Carrickart for Dunes, Horse Riding and Wellness

Carrickart offers several distinct ways to spend your days off: the Boardwalk Walk leads through dunes and scrubland to Trá Mór beach, Carrigart Horse Riding Centre focuses on guided rides, and Spá Na Mara brings together wellness offerings. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Carrickart, you can first consider whether walks, horse riding or wellness should shape your travel plans. This mix makes the area appealing to travellers who want to divide their stay between outdoor activities and more relaxing experiences.

Boardwalk Walk to Trá Mór

The Boardwalk Walk is 1.1 km long and runs through the dunes and scrubland of the Donegal landscape to Trá Mór beach. Access is via Carrigart’s main road through the Donegal Boardwalk Resort and Spa, with parking available on site. Check the access information again before your visit.

Horse rides and changing landscapes

Carrigart Horse Riding Centre offers horse rides and trekking for the whole family, accompanied by an experienced guide. On the rides, the landscape shifts between sandy beaches, rugged, misty mountains and long, quiet trails. Choosing between the activities is therefore also a question of the kind of experience you’re looking for: the Boardwalk Walk centres on a route to the beach, while horse riding takes you through changing scenery. Check availability and practical details before your trip.

A scenic driving route through several places

Scenic Driving Route 5 covers the Carrigart, Downings, Resapenna and Rosguill section. You can include Scenic Driving Route 5 in your plans as a driving option alongside a walk or horse ride. Check the route details before setting out.

Wellness overlooking Sheephaven Bay

Spá Na Mara’s thermal suite includes a vitality pool, outdoor hot tubs, a plunge pool, a steam room, a Himalayan salt sauna, heated loungers and a relaxation room. Spá Na Mara also offers luxurious treatments, and guests enjoy uninterrupted views across Sheephaven Bay. The offerings range from water and heat experiences to treatments and peaceful views. It provides a distinct counterpoint to walks and horse rides when planning your trip; check the availability of treatments in advance.

Doe Castle nearby

The grounds of Doe Castle are located near the destination. They are open daily throughout the year; tours of the keep are available by prior arrangement only. If you want to include the keep, allow time to arrange an appointment. A visit adds a cultural note alongside the nature and wellness experiences.

More to explore in County Donegal

Elsewhere in the wider destination of County Donegal, other places offer their own cultural and scenic highlights. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Tours tell its story, from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. The castle offers illustrated treasure hunts for children. County Donegal is also home to Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point; a circular route runs along the coast there to Banba’s Crown. This gives you a choice between historical insights and a specific coastal walk. Check tour availability before your trip.

When looking for a holiday rental in Carrickart, use your planned days off as a guide: will Trá Mór and the boardwalk be the focus, would you like to include guided horse rides, or should wellness provide a change of pace? This helps you choose a destination based on the activities that really matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Burtonport, Rossnowlagh, Moville, Glendowan, Burnfoot, Culdaff, Fort Stewart, Bridge End

For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.