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Malin Head
Malin Head, County Donegal
Unspoilt beauty
Take a journey as far north as you can go, and you’ll reach the edge of Europe – otherwise known as the wild, rugged and romantic Malin Head. The start (or end, depending on your point of view) of the Wild Atlantic Way, Malin Head has long been renowned for its epic coastal scenery, thriving birdlife and historical curiosities. And though isolated, you’ll never feel lonely on this remote peninsula, as you’ll quickly find the locals give a warm welcome to those who come to enjoy the unspoiled scenery of their home.
Malin Head, County Donegal
L-R: Overlooking the rugged rocks; a traditional cottage; the Éire sign at Malin Head; Northern Lights at Linfort Church
Wildlife wonders
Donegal may be nicknamed "The Forgotten County"’, but its remoteness means it remains a place of unspoiled beauty, where wildlife flourishes in pure nature. Take a boat tour from Bunagee Pier to see a thrilling range of marine wildlife, including seals, basking sharks and even dolphins, if you’re lucky. Or head to Inch Fowl Reserve, a birdwatching paradise where geese, swans, ducks and other waders gather at panoramic lakes. And the land itself holds its own natural gems – Ballyhillin, a unique raised beach, is well known for its semi precious stones.
Malin Head, County Donegal
Walk in the footsteps of Jedi
The location scouts for Star Wars knew a good thing when they saw it and cast this secluded beauty in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Visitors and locals alike marvelled at the Millennium Falcon perched on the cliffs and storm troopers roaming the hills, and the cast and crew were in awe of the incredible scenery and warm welcome they received. They took to the area like natives, with actor Mark Hamill popping in for refreshments at Farren’s Bar. And they left Malin Head as everyone should – leaving no trace behind them.
Star Wars on the Wild Atlantic Way
Star Wars in Ireland
You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to discover a landscape that is truly out of this world – just ask the makers of Star Wars.
Myths and legends
On the island of Ireland you’ll find that wherever you go, myths and legends follow and at Malin Head this is no different. At the very tip of the headland is Banba’s Crown, named after Banba, the patron goddess of Ireland. And Grianán of Aileach, a stunning stone ring fort, is linked to the mythological tribe of the Tuatha Dé Danann – worshippers of the god Dagda, who is said to have ordered the building of a stone fort to act as a burial monument to his son. Wander the landscapes of Inishowen, and you’ll find fascinating folklore at every turn...
Northern Lights, County Donegal
Ireland’s incredible natural phenomena
Northern Lights, limestone landscapes and giant’s footsteps – discover Ireland’s natural wonders.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Picture this: a calm, clear evening. The sun sets below the ocean. Then, suddenly, the skies light up with rolling waves of neon pink, vibrant green and piercing blue – the Aurora Borealis. Here, at the edge of Europe, the Inishowen Peninsula has almost perfect conditions for witnessing the phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. So join stargazers, light chasers and astrophotographers on the quiet beaches of Inishowen and watch the skies come alive with colour.
Malin Head, County Donegal
History in the waters
Banba’s Crown, while a place of mythology, is also strongly linked to history: known locally as “The Tower”, a clifftop tower was built in 1805 as part of a string of buildings around the Irish coast to guard against a possible French invasion. More modest are the nearby World War II lookout posts – Malin Head was one of 83 coastal locations used to provide a picture of wartime events along the Irish coastline. And as the seas off Malin Head has the largest amount of U-boats in the world and the largest amount of sunken ocean going liners, people often travel here to go wreck diving and witness the drama and history lying beneath the waters.
Donegal highlights
Don't miss these things to see and do
Grianán of Aileach
Grianán of Aileach is probably the best known monument in Inishowen, County Donegal. Situated on a hilltop 250m above sea level the view from the stone fort of Aileach is breathtaking.
Donegal
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Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium is conveniently housed in the old coastguard station, only 100 yards from the Lough Foyle ferry landing at Greencastle, County Donegal. Enjoy the displays of all things relating to the sea, stars and more in the museum with its full dome planetarium theatre.
Donegal
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Lemon Tree Restaurant
Situated on Main Street in the heart of Letterkenny, County Donegal since its establishment in 1999, the family run and Michelin recommended Lemon Tree Restaurant offers contemporary, seasonal dishes served in relaxed surroundings.
Donegal
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Farren's Bar
Farren's Bar, on the Inishowen Peninsula, in County Donegal, is Ireland's most northerly pub. Get 'your name' on the top of your Guinness pint at Farren's Bar. It was established in 1825 and has a 23hr license. Its just 2km from Bamba's Crown, at Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point.
Donegal
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Caffe Banba
Caffe Banba is Ireland's most northerly and scenic coffee shop at the top of the world at Malin Head, County Donegal. No walls, no roof, just stunning coffee, fabulous baking, and spectacular views.
Donegal
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Greencastle Marina
The Greencastle Marina is situated in the heart of the historic village of Greencastle, on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. It got its name from the nearby castle, known as Green Castle, built in 1305 by Richard de Burgo.
Donegal
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Errigal
Head to the wild County Donegal, experience its rugged landscapes and see the incredible Errigal, one of Ireland's most breathtaking and most photographed mountains. Watch the striking peak of Errigal reflect on Dunlewy Lough on a clear day.
Donegal
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Glebe House and Gallery
Art enthusiasts will love a visit to Glebe House and Gallery, located 18km from Letterkenny, County Donegal. Visitors can view the Derek Hill collection which includes, more than 300 works by Picasso and Kokoshka, as well as Irish and Italian artists.
Donegal
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Nancy's Barn
On the scenic Inishowen Peninsula, you will find Nancy’s Barn at the heart of the beautiful seaside village of Ballyliffin, Clonmany, County Donegal. This authentic 19th century barn houses a quirky and award winning café and restaurant.
Donegal
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Ballyliffin Golf Club
Ballyliffin Golf Club is located at Ballyliffin, Inishowen, County Donegal. It is regarded as one of the finest links complex in Ireland boasting two championship links courses – The Old Links and Glashedy Links.
Donegal
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Moville Pottery
Moville Pottery is famous for their beautiful stoneware pottery and wonderful shop stocked with some of the best in locally produced crafts. Come and see the potters at work, or even paint your own pot in Moville, County Donegal.
Donegal
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