"Beautiful Bundoran, by the silvery sea, your golden strand and charms so grand, are ever calling me..."
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)Anyone who knows anything about Donegal is aware that it's home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
You're spoiled for choice if you want an Insta-worthy picture setting, but if you don't have time to travel all around the (fairly sizable) county, then just hit up Bundoran.
To give just a few examples of the unique locations, you've got the fabulous Fairy Bridge and Wishing Chair:
(Source: www.fairybridgesandwishingchair.com)And then it's just a short stroll down onto the breath-taking Tullan Strand. Just look at it!
(Source: www.discoverbundoran.com)Live From Bundoran
For these reasons and more, Dave and Fionnuala were pretty happy to broadcast The Lift live from Bundoran as part of Dave Duke's iGoHome week.
Being just a short drive from Dave's home village of Glenade in Leitrim, Bundoran is a place with which he's fairly well acquainted with.
Bundoran Tourism Officer Shane Smyth was on hand to welcome the pair to the heart of Bundoran town - the tourist office. He sat down for a chat about why he is so proud of his hometown and the many different things you can get up to there:
Shane Smyth Interview
The Lift was also joined by world-renowned surfer Richie Fitzgerald. Richie's brother Joe actually taught Dave Duke English in Magh Ene College in Bundoran. Richie now resides in Bundoran, where he runs his Business Surf World:
Richie Fitzgerald Interview
Chance Encounters
To say that iRadio's iGoHome had an open-door policy on its tour would be an understatement, as The Lift prepared to depart Sligo and head to Bundoran they received this email:
That Email came from Faraway Martin who joined Dave & Fionnuala in the Tourist Office in Bundoran for a session:
Faraway Martin Interview and Performance
Making Connections
Faraway Martin ended up making many fans that day, including one of Ireland's most famous weatherwomen!
I had the pleasure of meeting @farawaymartin last week in Bundoran after hearing him play for iRadio there. What a treat! I’ll be able to say someday that I met him before he became a megastar. #music #newmusic https://t.co/nFyHKuKeAc
— Joanna Donnelly (@JoannaDonnellyL) August 21, 2019
So how exactly did Joanna Donnelly end up meeting Faraway Martin in Bundoran? That's because she was The Lift's mystery guest organised by Shane Smyth:
Joanna Donnelly Interview
If you are thinking of visiting Bundoran (And you should!) we have a few suggestions.
1. Entertainment
Bundoran Adventure Park is a must - Open every day in high season, you will have the choice of everything from bumper cars to coasters, and if you are brave enough take on the legendary Master Blaster!
2. More Water!
Long before Centre Parcs, there was the famous WaterWorld.
Ireland's Premier Indoor Aqua Playground that holds Galleon Ship, a 3 Lane Multi-slide, Toddler Pool, Gravity Speed Slide & Aqua Kids Slide all under the one roof in Bundoran.
The town is also known as Ireland’s Surfing Capital and any day throughout the year you can find locals and visitors taking advantage of the most wonderful of natural amenities right on their own doorstep – the Atlantic Ocean. From beginner to pro, there’s always a wave in the area with 5 surf schools providing expert tuition and advice as well as board and wetsuit hire.
If surfing ain't your thing you have the choice of angling, golfing, scenic walks on Tullan Strand and some of the best beaches in the country.
3. Eating
If it's grub you are after, it's hard to look beyond The Salty Fox
Situated on the beautifully scenic Tullan Strand Road, this small family-run coffee shop on the Wild Atlantic Way offers quality food, tea, coffee and a friendly service. It's easy to see why they were voted The Best Cafe in Donegal in 2019.
We'll be back for some toasties in the winter!
Bundoran has plenty of dining out options from light bites to evening dining.
But if yo're looking for somewhere extra special, then The Peak Restaurant is both a visitor and local favourite where you can have dinner right on the Atlantic Ocean.
And if you want to get the full Bundoran experience in one single weekend then Sea Sessions 2020 tickets are already on sale!
NightLife
If it's partying into the wee hours you are interested in, then there are plenty of options in Fundoran.
From the Chasin Bull with live music and DJ's at the weekend to the now-infamous Trad Tuesdays at the Bank Bar, there is a venue to cater to any taste.
One place worth a visit is the Phoenix Tavern, A bar that seems to be always thinking outside the box. You could find everything from live bands, to DJs, to karaoke to open mic sessions and everything in between.
The Phoenix really made its mark over Sea Sessions weekend when it ended up becoming the after-party destination of choice, with open-air concerts until all hours, this part of Bundoran was rocking for 72 hours straight.
If you do visit the Phoenix Tavern anytime soon, make sure to ask for Phoenix Phil and he will certainly look after you.
