a part of the Cotteen Headland with its myriad of nooks and crannies. Once back on board, we head north to Arannmore Island for one of the true highlights of the trip, as we visit sea caves and swim past sea stacks. The underwater topography is also something to marvel at, as well as the resident grey seal population.

In the late afternoon, we travel past Goat, Edernish and Inishcoo Islands before arriving into Burtonport Bay where we will spend our last evening. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the trip and the swims that we have undertaken.

We start the morning with a pre-breakfast swim in the bay before our final group breakfast. For those making their way from Burtonport back to Derry, your transfer will meet you as you disembark and take you back on the two-hour journey to The Guildhall where your trip will come to an end.

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

There are no safes in the cabins on the Lady of Avenel, so valuables and other belonging are brought on board at your own risk.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Important: It can be very cold both during and between swims, so we advise all guests to bring appropriate swimwear and clothing in order to be as comfortable in these conditions. We recommend that all guests bring plenty of layers which can be added and removed as required.

Swimming Distances

Please note that these swims are an example of the what may take place during the course of your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish may be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

Most walks take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas. If you do not wish to walk any of the trails, you are welcome to remain on board the ship.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Given the location of this trip, the weather will play a key factor in all our swims and crossings. It should be assumed that changes will be made to the planned itinerary based on local conditions.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 12. The group will be split into two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat support on this trip includes one main ship and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

The easiest way to get to Derry, Londonderry at the start of your trip is to fly into either Northern Ireland (Belfast International or Belfast City Airport) or The Republic of Ireland (Dublin International Airport) and then catch a train or bus to Derry. There are also limited flights into City of Derry airport.

There are good train and bus links from both Belfast and Dublin to Derry. For further information about these services, please visit: Visit Derry

Once you arrive in Derry, you will need to catch a taxi to our meeting point at The Guildhall (BT48 6DQ), which is located in the heart of the city. From here, your SwimTrek guides will accompany you on your journey to The Lady of Avenel.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use the following websites to search for alternative flights and public transport options for this trip:

Flights: SkyScanner

Trains and Buses: Translink

Option 1: Flying into City of Derry Airport (Limited Availability)

The City of Derry Airport is located around a 20-minute drive from the centre of Derry and has a limited number of direct flight arrivals from London Stansted, Liverpool, Glasgow and Mallorca. To search for available flights into City of Derry Airport, please visit SkyScanner.

There is a taxi rank located immediately in front of the airport terminal with taxis available for private hire. There are also a number of buses which run from the airport to the city centre. For timetables and further information, please visit: Translink.

Option 2: Flying into Belfast International or Belfast City Airport

To search for available flights into Belfast International Airport or Belfast City Airport, please visit SkyScanner.

There are regular direct bus services from both Belfast airports to Derry. For timetables, tickets and further information, please visit: Airporter

Translink also operates a train service from Belfast Central Station to the centre of Derry. For timetables, tickets and further information, please visit: Translink.

Option 3: Flying into Dublin Airport

If you are flying into Dublin International Airport in the Republic of Ireland, there are train and bus services to Derry via Belfast, however, journey times are considerably longer than flying directly into Belfast. For timetables, tickets and further information, please visit: Translink.

Accommodation

The Lady of Avenel is a 102-foot Brigantine square rigger ship with 12 guest berths and staff quarters. Originally built in Poland in 1969 as a tug vessel, she was refitted in 1992. The ship made her film debut in 2016 in ‘Through the Glass’, the sequel to Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

All cabins on the Lady of Avenel are offered on a twin share basis and include bunk beds. There are six guest cabins in total, with four slightly larger cabins which include a sink and two slightly smaller cabins without a sink. All guests and crew use shared bathroom facilities with two bathrooms located close to to the cabins on the lower deck and a toilet located on the upper deck.

Please note that due to the limited number of cabins on board, there are no single supplements or non-swimmer places available on this trip.

Luggage

Due to the limited space in the cabins on board the Lady of Avenel, we strongly recommend that guests bring soft, duffle-style luggage and that it is restricted to a maximum size of 40 x 70 x 40cm

WiFi and Mobile Reception

There is extremely limited wifi and mobile phone reception on board the Lady of Avenel and it is entirely dependent on our exact location and signal strength. To be safe, it should be assumed that you will have no access to 3G, 4G or WiFi for the duration of your trip.

Meals

All meals are included on this trip and are prepared by our very own on board chef. With years of experience working on various vessels, our chef offers a high standard of food which will keep you well fuelled for your swims during the trip.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as trips to the occasional island pub and shopping on the few islands that have towns. The currency along the Donegal Atlantic Way is Euros (€). In Derry, where you will start and end your trip, the currency is British pound (£).

Passports And Visas

The start and finish point for this trip is in Derry, which is part of the United Kingdom, however, the trip itself takes place in the Republic of Ireland. Non-residents of both the U.K. and Ireland require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand are given ‘leave to enter’ the U.K. and do not need to apply for a visa for either the U.K. or Ireland. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the UK and Ireland, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

The Lady of Avenel features UK-style power points in some cabins and in communal areas.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit ElectricalOutlet.org.