Malin Head

Thingstodo information

At the top of the Inishowen Peninsula is Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head. It is not just Ireland’s most northerly point, but also an area of great scenic beauty and of historical, scientific and ecological importance. It is a part of Donegal that is renowned for its rugged coastal landscape and attractive beaches. The area is steeped in history and folklore. Malin Head is an area for all tastes, including walking, fishing, swimming, photography, studying rock formations or rare flora, and it is close to Inishowen’s splendid golf courses. From the minute you enter the Malin Head area via the coastal road, along the north of Trawbreaga Bay, you will find the largest sand dunes in Europe at Lagg. On Knockamany Bens you can view the famous Five Finger Strand, at low tide you can see the wreck of the Twilight, which sank in 1889, on its way to Derry. On a clear day you can see Tory Island to the west.

Other details:: The circuit of the Head will take you past the Radio Station, built in 1910, and round the coast to Banba’s Crown, the northern tip of Ireland. Here a tall derelict building known locally as “The Tower”, was constructed in 1805 by the Admiralty, and later used as a Lloyds Signal Station. In its early days this was a most important news link involving America and Europe. At this point you can picnic on the very last headland before Greenland and it is a wonder to behold, regardless of the weather. It is also a perfect starting point for a ramble along the cliffs to Hell’s Hole, a remarkable subterranean cavern 250 feet long and 8 feet wide, into which the tide rushes with great force. Nearby is a picturesque natural arch called the Devil’s Bridge. From Banba’s Crown, to the northeast Inishtrahull Island can be seen. Its first lighthouse was put into operation in 1813, and its light flashes every 30 seconds. Further out to the east, on a clear day you can see the Scottish hills. This is a haven for professional and amateur painters equally. Below Banba’s Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific significance. The exceptionally distinctive shorelines illustrate somewhat dramatically the changing connection between the sea and the land from the period the glaciers began to melt, some 15,000 years ago. At that time Donegal was depressed by the weight of an immense ice sheet, so the level of the sea was up to 80 feet higher than today. The beach is also well known for its semi-precious stones, such as cornelian, chalcedony, jasper, serpentine, agate, etc., all of which can be cultured and set into jewellery. Malin Head is a favoured spot for bird watchers; most significantly it is one of the few places in Europe where you may hear the elusive “Corncrake”. It is also an idyllic vantage point from which to view the Autumnal movements of seabirds such as gannet, shearwater, skuas, auks etc., on their southward migration flight. It is one of the minority sites for observing chough. Fishing and rock angling is also popular in the area. The area offers a wide range of tourist facilities including self-catering accommodation, Bed & Breakfast and hostels. The Meteorological Station (built in 1955) is at Malin Head and plays its part in the official Weather Forecasts. The Irish Marine Emergency Service is based at the radio station and has a major role in the safety of life at sea. The fishing industry is thriving here; the main catches are crab, lobster and salmon. Malin Head is the sunniest place in Ireland.