There’s no shortage of stunning places to visit across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with one woman happy to embark on a three-hour drive to see a “magical” beach many people may unknowingly be aware of
A woman embarked on a three-hour drive to see a “magical” beach – and the view is one many people may be more familiar with than they realise. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland boast a vast array of impressive, scenic destinations well worth visiting, regardless of how long it takes to get there.
Content creator Laura, who posts online as Sunkissed Blonde Travels, has amassed hundreds of thousands of likes across her videos focusing on travelling and exploring the world. In one video, she showcased a beach that’s incredibly famous in its own right – particularly among office workers.
It’s the famous Boyeeghter Bay – commonly known as Murder Hole Beach – in County Donegal, which has been featured as a screensaver on computers made by tech giant Microsoft. The iconic image shows the view of the golden sands of the beach as seen through a cave cut into one of its cliffs.
It’s a secluded spot renowned for its beauty and dramatic views. Found on the Melmore Head peninsula, it boasts distinctive rock formations and a cave carved by the power of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its serene appearance which, when the tide is out, offers an expansive beach which is cut into two during high tide, it’s very dangerous to attempt to swim here due to its strong rip currents and steep tides.
Those keen to visit themselves can only access it via a hike across private farmland, though it’s not for the faint of heart. Caution is advised regarding livestock, as well as farmer interactions and access fees.
The destination is a feature on the phenomenally-popular driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way, which treats explorers to views of striking cliffs, little villages, and an array of beaches. The journey spans some 2,600km (1,600 miles) between Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal and Kinsale, County Cork.
Content creator Laura shared a clip of Murder Hole Beach with her TikTok followers and added text over the top of the footage which reads: “I drove three hours from Belfast for this view and I’d do it again.”
In the caption, she said “this hidden gem might just be the most beautiful” of all the scenic spots in Ireland she had visited, and it “feels like pure magic”.
She continued: “Getting there takes a bit of effort (there’s no direct road access), so you have to take a short 15-minute hike, but that’s part of the adventure. Bring comfy shoes and your camera, you’ll want to capture every moment.
“Boyeeghter Bay, also known as Murder Hole Beach, is one of the most photogenic and peaceful places in County Donegal. Despite its eerie name, there’s nothing scary about it , just wild, untouched beauty that feels a world away from everything.”
Laura added: “Places like this are why my heart will forever love Ireland.”
In the comments section, people shared their thoughts. One person said: “I love Ireland and the culture. Every year we come over from London and spend a week in Ireland. Last time, [we] did Portrush, Portstewart and Ballycastle then Sligo and Galway. Love the Irish countryside”.
Another said: “Lovely place, best beach in Ireland.”
A third commented: “Have drove from Belfast to Donegal lots of times. And will be back again. Beautiful part of Ireland”.
