A generous landowner has spent a small fortune and lots of effort developing a private pathway to one of Donegal’s most exclusive beaches.
Murder Hole Beach has been featured on Ireland’s top beach lists for many years.
However, up until now access to the strip of golden sands near Downings was across a private field on which a bull often strayed!
Beachgoers entered the field at their own risk onto the land which was clearly signed as private property.
But now a local landowner has spent the winter months developing a pathway at Melmore onto the stunning beach from a different route.
And all they are asking in return is a donation for its upkeep.
Murder Hole Beach. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
A new car park has also been built for motorists which will also help relive traffic congestion in the area which saw gridlock in the area in recent summers.
The new route will take beachgoers about 15 minutes to climb as opposed to the previous five minutes across the private field.
However, swimming is not advised on the beach because of rip currents.
A previous public notice was shared on social media and warned a bull would be reintroduced to the property for mating season.
The warning said: “As of 21st May 2018 our bull will be reintroduced to our cows on the fields leading to the Murder Hole Beach.
“In the interest of public safety we will be locking the gate and there will be NO access to the beach through these lands.
“Bulls are extremely dangerous during mating season so please be advised that access is NOT permitted during this time.”
A regular visitor to the beach, Peter Carr, said “This is a stunning gesture to the people of Donegal which allows them to enjoy a great local beach.
“It was a great pity when people couldn’t get to the beach but now everyone can and hopefully people will drop a couple of euro in the donation box for the upkeep of the path.”
