ADVENTURE ON THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
The beautifully wild and rugged west coast of Ireland
On the Wild Atlantic Way, at the Southern gateway into Donegal, Lough Mardal Lodge is the perfect base for an adventure holiday with some of the Irish North West’s most spectacular adventure spots within 30 minutes.
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Surfing & Bodyboarding
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The beautifully wild and rugged stretch of coast along the Wild Atlantic Way between Bundoran and Mullaghmore Head is renowned amongst sufers across the globe. There is a wide range of surf breaks to suit all levels of skill and ability from the world class reef breaks around Bundoran to the beach break at Rossnowlagh and for the brave the big-wave surf at Mullaghmore.
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​Finn McCool Surf School is Ireland's premier Surf School in Rossnowlagh on Donegal Bay, just 12km away
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Donegal Adventure Centre in Bundoran hires surf boards, body boards, wet suits and roof racks. 20km away.
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Big-Wave Surfing at Mullaghmore - whether you're a big wave charger or just want to stand in awe and watch from the headland world renowned Big-Wave Surfing.
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The Bundoran Bodyboarding School is the only surf school in Ireland dedicated to the sport of bodyboarding. Ph. Tel: 00353 (0)83 4511171.
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Scuba-Diving and Snorkelling
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Rock Climbing
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Adventure Trips & Tours
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Wilderness Ireland - Experience iconic Irish landmarks the adventurous way and armed with all the inside knowledge.
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Northwest Adventure Tours - By land and sea, once in lifetime trips taking you into the beautiful wilderness of the Northwest of Ireland.
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Horse-riding
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Donegal Equestrian Centre - 20 minutes away and some of the best beach riding Donegal has to offer. Horse riding lessons, beach/trail rides & pony camps available. Open all year round.
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Cycling
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Mountain Biking
The two closest routes are within a 20 minute drive; the Barnes Mor Gap and Famine Pot Loops. Check here for directions.
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The North West Trail - This 326km route enjoys dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, with scenic cycling in remote uplands and through rural towns and villages passing through the main towns of Enniskillen, Sligo, Donegal (passing within 5km of Lough Mardal Lodge), Lifford, Strabane and Omagh.
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Ballyshannon Cycle Hub - Offers shorter (35km) looped cycle routes which take you on a tour of the spectacular coastal scenery of Ballyshannon and Bundoran in County Donegal.
Wild Atlantic Cycles - Bike Rentals. Also specialise in mountain biking excursions for all levels of bikers.
Hiking & Hill Walking
Without venturing any further than the grounds of Lough Mardal Lodge you are already in an idyllic location for cross country hiking & hill-walking. With 90 acres to explore there are diverse terrains from lakeshore paths and wildflower meadows to mossy peatland and steep heather hills. At its summit you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views stretching from the Dartry mountains in the South to Sliabh Liag on the South West, Donegal Bay and the Bluestack mountains.
Locally there are also a huge range of hikes and trails which we can recommend to you depending on your fitness level.
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Lake Activities
With two private lakes at Lough Mardal Lodge there will be water-based activities to enjoy; swimming, fishing (Pike & Perch) or simply a gentle paddle. In time kayaking, canoeing, SUP classes will be offered and other tie-ins with local adventure providers using the Lodge as a base for activities.
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But for many, simply going glamping and sleeping underneath the stars in the great outdoors will be adventure enough.
