Places to Chill: Bundoran, Co. Donegal

If you're seeking some true domestic bliss, grab a board and get down to Bundoran, Ireland's surfing capital.

By Emmet Purcell

Granted, Ireland's chilly waters are a million miles away (not literally... we think) from the sun-kissed shores of California and Hawaii, yet surfing's popularity is ever-increasing due to two key factors - Ireland has prime surfing conditions and once you climb into a wetsuit, there's tremendous fun to be had.

If you're hoping to ride the waves of Ireland then there's no better place to go than Bundoran, which offers waves to suit every level of board merchant.

Thousands of surfers, no matter their expertise, make their way to the seaside Donegal town on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean on an annual basis, including professional surfers as the resort has hosted a number of high profile events such as this year's European Surfing Championship - Eurosurf 2011.

As for the location, Donegal is a county rich in scenery, culture and of course, waves. Surfing spots include Inishowen and Fanad Head in the north of the county but Bundoran is exactly where you'll want to be.

If you wanna surf, you'll have to head out to 'The Wesht'

Bundoran's coastal area is renowned for its range of reefs and point breaks, while the small town itself has a wonderful charm when you're finally get out of your wetsuits, while surfing-related events attract a huge number of musical acts, such as Royseven and The Undertones, who both put on a show for the Eurosurf Bundoran 2011 Party.

In addition to surfing, you can take a 70 minute drive to the Glenveagh National Park, Ireland's largest, or indulge in a number of outdoor activities that include golfing, coastal walks, angling, watersports and the waterbus, a jumbo bus on the sea.

If you're looking for a relatively quiet night in, you'll find that Ireland's premier seaside town also has a 6 screen cinema, seaweed baths, amusements and 10 pin bowlings, so you're never far from your next adventure.

With huge waves, lively night life and a bewildering array of options to help you chill out, there's simply just one option for the ultimate weekend 'staycation' - Bundoran.