Portarthur beach consists of a long sandy beach; confined by a rocky outcrop east of Inishmeane Island to the North and a small estuary to the south. The beach faces west onto the Atlantic Ocean and get a relatively strong wash of water onto the beach but is protected to an extent by the network of small islands in the area.
Portarthur Beach is a Green Coast awarded beach for 2026.
The Green Coast Award is a prestigious environmental accolade given to beaches that achieve excellent bathing water quality while being prized for their natural, unspoilt, and rugged environments. Unlike the traditional Blue Flag award, which requires built infrastructure like toilets and paved access, the Green Coast Award focuses on protecting rural, low-development beaches. In the Republic of Ireland, the initiative is operated annually by An Taisce with the backing of the local community.
General Advice
All beach users are asked to take care when at the beach, and in particular:
• Never swim alone - Or surf, dive or sail unless there is someone with you.
• Always engage in water activities with family or friends.
• Tell someone when you will be back.
• Note Locations of Life Saving Equipment - Before entering the water familiarize yourself with the location of lifebuoys.
• Report Missing or Damaged Lifesaving Equipment - If you find that lifebuoys are missing or vandalized, please contact the Blue Flag Co-ordinator, Donegal County Council, Central Laboratory, The Kube, Magheranan, Letterkenny. (074) 91 22787 or (074) 91 76276. Email - beaches@donegalcoco.ie