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Ned's Point Fort

4.6
·206 reviews·, Ireland

Breathtaking views of Lough Swilly, a historic fort (currently inaccessible), and a beautiful coastal walkway.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Enjoy fresh air and fewer crowds.

CrowdLow
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Sub Aqua Club

Ned's Point Fort

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Enjoy fresh air and fewer crowds.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Breathtaking views of Lough Swilly, a historic fort (currently inaccessible), and a beautiful coastal walkway.

4.6
(206 reviews)

"The views of Lough Swilly are splendid, making it a great place for weekend dips and walks."

Vertical photo
TIP

Fort is inaccessible

The fort itself is closed off. Focus on the beautiful surroundings and views instead.

Great for a swim

The lough's water is warmer than the open ocean, making it ideal for a dip.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lough Swilly Views

Lough Swilly Views

Panoramic vistas across the lough towards Portsalon and Inch Island. Absolutely stunning!

Coastal Walkway

Coastal Walkway

A pleasant footpath offering ample space for strolls, with potential accessibility for wheelchair users.

RNLI Station Vicinity

RNLI Station Vicinity

Located near the RNLI station, adding a touch of local maritime interest.

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Planning Your Visit

Fort Access & Condition

Ned's Point Fort is currently closed to the public and appears to be in disrepair, with trash noted inside. While you can't explore the fort itself, the surrounding area offers stunning views and walking paths.

Embrace the Scenery

The real draw is the breathtaking natural beauty of Lough Swilly. Enjoy splendid views towards Portsalon and Inch Island, perfect for leisurely walks and photography.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy fresh air and fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Warmer waters for potential dips.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fort is inaccessible

The fort itself is closed off. Focus on the beautiful surroundings and views instead. Reddit

Great for a swim

The lough's water is warmer than the open ocean, making it ideal for a dip. Reddit

Nearby coffee spot

A highly-rated coffee spot is located just up the hill behind the fort. Reddit

Ample parking available

There's a convenient car park for visitors, and the walkway spreads out visitors. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Fort is inaccessible

The fort itself is closed off. Focus on the beautiful surroundings and views instead. Reddit

Great for a swim

The lough's water is warmer than the open ocean, making it ideal for a dip. Reddit

Nearby coffee spot

A highly-rated coffee spot is located just up the hill behind the fort. Reddit

Ample parking available

There's a convenient car park for visitors, and the walkway spreads out visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(206 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ned's Point for its stunning Lough Swilly views and pleasant coastal walks, noting the warmer waters are great for swimming. However, the main drawback is the fort itself being closed, inaccessible, and in a state of disrepair, which disappoints those hoping to explore its history.

"While the Fort itself is closed and inaccessible to the public, it is situated in a beautiful area of natural beauty and there is also a man-made jetty and old boathouse. The views of Lough Swilly are splendid across to Portsalon or down the Lough towards Inch Island. There is a small car park and the RNLI station is also nearby which should not be obstructed."

Dave M

"Great place for weekend dips and walks, it has a carpark and a historic fort. The views are great."

Tomaí Mac

"Beautiful beach and walk area and a perfect place to swim, the fact that it is a sea Lough means that the water is warmer than swimming in the open ocean. You can walk a good distance along the footpath which spread's out the visitors so there was always a quiet place to find. The walkway is good and I thought it would suit wheelchair users with a large carpark at the beginning. Enjoyed my visit here."

Martin Hopkins

What People Like

Splendid Lough Swilly views
Beautiful beach and walk
Warmer lough water for swimming

What People Dislike

Fort is closed and in disrepair
Trash inside the fort

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ned's Point Fort is accessible by car, with a small car park available for visitors. It's situated in a beautiful area of natural beauty along Lough Swilly. Reddit

The walkway near Ned's Point Fort is described as good and potentially suitable for wheelchair users, with a large car park at the beginning. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Unfortunately, Ned's Point Fort itself is closed and inaccessible to the public. Visitors have noted it is locked up and in disrepair. Reddit

As the fort is closed to the public, there are no official opening hours. The surrounding area and walkway are generally accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

Since the fort is closed, there is no entrance fee. Access to the surrounding natural beauty and walkway is free. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

While the fort is inaccessible, you can enjoy the splendid views of Lough Swilly, take walks along the coastal path, and potentially go for a swim in the lough. Reddit

There is a small car park available. Visitors have also mentioned a coffee spot on the hill behind the fort. Reddit

Reviews indicate that the fort is closed, in disrepair, and has trash inside. It appears to be overgrown with thorny plants. Reddit

The water in the sea lough is generally warmer and calmer than the open ocean, making it a popular spot for weekend dips. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most photogenic aspects are the stunning views across Lough Swilly, the coastal walkway, and the general natural beauty of the area. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for capturing the scenic beauty of Lough Swilly. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the fort itself is inaccessible, Ned's Point offers a lovely natural environment for families. The coastal walkway provides a safe and pleasant area for children to explore and burn off energy. The warmer waters of the lough might also be appealing for supervised dips on warmer days. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water and around the fort's perimeter. Reddit

Pack some snacks and drinks, and consider visiting the highly-rated coffee spot nearby for a treat. The car park makes it convenient for families to access the area. Focus on enjoying the beautiful views and the open space rather than the fort itself. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts

Ned's Point is a fantastic destination for walkers and anyone who appreciates natural beauty. The coastal walkway offers a refreshing stroll with constantly changing, spectacular views of Lough Swilly. The path is well-maintained and provides ample space, allowing for a peaceful experience even on busier days. Reddit

For those seeking a refreshing dip, the lough's waters are a popular choice. The area is also ideal for photography, with the dramatic landscapes and the historic fort (even in its current state) providing interesting subjects. Don't forget to check out the nearby coffee shop for a post-walk refreshment. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Fort's Current State

Ned's Point Fort, a historic landmark, is unfortunately closed to the public and shows signs of neglect. Visitors have reported that the fort is locked up, in disrepair, and even contains trash. Thorny plants are overgrowing the exterior, and it's apparent that unauthorized access may be occurring. This lack of maintenance is a disappointment for those hoping to explore the historical structure. Reddit

Despite the fort's condition, the surrounding area remains a significant draw. The natural beauty of Lough Swilly provides a picturesque backdrop, and the presence of the RNLI station adds a touch of local interest. While you can't step inside the fort, its imposing structure can still be admired from the outside. Reddit

Exploring the Natural Beauty

The primary appeal of Ned's Point lies in its stunning natural setting. The views across Lough Swilly are described as splendid, offering vistas towards Portsalon and down the lough towards Inch Island. This scenic beauty makes it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and enjoying the fresh air. Reddit

Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk along the footpath, which is noted to be good and potentially suitable for wheelchair users. The walkway's design helps to spread out visitors, ensuring there are often quiet spots to be found. The lough itself is also a draw for those looking for a swim, as its waters are warmer than the open ocean. Reddit

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