INISHOWEN

The Inishowen Peninsula is situated in the North West of the Republic of Ireland and possesses such a range of sights and attractions that is often referred to as 'Ireland in Miniature'. This ancient territory (The Land of the O' Dohertys), is 26 miles in length and its greatest breadth is about 26 miles across. It is the most northerly part of Ireland and comprises an area of about 309 sq miles. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean.

On route from Derry you will be able to visit historical sites such as Grianan of Aileach, Inch Castle, Dunree Fort, Carrick-a-Braght Castle and Carndonagh Cross on the West of the Peninsula. Further north is Malin Town and round the coast to Malin Head, where the remains of the Church of St Moirialiagh stands, close to the legendary rock cave, the “Wee House of Malin”.

INISHOWEN 100

A few minutes takes you to Banbas Crown, Ireland’s most northerly point, with views of Inishtrahull Island. Along the coast to Glengad and Culdaff, where at Cloncha the 3 metre high Cross of St Boden can be seen. The beautiful Kinnagoe Bay is next, before you reach the fishing village of Greencastle, from where the ferry to Magilligan in Northern Ireland departs. A Norman Castle still remains there and was described as one of the most important fortresses in Ireland. A short drive takes you to Moville, where in the townland of Carrownaffe, Cooley High Cross can be seen and a footprint said to belong to St Patrick.

After going over the only 10 arch bridge in Ireland the village green of Malin Town is there before you. The green has two Public Bars, a hotel, shopping facility and a beautiful village church.

MALIN

Turning left at the bridge takes you along the scenic coast route to Malin Head, where you pass picnic and sailing places overlooking Trawbreaga Bay. Malin Head itself has several Public Houses and a vibrant working community, many employed in traditional local industries. At its tip is Ireland’s most northerly point Banbas Crown. Passing The Malin Hotel and turning right for 6 miles takes you to the picturesque fishing village of Glengad. The people are friendly, helpful and enjoy a good nights craic.

The Malin Hotel is located 10 minutes from the two championship golf courses at Ballyliffin. The Hotel provides a warm and cosy retreat for the amateur, enthusiastic or serious golfer. Our VIP Golf Programme includes golf course booking assistance, transfers to nearby courses and a golf club cleaning service.

GOLF

Ballyliffin golf courses have been described as the "Ballybunion of the North". Both courses have vast undulating greens, large bunkers and fairways that are as challenging as the crashing Atlantic surf. Nick Faldo remarked, on one of his many visits, that the Old Links Course was the most natural that he had ever seen. This was reinforced by Constantino Rocca who played at the North-West Open. The Inishowen Peninsula also has two further 18 hole golf courses at Greencastle and Fahan, which challenge even the most experienced golfer.

WALK 1: MALIN HEAD Walking from Banbas Crown to Devils Hole allows views of Inishtrahull Island and Scotland on a clear day. This walk would take approximately 90 minutes and helps build up a thirst for a nice refreshing Guinness in Ireland’s most northerly watering hole, Farrens Bar. Your first pint can be followed by a visit to The Seaview Tavern and The Crossroads Inn for several more! WALK 2: FIVE FINGER STRAND

WALKING

Walk along the Five Finger Strand and view the largest sand dunes in Europe at Lagg. This amazing sandy beach allows for a leisurely walk and the chance to experience the crashing Atlantic surf. A short drive enables one to sample a traditional Irish welcome in Malin Town from McGonagles, McCleans and of course The Village Bar in The Malin Hotel. WALK 3: KNOCKAMANEY BENS Walking to Knockamaney Bens is for the energetic hill walker and allows panoramic views of Five Finger Strand, Doagh Island and the beautifully situated church at Lagg. At low tide the ship, The Twilight can be seen from the parking and picnic area. After the dramatic views from Knockamaney Bens a chance visit to Doherty’s Bar at Umgall will complete a truly wonderful rural Irish experience.

Malin Town has several riding stables which are open to the public throughout the year.

HORSE RIDING

The first is the Malin Stables located just over the Malin Bridge. The other being Rose Cottage Riding School located about 1 mile outside the village along the Lagg Road. Activities are available for all age groups and can be arranged for parties of up to 10 people. This is a very popular choice with families.

Island trips for both the tourist and the enthusiastic angler can be arranged at short notice, if the Atlantic waves permit.

ISLAND TRIPS

The Island of Inishtrahull, which is formed from Lewision Gneiss rock, similar to that found in Scotland, is dissimilar to any rock found in Inishowen. The Island has two lighthouses, one built in 1813 and the new lighthouse in 1958. The island also has an array of wildlife from shags, auks, gulls, eider duck, ravens to rabbits and seals. For the visitor rural island life can be experienced through visits to the school house, alter site and the many wallsteads that are the remains of island houses.

ART & CRAFTS

The scenery that makes up this area is a painters dream. Various artists live and have established galleries in the area, one of which is the Ros Harvey and Tim Stampton Ballagh studio overlooking Trawbreaga Bay. The Jack Yeats restaurant in The Malin Hotel has also a selection of Irish art, both local and further a field on display. If getting hands on is more your kind of thing the Moville Pottery offer classes and tours. They also have a extensive showroom for buying all those souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

ANGLING Charter Sea Angling is available from Inishowen Boating Co. Ltd, Malin Town. With their two 39ft angling boats, based at Bunagee Harbour, Culdaff, they can provide the experienced or amateur angler with safe, exciting and memorable trips through Inishowens unspoilt waters.

SEA & SKY

Species include: Ling, Tope, Pollack, Porbeagle & Blue Shark, Coalfish, Wrasse, Dogfish, Huss, Ray, Pouting, Conger, Cod, Haddock, Whiting, Plaice and Trout. Tel: (+353) 074 9370605 or Email: [email protected] BIRDWATCHING For bird lovers Trawbreaga Bay and Malin Head provide the opportunity to see and hear the illusive corncrake. The southward migration of garnets and shearwater can be seen here also.

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