The Great Pollet Sea Arch is one of the most stunning sights on the rugged Donegal coastline. Located on the eastern side of the Fanad Peninsula the Great Pollet Sea Arch is one of the largest and most impressive sea arches in Ireland and is an awesome detour off the Fanad Head stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.
In recent years the Great Pollet Sea Arch has become notoriously difficult to access but the magnificent sea arch is more than worth the effort!
Great Pollet Sea Arch
Great Pollet Sea Arch is Ireland’s largest sea arch and was formed as a result of thousands of years of erosion from the wild Atlantic Ocean.
The arch is located a short distance from the headland just north of the small village of Doagh Beg on the east side of the Fanad Peninsula. It’s only short detour from the popular Wild Atlantic Way road trip route and the arch attracts lots of visitors each year due to its beauty and east of access.
It is possible to view the arch from the low cliff on the headland or from sea level on the rocky shoreline below.
How to get to the Great Pollet Sea Arch?
There are two ways to check out the Great Pollet Sea Arch and both are challenging!
Great Pollet Sea Arch Viewpoint (currently inaccessible)
Great Pollet Sea Arch: this route is the subject of a dispute with access blocked. It was considered a public right of way but access has been prohibited for the last couple of years.
The official viewpoint for Great Pollet Arch Sea is a 1km drive north of the town of Doagh Beg and the sea arch is signposted along the route. There is a small parking lot at the end of the road where visitors can park. It’s a residential area so make sure not to block the road or any local houses driveways. From here it’s a short walk to a gate with a turnstile. The access route then crosses farmland before reaching a low cliff that overlooks the arch.
However, this access route has proved contentious in recent years and the turnstile has been blocked along with signs indicating access has been prohibited. You can still give it a try but we haven’t heard of any recent success stories!
Via Headland at Doagh Beg Beach at low tide
At low tide, it may be possible to approach Great Pollet from the south of the sea arch but you will need to find a friendly local to direct you through the maze of farmland which surrounds the headland leading to the arch. This route is only accessible at low tide and, as with any coastal hike, extreme care must be taken when approaching the exposed cliff side over the headland.
Note: We accessed the arch via the traditional route and have not attempted hiking from the south of the arch. Either way, take extreme care as the entire headland features exposed cliffs: watch your footing and stay away from the cliff side.
Fanad Lighthouse
If you’re making a trip to see the Great Pollet Sea Arch you should also take the time to stop at Fanad Lighthouse. It’s one of the most rugged and beautiful places in Donegal and worthy of a stop on any Donegal trip.
Crohy Head Sea Arch
Located 90 minutes south west of the Great Pollet Sea Arch, the Crohy Head Sea Arch is another magnificent sea arch on the Donegal coast. It is located is 8 kilometres west of Dungloe on the Wild Atlantic Way. Like the Great Pollet Sea Arch it can be difficult to locate the Crohy Head Sea Arch.