View source for Bundoran

{{short description |Seaside resort in County Donegal, Ireland}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=October 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Bundoran
| native_name            = {{Native name|ga|Bun Dobhráin}}
| image_skyline          = Bundoranbay.JPG
| image_caption          = Bundoran seafront
| image_shield           = Coat of arms of Bundoran, County Donegal.png
| shield_size            = 145px
| motto = {{force singular}} Fáilte, Sláinte, Beoite<br />''"welcome, health, lively"''
| pushpin_map            = Ireland
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Ireland
| coordinates            = {{coord|54.4754|-8.2838|dim:100000_region:IE|display=inline,title}}
| blank_name_sec1        = Irish Grid Reference
| blank_info_sec1        = {{iem4ibx|G8761}}
| elevation_m            = 12
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| subdivision_type1      = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]]
| subdivision_name1      = [[Ulster]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[Counties of Ireland|County]]
| subdivision_name2      = [[County Donegal]]
| subdivision_type3      = Dáil Éireann
| subdivision_name3      = [[Sligo–Leitrim (Dáil constituency)|Sligo–Leitrim]]
| subdivision_type4      = EU Parliament
| subdivision_name4      = [[Midlands–North-West (European Parliament constituency)|Midlands–North-West]]
| population_as_of       = [[2022 census of Ireland|2022]]
| population_total       = 2599
| population_footnotes   = <ref name=cso2022>{{cite web | url = https://visual.cso.ie/?body=entity/ima/cop/2022&boundary=C04160V04929&guid=f5dc8729-46c8-466b-b0d3-c4deabc80df8 | title = Interactive Data Visualisations: Towns: Bundoran | work = Census 2022 | publisher = [[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)|Central Statistics Office]]| access-date = 1 October 2023}}</ref>
| area_code_type         = [[Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland|Telephone area code]]
| area_code              = +353(0)71
| postal_code_type       = [[Eircode]] routing key
| postal_code            = F94
| timezone               = [[Western European Time|WET]]
| utc_offset             = ±0
| timezone_DST           = [[Irish Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset_DST         = +1
| website                = {{URL|www.discoverbundoran.com}}
| official_name          = 
}}
'''Bundoran''' ({{Irish place name|Bun Dobhráin}})<ref name=logainm>{{cite web | url = https://www.logainm.ie/en/13886 | title = Bun Dobhráin/Bundoran | website = [[Placenames Database of Ireland]] (logainm.ie) | access-date = 22 February 2022}}</ref> is a town in [[County Donegal]], Ireland. The town is located near the [[N15 road (Ireland)|N15 road]] near [[Ballyshannon]], and is the most southerly town in Donegal. The town is a tourist [[seaside resort]], and tourism has been at the heart of the local economy since the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.discoverbundoran.com/ |title=Discover Bundoran - Tourist Information from Ireland's Capital of Fun!<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=6 October 2013 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019144130/http://www.discoverbundoran.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bundoran is a surfing destination and was listed by ''[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]'' magazine in 2012 as one of the world's top 20 surf towns.<ref>{{cite magazine | title = World's 20 Best Surf Towns | url = http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-surf-towns-photos/ | magazine = [[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121127091355/http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-surf-towns-photos/ | archive-date = 27 November 2012 | access-date = 9 October 2013 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
Bundoran, or ''Bun Dobhráin'' in Irish (which means the foot of the little water) was, up until over a century ago,{{when|date=February 2021}} two separate villages. Bundoran was the village ''west'' of the bridge over the River Bradoge. This area is now called ''the West End''. East of the bridge, about {{convert|2|km|0|abbr=off}} away, was the village of Single Street. In between these two separate communities was the townland of Drumacrin. The area of Drumacrin is now part of what is today's town centre. Single Street was where most of the local population lived. It was only after completion of the [[Enniskillen and Bundoran Railway]] in 1868, which opened a terminus that it called ''Bundoran'',<ref name=Hajducki6>{{cite book |last=Hajducki |first=S. Maxwell |year=1974 |title=A Railway Atlas of Ireland |location=Newton Abbott |publisher=[[David & Charles]] |isbn=0-7153-5167-2 |at=map 6}}</ref> that the two distinct communities developed and merged to what are today called Bundoran.

The first official record of Bundoran is in a deposition by Hugh Gaskein on 16 May 1653. He was a witness to events during the 1641 Rebellion when he was an apprentice butcher in Sligo.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wood-Martin |first=W.G. |title=History of Sligo, County and Town. From the accession of James I to the Revolution of 1688 |year=1882–92 |publisher=Hodge & Figgis |location=Dublin |pages=253–257}}</ref> In 1689 a skirmish was fought near Bundoran between a [[Jacobitism|Jacobite]] force under Sir [[Connell Ferrall]] and the retreating Protestant garrison of Sligo.

[[William Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen|William Cole, Viscount Enniskillen]], built Bundoran Lodge, his summer home, in 1777. This building still stands on Bayview Avenue and is now called Homefield House. The Viscount seems to have started a trend amongst his contemporaries as more of them discovered Bundoran and visited it to enjoy the seaside and what were believed to be its health benefits.

===Public rights of way===
The rights of the people to have access to the seashore were blocked by a local landlord but the locals found a champion in the parish priest Canon Kelaghan who fought through the courts in 1870 to ensure that the pathways and roads to the beach remained [[Right of way (transit)|open to the public]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smyth |first=Shane |date=2020-01-28 |title=Bundoran to commemorate 150 years of Right of Way |url=https://discoverbundoran.com/2020/01/right-of-way-commemoration-bundoran/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Discover Bundoran, County Donegal |language=en-GB}}</ref> Canon Kelaghan also had the present Catholic church built in 1859.<ref>Bundoran Public Right of Way (1870). Dublin: Mc Glaghan and Magill</ref>

===The railway===
The opening of the [[Enniskillen and Bundoran Railway]] (E&BR) in 1868 connected [[Bundoran railway station]] with Ireland's growing railway network<ref name=Hajducki6/> and made the town more accessible from [[Belfast Great Victoria Street railway station|Belfast]], [[Dublin Connolly railway station|Dublin]] and other population centres on the east and north-east coasts of Ireland. The [[Great Northern Railway (Ireland)|Great Northern Railway]] (GNR) operated the E&BR line from 1876 and absorbed the company in 1896.<ref>Hajducki, ''op. cit.'', page xiii</ref>

In this period Bundoran emerged as one of Ireland's most popular seaside resorts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learn about the rich heritage of historic Bundoran |url=https://discoverbundoran.com/historic-bundoran/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Discover Bundoran, County Donegal |language=en-GB}}</ref> By the end of the 19th century it had become one of the main seaside resorts in Ulster. Hotels and lodging houses were opened around the town and the GNR built the Great Northern Hotel, one of Bundoran's best-known landmarks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://donegalnews.com/2012/03/09/belle-of-bundoran-back-after-33-years/ |title=News and Sport in Donegal – Belle of Bundoran back after 33 years – Donegal News |date=9 March 2012 |publisher=Donegalnews.com |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-date=15 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315095628/http://donegalnews.com/2012/03/09/belle-of-bundoran-back-after-33-years/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Rougey Cliff Walk, Bundoran - geograph.org.uk - 1422218.jpg|thumb|Rougey Cliff Walk]]
During [[The Emergency (Ireland)|The Emergency]] of 1939–45 the GNR introduced the ''Bundoran Express''<ref name=McCutcheon58>{{cite book |last=McCutcheon |first=Alan |series=Railway History in Pictures |title=Ireland |volume=2 |year=1970 |location=Newton Abbott |publisher=[[David & Charles]] |isbn=0-7153-4998-8 |page=58}}</ref> that linked Dublin and Bundoran via {{rws|Dundalk}} and [[Enniskillen]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Baker |first=Michael H.C. |year=1972 |title=Irish Railways since 1916 |location=London |publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing|Ian Allan]] |isbn=978-0-7110-0282-1 |page=78}}</ref> It also carried pilgrims to and from [[Pettigo]], which was the nearest station for [[Lough Derg (Donegal)|Lough Derg]] in County Donegal.<ref name=McCutcheon58/> There were also through trains between Bundoran and Belfast.<ref>McCutcheon, 1970, page 115</ref>

The [[partition of Ireland]] in 1922 turned the boundary with [[County Fermanagh]] into an international frontier. Henceforth Bundoran's only railway link with the rest of the [[Irish Free State]] was ''via'' [[Northern Ireland]], and as such was subject to delays for customs inspections. The [[Government of Northern Ireland]] closed much of the GNR network on its side of the border in 1957, including the E&BR as far as the border.<ref name=Hajducki39>Hajducki, ''op. cit.'', map 39</ref><ref>McCutcheon, 1970, pages 153, 207</ref> This gave the Republic no practical alternative but to allow the closure of the line between the border and Bundoran. Thereafter the nearest [[railhead]]s for Bundoran were {{rws|Sligo}} in the Republic and [[Omagh]] in Northern Ireland, until in 1965 the [[Ulster Transport Authority]] closed the line through Omagh as well.<ref name=Hajducki39/><ref>McCutcheon, 1970, pages 155, 209</ref>

Today, the closest railway stations to Bundoran are [[Sligo Mac Diarmada Station]] in [[Sligo Town]] and [[Derry ~ Londonderry railway station|Waterside Station]] in Derry.

===Central Hotel fire===
{{main|Central Hotel fire}}
On 8 August 1980, a fire broke out at The Central Hotel in the heart of the town. Ten people died as a result, including five children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Tommie |date=1981-11-13 |title=Bundoran Hotel Tragedy |url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2021/1113/1257374-bundoran-hotel-tragedy/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=RTÉ Archives |language=en}}</ref> In September 2008, the Church reinstalled a [[stained glass]] window made by the world-renowned [[Harry Clarke]] (1889–1931), a window which for many years was lying hidden in the parish house of the local Catholic church. The council also erected a carved stone monument bench on Central Lane (beside The Central Hotel) in August 2010 as a mark of respect listing the names of the ten people who lost their lives.

==Attractions==
===Bundoran beach===
[[File:Natural swimming pool to the west of Bundoran - geograph.org.uk - 743078.jpg|thumb|The natural swimming pool]]
[[File:Bundoran.jpg|thumb|Bundoran strand at dusk]]
[[File:Bundoran - SW end - geograph.org.uk - 1152658.jpg|thumbnail|A row of colorful B&Bs on the seafront]]
For almost two centuries people have visited Bundoran beach on hot summer days.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} The tradition of bathing boxes began in Victorian times. They were primarily used by members of the gentry, who were reticent about undressing in public. The boxes were pushed, on wheels, to the water's edge and the customer entered the box through one door, put on their bathing costume and stepped out another door to enter the sea. The box remained there until the bather was finished, dried off and fully clothed again. The bathing box was brought back to its original position on the beach, ready for the next client.

Stationary bathing boxes were introduced in the early 1900s. They proved more amenable and cheaper to the public. In the 1920s, Mrs Elizabeth Travers and her brother-in-law, Bilshie Travers hired the boxes from the local Council.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} For 3 old pennies a customer hired a bathing costume and for 6 old pennies, they could hire "the whole package" which consisted of a bathing cap, costume and towel. A familiar sight on the beach in the 1950s and 1960s was "The Duck". This was a former British Army amphibious craft that ferried tourists out onto the Bay. Despite being prone to breakdown, it was an attraction at the time.<ref name="Geagan, M. 2011">Geagan, M.(2011) Dancing by the sea: A journey through time in the Bundoran area. Bundoran: Stracomer Press {{ISBN|978-0-9568847-0-1}}</ref>

The Main Beach in Bundoran has been awarded a [[Blue Flag beach|Blue Flag]] for each year of the existence of the competition, bar 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smyth|first=Shane|date=2018-05-22|title=31 years in a row for Bundoran's Blue Flag|url=https://discoverbundoran.com/2018/05/31-years-in-a-row-for-bundorans-blue-flag/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Discover Bundoran, County Donegal|language=en-GB|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924223107/https://discoverbundoran.com/2018/05/31-years-in-a-row-for-bundorans-blue-flag/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Coastal walks===
The Promenade to Tullan Strand Starting at Bundoran Bridge and looking out towards the sea is Cladach Leathan (the broad beach) on which lies Bill Ireland's Stone, named after the rescue of a shipwrecked sailor. Beyond it is the surf break of The Peak. At the end of the Promenade is Carraig na nÉan (the rock of the birds). The pump house that overlooks the bay was built by local landlords the Hamiltons in 1861. Close by is Carraig a Choiscéim (the rock of the step). Next to it is Poll Uain (Lambs' Hole) which is also known as the Horse Pool. The Thrupenny Pool was named after the price of admission (3d. in pre-decimal currency). The main beach is called Trá na Draina (the strand of the strong) where according to legend the giant Culina wrestled with his son, both unaware of each other's identity. The small stream that enters the sea on the beach is Sruthán na Cúil Fhinne (the rivulet of the fair girl). The coral and brachiopod fossils embedded in the rocks of Rougey are over 300 million years old. At the tip of Rougey is Aughrus (the peninsula of the steeds), where the warhorses of Conall Gulbán and the O‘Donnells grazed. Passing by the golf links is Pól Uaine and Pól Tóbí, both fishing spots. Next is the ‘Puffing Hole’. Below is Tullan Strand, where the first inhabitants of the area used flint from the rocks to make tools.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

===Fairy bridges & wishing chair===
The Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair are located on the Roguey Walk near Tullan Strand in the town. This natural sea arch bridge<ref>{{Cite web|title=Geology|url=https://fairybridgesandwishingchair.com/geology/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair|language=en-US|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402132507/https://fairybridgesandwishingchair.com/geology/|url-status=live}}</ref> was said to be Bundoran's first tourism attraction when the town became popular in the late 1700s. It features in a painting by artist [[Helen Allingham]] and in 2020 won a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smyth|first=Shane|date=2020-08-21|title=Fairy Bridges wins 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award|url=https://discoverbundoran.com/2020/08/fairy-bridges-wins-2020-tripadvisor-travellers-choice-award/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Discover Bundoran, County Donegal|language=en-GB|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126124146/https://discoverbundoran.com/2020/08/fairy-bridges-wins-2020-tripadvisor-travellers-choice-award/|url-status=live}}</ref> placing it in the top 10 attractions on the review site across the globe.

===Waterworld===
The Waterworld complex opened in 1991 with its development coming about as a result of major storm damage in 1988<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smyth|first=Shane|title=StormOf1988|url=https://discoverbundoran.com/historic-bundoran/stormof1988/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Discover Bundoran, County Donegal|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228011237/https://discoverbundoran.com/historic-bundoran/stormof1988/|url-status=live}}</ref> along the seafront. The indoor water park includes a wave pool, rapids, slides that were added in 1994 with the addition of an external tower, and a three-lane multi-slide and toddler pool which were added in 2013 as a result of a multi-million euro investment by its owners [[Donegal County Council]].

===Adventure World===
Adventure World, near Waterworld, includes waltzing horses, [[Water Zorbing|water zorbing]] and water bumper cars, for younger families. A big wheel is used in [[Galway]]'s Christmas market, where it is located outside the Great Southern Hotel.<ref name=mental/>

===Amusement arcades===
Macks amusements are owned by a son of [[Sean McEniff]]. There are several hundred gaming machines and several dozen amusement machines. At its entrance is a large statue of [[Neptune]].<ref name=mental/>

===Hotels, hostels, caravans and campsites===
Bundoran has many hotels, among the biggest are The Allingham Arms (132 rooms), The Great Northern (102) and The Holyrood (91). Fitzgerald's Hotel, with 16 rooms, is the town's smallest and first opened in 1941, retaining an atmosphere from the past. As well as hotels, a 2018 report recorded sixteen caravan sites and campsites (consisting of 4,312 beds), several hundred self-catering residences and nine hostels.<ref name=mental>[https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/24-hours-in-bundoran-the-town-is-mental-no-one-expected-it-to-be-so-busy-1.4318656 24 hours in Bundoran: 'The town is mental. No one expected it to be so busy'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812015903/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/24-hours-in-bundoran-the-town-is-mental-no-one-expected-it-to-be-so-busy-1.4318656 |date=12 August 2020 }}, The Irish Times, 1 August 2020, Rosita Boland.</ref>

===Brennan's Criterion Bar===
{{main|Brennan's Criterion Bar}}
Brennan's Criterion Bar opened in the area in 1900 and shut down in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Michael |title=End of an era tonight as Brennan's in Bundoran, one of Ireland's most famous pubs, closes its doors |url=https://www.donegallive.ie/news/home/338922/end-of-an-era-tonight-as-brennans-in-bundoran-one-of-ireland-s-most-famous-pubs-closesits-doors.html |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.donegallive.ie |language=en}}</ref>

==Transport==
===Roads===
The opening in April 2006 of the Bundoran/Ballyshannon bypass has made the resort more accessible. [[Sligo]] is {{convert|35|km|0|abbr=off}} south from Bundoran along the scenic [[Atlantic]] coast. The Drowes River, where the southern part of the bypass commences and which separates [[County Leitrim]] from [[County Donegal]], is also the demarcation point between the provinces of [[Connacht]] to the south and [[Ulster]] to the north.

===Rail===
[[Bundoran railway station]] opened on 13 June 1866 but finally closed on 1 October 1957.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bundoran station | work=Railscot – Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | access-date=13 September 2007 | archive-date=2 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302022802/http://www.railbrit.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> The New Council Offices carpark is where the Bundoran Railway Station once stood.

The nearest railway station today is [[Sligo Mac Diarmada Station]] in [[Sligo Town]], where trains run to [[Dublin Connolly]] and are operated by [[Iarnród Éireann]]. Buses from Bundoran to [[Sligo]] stop at Sligo bus station which is adjacent to Sligo Mac Diarmada Station.

===Coach/bus transport===
[[File:Church of Ireland, Bundoran - geograph.org.uk - 1422176.jpg|thumb|Christ Church, [[Church of Ireland]] in Bundoran]]

[[Bus Éireann]] buses connect Bundoran to [[Sligo Mac Diarmada Station]] in [[Sligo Town]]. [[Bus Éireann]] also run a regular service, several times a day, from [[Derry]] to [[Galway]], via [[Letterkenny]] and Bundoran. Feda O'Donnell (Bus Feda) runs from [[Crolly]] to [[Galway]] via [[Gweedore]], [[Letterkenny]], Donegal Town, [[Ballyshannon]] and Bundoran to the west of Ireland, including [[Sligo]] and [[Galway]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-01 |title=donegal-galway-23a.pdf |url=https://busfeda.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/donegal-galway-23a.pdf |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Bus Feda}}</ref> with an additional service to [[Limerick]] during the college term.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=Donegal-Sligo-Mayo-to-Limerick-Timetable.pdf |url=https://busfeda.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Donegal-Sligo-Mayo-to-Limerick-Timetable.pdf |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Bus Feda}}</ref> There is also an [[Ulsterbus]] service (194/195) from Bundoran to [[Enniskillen]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timetables (194) |url=https://www.translink.co.uk/timetables?routeHashCode=7a9b89d09934b8a13467b42e0bae72ffebc0f74528772357c6480ccc0d6d02d0&transportMode=Bus&route=T0&direction=H |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=[[Translink (Northern Ireland)|Translink]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Timetables (195) |url=https://www.translink.co.uk/timetables?routeHashCode=27a0e3e9e7bd504ef560bb7f61420c4b9c93ba7c19926e7f1c7ca5ccba6f6bfb&transportMode=Bus&route=T0&direction=H |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=[[Translink (Northern Ireland)|Translink]]}}</ref>

There are two [[TFI Local Link|Local Link]] buses services: 982 Ballyshannon to Sligo<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-01 |title=129441 SITT TT 982 Ballyshannon to Sligo 6pg DL |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/982-Timetable-WEB.pdf |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=[[Transport for Ireland]]}}</ref> and 983 Kinlough to Ballyshannon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-01 |title=128498 SITT TT 983 Kinlough to Bundoran |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TFI-LL-983-Kinlough-to-Bundoran.pdf |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=[[Transport for Ireland]]}}</ref>

There are a number of bus stops in the town, though the main ones are the East bus stop and West bus stop.<ref name=":1" /> Feda O'Donnell and Local Link both stop at the Tourist Office.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

==Developments==
Development in Bundoran has been triggered by its popularity as a seaside destination and the availability of tax reliefs for the development of holiday homes in the past.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-05-01 |title=Coastal Zone Management |url=https://www.npf.ie/wp-content/uploads/report24.pdf |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=National Planning Framework |publisher=Department of the Environment & Local Government |page= |pages=32, 53}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Frank |date=1998-01-20 |title=Holiday homes tax incentive criticised |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/holiday-homes-tax-incentive-criticised-1.126061 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> Thousands of music fans attend the Bundoran Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival every June.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seasessions.com/ |title=Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival, Bundoran, Donegal, Ireland |access-date=23 June 2010 |archive-date=12 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212212418/http://www.seasessions.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Astoria Ballroom was built in 1953 at a time when dances were a major social activity, and [[showbands]] would entertain large crowds at the venue.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Gerry |date=2024-01-27 |title=Waves of investment bring housing and community developments to Bundoran |url=https://www.impartialreporter.com/news/24074539.waves-investment-bring-developments-bundoran/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Impartial Reporter |language=en}}</ref> In 1990, [[Meat Loaf|Meatloaf]] also played at the ballroom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guidera |first=Anita |last2=Flynn |first2=Pat |date=2008-12-01 |title=Garda probe after famous dancehall gutted in blaze |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/garda-probe-after-famous-dancehall-gutted-in-blaze/26496183.html |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Irish Independent |language=en |quote=Big-name international stars who entertained there included Meatloaf in 1990 -- 18 years before he returned to perform in a marquee just across the road earlier this year.}}</ref> In November 2008, it was destroyed by fire.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Garda probe after famous dancehall gutted in blaze|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/garda-probe-after-famous-dancehall-gutted-in-blaze-26496183.html|access-date=2021-02-12|website=independent|language=en|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924223107/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/garda-probe-after-famous-dancehall-gutted-in-blaze-26496183.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, conditional planning permission was given for construction of a funfair and waterpark on the former site of the ballroom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNulty |first=Chris |date=2024-01-17 |title=Green light for new funfair, waterpark at Astoria site in Bundoran |url=https://www.donegallive.ie/news/donegallive/1397626/green-light-for-new-funfair-waterpark-at-astoria-site-in-bundoran.html |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.donegallive.ie |language=en}}</ref>

In 2019 the town was announced as [[Fáilte Ireland|Failte Ireland]]'s Destination Town for county Donegal<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smyth|first=Shane|date=2020-06-23|title=Failte Ireland Destination Town - Bundoran is full steam ahead|url=https://discoverbundoran.com/2020/06/failte-ireland-destination-town-bundoran-is-full-steam-ahead/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=Discover Bundoran, County Donegal|language=en-GB|archive-date=13 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313174312/https://discoverbundoran.com/2020/06/failte-ireland-destination-town-bundoran-is-full-steam-ahead/|url-status=live}}</ref> paving the way for investment of €500,000 from the tourism development authority to enhance the town.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Rachel |date=2020-06-23 |title=Bundoran forging ahead with project to attract more tourists |url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2020/06/23/bundoran-forging-ahead-with-project-to-attract-more-tourists/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Donegal Daily |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Education==
On Railway Road stands the St Louis Convent School, which was built in 1892. The buildings included a School and residence for the Sisters of St Louis. One of the buildings still stands today.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Saint Louis's Convent, Station Road, DRUMACRIN, Bundoran, DONEGAL |url=https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/40851011/saint-louiss-convent-station-road-drumacrin-bundoran-donegal |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Buildings of Ireland |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1958, the [[Sisters of St. Louis|Sisters of St Louis]] moved their Monaghan school, St. Martha's [[Industrial school (Ireland)|Industrial School]], to Bundoran on a site beside the Old Grand Central Cinema in the premises known as The Sea View Hotel. The school closed in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |title=St Martha's Industrial School for Roman Catholic Girls, Louisville, Co. Monaghan / Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Republic of Ireland |url=https://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/MonaghanIS/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=childrenshomes.org.uk}}</ref> After its closure, St. Martha's was accused of [[child abuse]] and in June 2002 legal action was brought against it by numerous former pupils. One account in 1963 was where some girls had run away from the school and had their hair [[Cropped hair|cropped]] when they returned. An investigation at the time resulted in two nuns being removed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGarry |first=Patsy |date=2004-07-16 |title=Homes may have been 'conducive' to violence |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/homes-may-have-been-conducive-to-violence-1.1149334 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>

The St Joseph's orphanages were erected from funds bequeathed by the late Miss Sarah Crudden, [[Newtownbutler]].<ref>Commins, S. M. (1990). St Joseph’s Orphanage, Bundoran. Clogher Record, 13(3), 163–179. https://doi.org/10.2307/27699317</ref> In August 1957, St Joseph's was closed and transferred to St Louis under the name "St. Martha's". These buildings later became known as Ard Lughaidh Secondary School,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Commins |first=Miriam |year=1990 |title=St Joseph's Orphanage, Bundoran |journal=Clogher Record |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=177, 179 |doi=10.2307/27699317 |jstor=27699317}}</ref> much of the building was stone and also had a large sports and theatre hall all of which in 2006 the [[Vocational Education Committee|VEC]] demolished them.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} All that is left on the lands is the extension area used till the 1980s by 'live in' students of the Ard Lughaidh. This is now under the Donegal Adventure Centre ownership.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Due to the decreasing class sizes in Ard Lughaigh in the 1990s the school faced closure and some students moved to Ballyshannon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0396/D.0396.199003130129.html|title=Dáil Éireann - Volume 396 - 13 March, 1990 Written Answers. - County Donegal School.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607132309/http://historical-debates.oireachtas.ie/D/0396/D.0396.199003130129.html|archive-date=7 June 2011}}</ref> Some of the St. Louis nuns moved to the St. Louis building at Railway Road, however, a lot moved away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classmates.ie/list_all.php?county=Donegal|title=Primary and secondary schools and colleges in County Donegal|website=classmates.ie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118185903/http://www.classmates.ie/list_all.php?county=Donegal|archive-date=18 November 2007}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2020}}

==Sport==
[[File:Bundoran Golf Club 04.jpg|thumb|Bundoran Golf Club]]
[[File:Beach, near Bundoran - geograph.org.uk - 641167.jpg|thumb|Tullan Strand]]

===Surfing===
Bundoran is noted as a [[surfing]] location and known as the Surf Capital of Ireland.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/world/europe/27surfers.html?em&ex=1206763200&en=3b426a1ccc63c7fc&ei=5087%0A "Emerald Swell: Riding the Frigid Waves of a Raging Sea"], ''New York Times'', 27 March 2008</ref> Surfing locations include The Peak, Tullan Strand and nearby Rossnowlagh beach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Local breaks – Bundoran Surf Co.|url=https://bundoransurfco.com/local-breaks/|access-date=2021-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124095616/https://bundoransurfco.com/local-breaks/|url-status=live}}</ref> The town hosted the European Surfing Championships in 1985<ref>{{Cite web|title=European Surfing Championships|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/collections/news/21269711-european-surfing-championships|access-date=2021-02-12|website=RTÉ Archives|language=en|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210164416/https://www.rte.ie/archives/collections/news/21269711-european-surfing-championships/|url-status=live}}</ref> and again in 2011<ref>{{Cite web|title=DONEGAL SURFERS GET READY TO TAKE ON EUROPE – Donegal Daily|url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2011/06/13/donegal-surfers-get-ready-to-take-on-europe/|access-date=2021-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924223136/https://www.donegaldaily.com/2011/06/13/donegal-surfers-get-ready-to-take-on-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref> and has been consistently named as the top beginner beach in Ireland by Red Bull<ref>{{Cite web|title=The best surf beaches for beginners in Ireland|url=https://www.redbull.com/ie-en/the-best-surf-beaches-for-beginners-in-ireland|access-date=2021-02-12|website=Red Bull|language=en|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924223108/https://www.redbull.com/ie-en/the-best-surf-beaches-for-beginners-in-ireland|url-status=live}}</ref> Surf breaks in the town are suitable for beginners, intermediate and professionals.

===Golf===
There is an 18-hole golf course in Bundoran. The golf club was founded in 1894. The course is located on the historic Great Northern Railway Company site, the old railway sleepers encompass the Golf course which enjoys the most breathtaking and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course is a challenging experience despite its short length.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bundorangolfclub.com/ |title=Bundoran Golfclub Website |access-date=24 September 2021 |archive-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804204912/https://bundorangolfclub.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Designed by [[Harry Vardon]], the golf course is a testing 18 hole, Par 70. His design philosophy was “to give pleasure to golfers of all degrees”.

===Gaelic games===
{{Broader|CLG Réalt na Mara}}
In the 1920s the location of Bundoran on the railway line made the Bundoran local ground a convenient venue for many big games. The [[Gaelic Athletic Association|GAA]] club grounds were purchased in 1938. The club was reorganised and renamed [[CLG Réalt na Mara|Réalt na Mara]], meaning "The Star of the Sea". The football park has undergone many developments throughout the years. The ground was levelled in 1947 and enclosed in 1951. The club changing rooms were constructed in 1972.<ref name="Geagan, M. 2011"/>

The juniors were successful in both the 1956 and 1960 Championships. In 1963, Réalt na Mara joined with Ballyshannon club [[Aodh Ruadh CLG|Aodh Ruadh]] to become [[St Joseph's GFC (Donegal)|St Joseph's]]. That team included many players that contributed to the [[Donegal county football team|Donegal county team]], including [[Brian McEniff]] and the former Donegal County Council Manager Michael McLoone. In 1977 the club was again divided into two clubs, one each for the towns of Bundoran and [[Ballyshannon]].

In 1979, Bundoran beat Ballybofey in a nail-biting one-point victory to win the Senior Championship. Local man Brian McEniff led Donegal to the [[1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final]], in which they defeated [[Dublin county football team|Dublin]] in the final 0–18 to 0–14. Bundoran was the scene of enormous celebrations for almost a month afterwards.<ref name="Geagan, M. 2011"/>

In 2015, Réalt Na Mara won the [[Donegal Intermediate Football Championship]] title and went on to reach the Ulster final where they were defeated by Loughinisland.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-11-30 |title=Loughinisland stun Bundoran with late show |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/loughinisland-stun-bundoran-with-late-show/34244264.html |access-date=2024-04-29 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
A [[Greyhound racing in Ireland|greyhound racing]] track was opened by the Bundoran Greyhound Racing Company Ltd in the town during October 1931.<ref>{{cite book|last=Barnes|first=Julia|title=Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File, page 413|year=1988|publisher=Ringpress Books|isbn=0-948955-15-5}}</ref> The construction cost was £800 in £1 shares and was set up by James Cassidy (cattle dealer) and John Conlan (merchant). The directors also included J.T.Flavin, D.Judge, P.Gorman and W.Hudson. On 21 December 1934 notice had been given that after three months the company would be dissolved but there is evidence that the track was still active or had re-opened during 1948.<ref>{{cite news|title=BALLYMOTE AND TUBBERCURRY - 21 August 1948|year=1948|newspaper=Sligo Champion}}</ref>

===Football===
The [[International Football Association Board]] (IFAB), the body that determines the [[Laws of the Game (association football)|Laws of the Game]], met at the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran in 1909.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ssbra.org/ifab/assets/pdf/1909min.pdf|title=Minutes of the Annual General Meeting|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528005528/https://ssbra.org/ifab/assets/pdf/1909min.pdf|url-status=live}} From the [https://ssbra.org/ifab/#/1900 archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603113335/http://ssbra.org/ifab/#/1900 |date=3 June 2016 }} of the [[International Football Association Board]].</ref>

==Twin towns==
Bundoran is a member of the [[Douzelage]], a [[town twinning]] association of towns across the [[European Union]] and [[United Kingdom]], and is there for twinned with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Member towns|url=https://douzelage.eu/member-towns/|website=douzelage.eu|publisher=Douzelage|access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Agros, Cyprus|Agros]], Cyprus
*{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Altea]], Spain
*{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Asikkala]], Finland
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Bad Kötzting]], Germany
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Bellagio, Lombardy|Bellagio]], Italy
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Gmina Chojna|Chojna]], Poland
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Granville, Manche|Granville]], France
*{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Holstebro Municipality|Holstebro]], Denmark
*{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Houffalize]], Belgium
*{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Judenburg]], Austria
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Kőszeg]], Hungary
*{{flagicon|MLT}} [[Marsaskala]], Malta
*{{flagicon|NED}} [[Meerssen]], Netherlands
*{{flagicon|LUX}} [[Niederanven]], Luxembourg
*{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Oxelösund Municipality|Oxelösund]], Sweden
*{{flagicon|GRC}} [[Preveza]], Greece
*{{flagicon|LTU}} [[Rokiškis District Municipality|Rokiškis]], Lithuania
*{{flagicon|CRO}} [[Rovinj]], Croatia
*{{flagicon|POR}} [[Sesimbra]], Portugal
*{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sherborne]], England, United Kingdom
*{{flagicon|LVA}} [[Sigulda Municipality|Sigulda]], Latvia
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Siret]], Romania
*{{flagicon|SVN}} [[Municipality of Škofja Loka|Škofja Loka]], Slovenia
*{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Sušice]], Czech Republic
*{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Tryavna Municipality|Tryavna]], Bulgaria
*{{flagicon|EST}} [[Türi Parish|Türi]], Estonia
*{{flagicon|SVK}} [[Zvolen]], Slovakia
{{div col end}}

==Notable people==
{{See also|Category:People from Bundoran}}
* [[Richie Fitzgerald]], surfer
* [[Liam MacDaid]] (born 1945), former [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] [[prelate]], [[Bishop of Clogher|Bishop Emeritus of Clogher]]
* [[Sean McEniff]] (1936{{Endash}}2017), former businessman and [[Fianna Fáil]] politician
* [[Brian McEniff]] (born 1942), former [[Gaelic football]] player and manager
* [[Screaming Orphans]], Celtic pop band

==Bundoran in popular culture==
The song "Beautiful Bundoran" was written {{circa|1960}} by Mai O'Higgins from [[Dungarvan]], Waterford with the melody written by Bertie Flynn. It is believed that Mai had never actually been to Bundoran and had written the song from a brochure of Donegal. It has been covered by several artists most notably Kathleen Fitzgerald and the Fitzgerald Ceili Band, Jim Finnegan<ref>{{Cite web|title=YouTube link|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwrVvqR1AzM|url-status=live|access-date=19 February 2021|website=YouTube|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924223108/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwrVvqR1AzM}}</ref> and [[Sinéad O'Connor]] for the film ''[[The Butcher Boy (soundtrack)|The Butcher Boy]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sineadoconnor.safeway.sk/misc.html|title=Miscellaneous|access-date=26 May 2010|archive-date=27 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827075537/http://sineadoconnor.safeway.sk/misc.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of populated places in the Republic of Ireland|List of populated places in Ireland]]
* [[List of twin towns and sister cities in the Republic of Ireland]]
* [[List of RNLI stations]]
* [[Surfing in Ireland]]
* [[Wild Atlantic Way]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline|Bundoran}}
* [http://www.discoverbundoran.com Website of Bundoran Tourist Office]
{{County Donegal}}
{{Douzelage}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bundoran| ]]
[[Category:Beaches of County Donegal]]
[[Category:Seaside resorts in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Surfing locations in Ireland]]
[[Category:Towns and villages in County Donegal]]
[[Category:Former urban districts in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Ireland]]