In February, I spent a couple of days in Ireland. I drove along the Wild Atlantic Way all the way from Downpatrick Head in County Mayo to the Great Pollet Sea Arch in Donegal County. It is a The Sea Arch was the real highlight of my trip, but there are a lot of rumours that it has become inaccessible. But has it really? Let’s have a look at how to access the Great Pollet Sea Arch.
As I’ve mentioned, my 5-day road trip along the wild Atlantic Way in Ireland ended at the Great Pollet Sea Arch. I for myself really wanted to go there at all costs, and it’s such a beauty that I just have to share with you guys on how to get there!
Hard to find
If you follow the road signs, you’ll end up in a dead-end street with a fence at the end. That used to be the correct way to get to the arch. You would then park your car there and continue on foot, hopping over the fence and cross a farmer’s land. However, some time ago in 2017 the landowner made all access impossible.
The Great Pollet Sea Arch is not the easiest to find. I mean yes, good old Google Maps won’t let you down and gives you the exact location. But how to get there, especially when the road signs are no good?
I found a way!
You must navigate to O’Doherty’s Shop in Doagh Beg. Park your car there and the last part, however, has to be done on foot. Across the street from O’Doherty you see a stretch of land with a fence without no-trespassing signs. The fence is unlocked so you can cross the land until you reach the beach. From there, follow the beach up north.
There are a few very important things you need to know before starting off. First thing I’d like to mention is the hike towards the arch can only be done during low tide, so look up the tide times so you wouldn’t get trapped! It’s a beautiful hike which takes less than an hour and has some interesting smaller attractions along the way.
Second important piece of information is that you need to follow the fence of the meadow up north and walk as close to the fence as you can. One misstep and you could fall off the cliff! Because you’re on the correct side of the fencing, you’re not trespassing anyone’s land to get there, so the landowner can’t be mad. At certain points during the hike it might look as if it’s easier to just walk on the rocky beach instead of along the fence, but at a certain point this will be a dead end and you would then have to walk all the way back to find another way.
The Great Pollet Sea Arch is a real hidden gem. Even during the hike you don’t get to see it until the very last moment. It’s located along the northeast coast of County Donegal, on the Fanad peninsula. The Great Pollet Sea Arch is not Instafamous, which is a good thing. But it is a real showstopper! What a beauty! I was super happy when I finally got to see it, and I was able to shoot this amazing picture!
