The extensive beach is very popular with families and is frequented by walkers, surfers, wind-surfers, kite-surfers and swimmers, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months. There is about 4 km (2.5 miles) of a good quality wide sandy beach.

Rossnowlagh is one of Ireland's and Europe's best Blue Flag surfing beaches. As the slowly rising beach faces westward into the Atlantic Ocean, and the fact that Donegal Bay has a funnel shape, it can increase the size of the rollers, especially in winter when some huge waves are generated and it has been known to have waves up to 7 metres (20 ft) high. Rossnowlagh has good safe facilities and has excellent water quality.

The Sandhouse Hotel is located adjacent to the beach, with a Surfers Bar attached. Overlooking the beach and on the cliff is the Smuggler's Creek Inn restaurant and bar, and there are several shops in the area, along with a Post-Office and Shop near the Franciscan Friary as well as The Thatch Tea House nearby. The modern 20th century-built Franciscan Friary is located up from the southern end of the beach. To the south-west further along the cliffs in the distance stands the ruined Kilbarron Castle.

Wikipedia articles for Rossnowlagh

• Rossnowlagh
• List of abbeys and priories in Ireland
• List of abbeys and priories in Ireland