Ireland's beaches are spectacular, and one of the most stunning of all is Knockalla Strand, also known as Portsalon Beach, in County Donegal.
And so, as everyone head's back to work on this Monday morning,I thought why not start the week off with some beautiful scenery.
Hopefully, these peaceful views of Ireland's shoreline will set the tone for the rest of your week.
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Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland may be a small country, but as an island, she boasts a long and varied coastline. The actual length of this coastline is debatable, and any statistic for said length is totally dependent on how much detail was used when measuring.
There may always be a hidden cove not traversed or measured. However, the Ordnance Survey of Ireland estimates the total length of Ireland's shoreline at 3171 kilometers (approx 1981 miles).
Cliffside View of Spectacular Sandy Beach
And Knockalla is no hidden cove. It is approached from an elevated cliff side road, with amazing viewing points along the way.
Donegal's coast is festooned (I love that word) with sandy beaches, and Knockalla is probably the most breath taking of all.
This is Ireland at its best - the Ireland made famous in poetry, song, legend and film.
Views of Lough Swilly
Knockalla lies on the western shores of Lough Swilly, with commanding views of the Inishowen peninsula across the waves.
Beaches like this are why Ireland's coastline is described as dramatic.
When designing Ireland, God spared no extravagance.
Donegal is an untamed landscape, with three-quarters of its borders formed by the Atlantic Ocean. The sea has shaped this land.
This magnificent beach is a photographer's paradise.
This is Ireland, at her best - a place of tranquility and great natural beauty.
Portsalon was named the second most beautiful beach in the world by "The Guardian", or maybe it was "The Observer" newspaper.
I'm not quite sure who awarded this beach the runner-up prize in the world beach beauty pageant, but let's face it, who cares.
Most Beautiful Beach in County Donegal
Portsalon's beauty may be much appreciated around the world, but luckily, the Donegal climate means it can be enjoyed without having to deal with crowds similar to those found on sunny Mediterranean shores.
These photos were taken on a bright, sunny day, and not a soul can be seen on the strand below...... Only in Ireland......
Even on a cold winter's day, a run on this beach is perfect for getting rid of excess energy, and clearing the cobwebs from the brain.
And so, to start my week off on a positive note, I am imagining myself going for a leisurely stroll along a sandy beach in Donegal.
You're welcome to join me on my mindful morning walk.
For me, the wind is blowing a soft gentle mist across my face, cleansing my spirit and strengthening me for a busy week ahead.
Stiff breezes feature in all my Irish imaginings - I wonder why?
Wishing you all a wonderful week, full of promise and accomplishments.
I hope this little tour of Knockalla Strand has stirred your Irish dreams, and lifted your spirits on this Monday morning.
Remember, ocean blues are the only Monday morning blues allowed in my little corner of the web.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some other posts you might enjoy...
Ireland - County By County
- County Kilkenny - Home To Ireland's Medieval City
- County Kerry - The Kingdom
- County Louth - The Land Of Legends
- County Cork - The Rebel County
Irish Appetizers And Party Food
- Scarecrow Cheese Appetizer For Fall
- Irish Party Foods And Appetizers For Saint Patrick's Day
- Comfort Food: Nostalgic Savory Pie or Tart Recipes
- Fifteen Exquisite Goat Cheese Appetizers
Brighid O'Sullivan
Love these pics. Think I've been to that beach. What I love most about Ireland's beaches is they are so free, untouched, and not crowded with people. There are no highrises, no tiny gift shops one after the other blocking the view. Not that way in America. Irish beaches are the best! Brighid O'Sullivan @celticthoughts.com
Irish American Mom
Brighid - I love Irish beaches for the very same reasons. In America, I find it very disappointing when public access to a beach is limited. Hotels and apartment complexes reserve the best spots for their residents only. Much of Ireland's wild and wonderful spots are still in the public domain. Long may that last.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patricia
Beautiful! IA trip to the beach, and I didn't even have to pack a bag! Have a lovely week!
Irish American Mom
Patricia - And not even a grain of sand between your toes on this trip. Hope you have a lovely week, too.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen N
A wonderful way to start this week, Mairead. A beautiful meditation! Got to put these beaches on my Bucket List! God definitely spared no extravagance when designing Ireland's beautiful beaches! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Irish American Mom
Maureen - Donegal has many beautiful sandy beaches. I hope you get to see all the wonderful places on your Bucket List someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jane Tomory
My maiden name is Irish and my great grandfather came from Galway. I love your blog and I appreciate the work that you put into it!
Jane
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much, Jane. I'm delighted you found my site and enjoyed my ramblings about Ireland and America.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
brian@irelandfavorites
I don't know Mairead, seems like your turning from a Dublin lass to a Donegal girl, just saying.
Cheers and laughs,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - A few wee posts on Donegal will never turn me into a Donegal woman - too much Cork blood running through my veins. I may be a Dubliner by birth, but a Cork woman at heart. 🙂
All the best,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Absolutely beautiful photos, Mairead. What an amazing place this would be to visit. And I like your word "festooned", too. I'll have to use that myself sometime! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - I love words like "festooned" - sometimes words like that are considered old fashioned, but I think today our vocabularies are shrinking with too much use of technology. I think we should resurrect some of these old time words, which convey such wonderful meaning.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bernadette
My family are originally from Donegal and the first time I saw Knockalla beach it fairly left me breathless! If there is a more beautiful beach anywhere in the world I would love to see it, your post brought back memories of happy days,
Irish American Mom
Hi Bernadette - I'm so glad to learn this photographic tour of Knockalla brought back such happy childhood memories for you. My husband has lovely stories of summer days spent on these shores. And I agree with you completely - it may be the most beautiful beach in the world. Barley Cove in County Cork is another beach that simply takes my breath away. I must make a trip there someday to capture some good photos.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Portsalon Luxury Camping
We walk on that beautiful beach every day with our dog Lenny. It is so peaceful and tranquil. There is no better place than Donegal to relax and get away from it all.
Irish American Mom
What a magnificent corner of the world to call home, and the perfect place for a beach walk with Lenny the dog.
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my post.
All the best,
Mairéad