Walking Inishowen

Linsfort Castle B&B
Linsfort, Buncrana, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 93 63148
contact@linsfortcastle.com
www.linsfortcastle.com

Located on the Western shore of Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula, Linsfort Castle is a country house overlooking Lough Swilly. Originally built in 1610 on the site of an old castle, the house was rebuilt in 1720 and can offer comfortable accommodation for groups of up to 10. It lies 6 km north of the lively seaside town of Buncrana. It has views of the Lough 400 metres away and is set in an acre of beautiful mature gardens. The owners Brigeen and Alan are keen walkers and can advise on a wide range of local walks.

Sandrock Hostel
Malin Head, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 93 70289
info@sandrockhostel.com
www.sandrockhostel.com

At 'Ireland's Most Northerly Point' and OPEN ALL YEAR Sandrock Holiday Hostel is a recently purpose-built hostel situated above the small fishing pier at Port Ronan. With ever-changing breathtaking spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the headlands of Inishowen and Fanad Peninsulas and the Highlands of Donegal. The proprietors, Margaret and Rodney, offer modern holiday hostel accommodation at this premier scenic location which is a perfect base for touring, walking or cycling. We can accommodate up to 20 guests in two comfortable en-suite dormitories.

Trean House B &B
Tremone, Lecamy, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 93 67121
treanhouse@oceanfree.net
www.treanhouse.com

Trean House is situated on the Inishowen Peninsula, at the very north of County Donegal, Ireland. Enjoy your relaxing stay in a charming farmhouse in stone walled countryside. Experience life on a family run working farm, relax, or take a walk to the beach only 5 mins down the road. Your hosts are Joyce and Meryvn Norris and family, who will do their utmost to ensure a warm welcome and an enjoyable and memorable stay.

McGrorys Hotel
Culdaff, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 93 79104
reservations@mcgrorys.ie
www.mcgrorys.ie

This Hotel, Bar, Restaurant and Music Venue was first established in 1924 and has remained a family run business for three generations. The current owners are brothers John and Neil Mc Grory and their sister Anne Doherty. Neil is currently recompiling a pamphlet on the ancient monuments of Culdaff and will provide visitors with a wealth of information on local sites and places of interest.

Malin Head Hostel
Malin Head, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 93 70309

www.malinheadhostel.com

Open from July (bookings can be made at any time) this family-run Hostel is located near Ireland's most northerly point along the "Inishowen 100" scenic route. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this hostel is Bord Failte approved and a member of the IHH.

The Malin Head Hostel provides you with a homely, comfortable base for a tranquil holiday while enjoying the lovely countryside, good company and special hostel facilities, which include dormitory & Private Accommodation, open fires and preivate parking.

Our organic garden produce is available to residents and our free range eggs are from happy hens. We can arrange Reflexology/Aromatherapy treatments, bike hire and have a pub and post office within 100M.

Galavoir Point
Distance: 14 km
Time: 3hrs

McGrory's Hotel to Bunagee Pier

Turn right from the hotel and walk through the village take a right on the road to Glengad. Walk past the new white houses and after about 1 km follow the signpost right to Bunagee Pier.

Enjoy the traditional fishing quay and views to Culdaff Bay.

Bunagee Pier to Dunowen Fort

At the corner of the pier head north taking a fisherman's track to the ancient Dunowen Promontory Fort. Here you can cross the portal to the fort and onto to the headland for cliff views north to Glengad Head and south to Dunmore Head.

Dunowen Fort to Brazil Rock

Leave the Fort and take the footpath a little inland over the hill then descend to the stony shore at Brazil Rock. The footpath winds along the shore side of the wall and fence.

Brazil Rock

At the shore around Brazil Rock contains many naturally-formed rock features. Take time to explore the natural inlets and caves. Remember take care in times of high waves.

Over the Bens to Galavoir Point

From the shore you now head over the 'Bens' (hills) to reach the final destination of Galavoir Point.

Galavoir Head to McGrorys Hotel

At Galavoir Point enjoy the spectacular cliff views toward Glengad. Then you have the option of retracing your steps to Bunagee Pier. Or, cutting across the field and taking a quiet road back towards Culdaff.

Dunmore Head
Distance: 11 km
Time: 2.5 hrs

McGrory’s Hotel to Culdaff Car Park

Turn right from the hotel and right at the village square then follow the road and footpath along the estuary. Turn left into the car park then cross the dunes to the beach.

Culdaff Strand

Walk to the end of the strand – enjoy the views across Culdaff BayNorth to Bunagee Pier. At the end of the Strand turn around ands head south towards Dumore Head

Dunmore Head

At the end of the strand there are two options -A. for the adventurous a cliff walk over Dunmore Head. This is quite energetic and involves some cliff “scrambling” B Follow the road south and up the incline - This is a pleasant walk along a quiet lane then turn right and head back to Mc Gory’s.

Option A to Dunmore Head

Cross the dunes to the road at the Caravan site and as the road swings to the right there is a track heading towards the cliff face. Towards the shore the track scrambles up the cliff . The track skirts a few feet in from the edge of the cliff and can be a little rough in some places, but the views more than compensate.

Dunmore Head to Dunglass Promontory Fort

Follow the track to Dunmore Head and enjoy the panoramic cliff views to the South and east to the coast of Northern Ireland. Keep following the track over the headlands until you reach Dunglass Promontory Fort with its distinctive anvil. Here you need to scramble across two small ravines. Keep close to the fence and wall on the shore side.

Dunglass Fort to Redford Beach

After the Fort the track follows the cliffs then sharply descends through quite a rocky few yards. You then reach the delightfully secluded Redford Beach which has an unusual lush green meadow.

Redford Beach to McGrorys Hotel

At the end of the beach there is a small track taking you back to the road. At the junction turn and the road returns to McGrory’s Hotel.

Lough Swilly Walk
Distance: 12 km
Time: 2.5 - 3 hrs

Linsfort to the Shore

Turn left from Linsfort Castle left again and take the footpath to the shore. Access the shore by a scramble down the low cliffs to the shore (there is an alternative access by road available).

Linsfort to Stragill

Walk south along the beach passing Loretto House and enjoy the views across Lough Swilly to Rhineland and the hills of Donegal

Stragill Strand

At the headland you reach Stragill Strand. The cliffs are on your right and go a little inland. A shallow stream crosses the beach, which can be forded or there are stepping stones at the high tide mark in the northern corner of the beach. At low tide you can ford this stream at or take off your boots! At the end of the beach there is a footpath through the rocks onto the cliffs.

Stragill to Ned’s Point Fort

You are now on an undulating cliff walk to Needs Point Fort. It also takes in the historic site of Father Hegarty's Rock and the Swilly Lifeboat Station.

Ned's Point to Swan Park

After the lifeboat station follow the footpath towards Buncrana which takes you to Swann Park, O ‘ Doherty's Keep and Buncrana Castle. The small town of Buncrana is now just a few hundred yards away. You can retrace you route to Linsfort and enjoy the reverse views looking north. If the tide has come in there is a quiet road which runs parallel to the beach.

Mamore Gap
Distance: 19 km
Time: 4-5 hrs

Linsfort to Leophin

Walk up the lane from Linsfort Castle up to the cross roads and go straight across up the hill to Leophin and turn right.

Leophin to Mamore

Stay on this undulating road for about 3Km and take in the views as they unfold - south and west over Lough Swilly and north to the Urris Hill and Mamore Gap.

Mamore Gap

Here is a long steep incline to the Gap in the Urris Hills - take it in small stages, it is worth the climb. At the top the road cuts through a dramatic ravine and as you start to descend there is a small shrine. (For the more adventurous walker there are paths in the Gap which lead to spectacular hill walks along the ridges of the Urris Hills , but as it is quite difficult advice should be sought.)

The View from the Gap

Take some time out on the viewing point to enjoy the splendid views north to the Atlantic Ocean, west to Fanad Head and the hills of Donegal and northeast towards Ireland most northerly point, Malin Head.

The Gap to Clonmany

The road then twists and turns down the side of the hill to Leenane. At the bottom of the hill, take a right and head along a quiet road past traditional Irish cottages, a donkey reservation and a splendid pub called the Rusty Nail towards the village of Clonmany. Just before you reach Clonmany there is a right turn at the Clonmany Fireplace Centre.

Clonmany to Pinch

This is a long walk through a beautiful quiet valley and the road gradually inclines to Pinch where you have yet more panoramic views. On your right is the area's highest peak Raghtin More and to the left Bulbin Hill.

Pinch to Linsfort

After descending from Pinch you have completed a circle around the Gap of Mamore. At the bottom of the Gap you can turn left and retrace your route to Linsfort Castle. Alternatively, you can head straight on towards Dunree and at the end of this road turn left and head for Linsfort.

Malin Head
Distance: 10+ km
Time: 2+ hrs

Port Ronan Pier to the signpost for Malin Head

Turn right out of Sandrock Hostel and walk to the Port Ronan pier end take a deep breath of Atlantic air to prepare you for the walk. Retrace your steps to the hostel and head up the lane. At sign post turn left and walk up steep hill through houses in area known as 'West Town' (not signposted ).

The Signpost to Beasty Viewpoint

As you walk up the hill on the left hand side is the ‘White Strand Bay' with the town land 'Culoort' sitting at the back of the bay. Follow the signs to the Beasty Viewpoint car park on your right you will observe the rugged coastline facing north and often spectacular rough seas breaking. Below is a thatched farmhouse and outbuildings built in the old traditional style. Unfortunately, this is private land and there is no access. View from Beasty Viewpoint

Beasty Viewpoint to Bamba’s Crown

Continue on a gradual uphill walk and you will come to a clearly sign posted left hand road which leads to 'Bamba's Crown'- 'Ireland's Most Northerly Point'. You will see the Signal Tower at the top of the hill. (This is well worth a diversion - but will add a considerable amount of time to the fast 1.5 hour walk)

Malin Head

This is the most Northerly point in Ireland. At the Signal Tower you will see a series of now whitewashed stones spelling out 'EIRE' to passing aircraft! Out to sea you will see Inishtrahull Island. And further out, behind Inishtrahull, the Scottish Isles can be seen [on a clear day].

Bamba's Crown to Esky Bay

On your right hand side of the road in the centre of Esky Bay is a "Curiosity Shop" containing artifacts old and new. Well worth another diversion to browse through and maybe pick up a memento!

Esky Bay to Sandrock Hostel

Continue up hill out of Esky Bay and on your left you will pass Malin Head Weather [Meteorological] Station which is manned 24 hours a day. Further along this road is 'Slieveban Village' where Ireland's Most Northerly Pub, Farren's Bar, is situated. Continue on to the Crossroads Inn. At the Crossroads Inn turn immediately right. On your right will be the Malin Head Coastguard Radio Station Continue along this road until you arrive at the small signpost for Sandrock Holiday Hostel!

Five Finger Strand View
Distance: 18 km
Time: 4-5 hrs

Port Ronan Pier

Turn right out of Sandrock Hostel and walk to the Port Ronan pier end take a deep breath of Atlantic air to prepare you for the walk. Retrace your steps to the hostel and head up the lane and keep going until you reach the weather station.

From Port Ronan to the Radio Station

From Port Ronan walk to the top of the road. Then walk towards the North [Crossroads Inn]. On the left, on leaving a dip in the road, are the masts and buildings of the Malin Head Coastguard Radio Station Just past the Radio Station, on the left at the road junction is the Crossroads Inn. Turn right onto the main road and then turn right AGAIN a few yards further on - at the signpost "Tra Strand".

Radio Station to the White Strand

This is a straight road with fields on either side. The bay ahead of you is While Strand Bay'. At the the lower end of this road you will pass the houses [some derelict] of 'Carnmalin' [not signposted]. Follow the road along the rear of a stony beach to White Strand Bay towards the picturesque village of Culoort.

White Strand to 'Knockamany Bens'

Follow a long winding uphill road. At the first sharp right hand bend - on your left are the derelict walled remains of 'Margaret's Grandmother's birth place'. At the top of the hill you arrive at a number of derelict houses in the town land of ‘Dunargus' [not signposted]. Lookout for numerous wild goats in this area!! Continue into a valley and another winding road alongside 'Soldiers Hill' on your left. This area is known as 'Knockamany Bens'.

Five Finger Strand Viewpoint

As you walk over the top of the hill spectacular views of Doagh Island, Trawbreaga Bay, Lagg Chapel and graveyard sited in the sand dunes at 'Lagg', Five Fingers Strand and the headlands of North Donegal all come into view. A short break should be taken at the car park view point to survey the surroundings!

Lagg Chapel to Malin Head

Follow the road down hill through farmland. The Lagg Chapel remains in view on the right and the winding road below is the main road to Malin Head. At the bottom of the hill at a cross roads# turn LEFT at the signpost for "Malin 6kms" onto a road which is NOT signposted. This provides a more scenic walk along a quiet road - downhill- towards Malin Head.

Back to Malin Head

As you walk along the side of the hill - downhill - on the right is the town land of 'Drumdoe' [not signposted] and further on to you left is the townland of 'Keenagh' [not signposted]. Eventually at the end of this road, turn right and then turn left onto the main road to Malin Head. Take the second left turn - at Crossroads Inn/Shop - still following signposts for 'Malin Head'. At signpost 'Malin Head 2 kms/ Port Ronan' follow 'Port Ronan' and 'Sandrock Holiday Hostel' signs.

The D’Arcy McGee Walk
Distance: 3 km
Time: 1 hr

Trean house to Tremone Bay

Turn left from Trean House drive and walk towards the coast, past the football pitch, over "wooden bridge" to beach.

Thomas D'Arcy McGee Memorial

At beach car park you will find a stone memorial erected in 1998 to Thomas D'Arcy McGee. Nearby is the Boat Port where in 1848 McGee escaped to the USA and Canada where he became a distinguished statesman and became one of the founders of the Canadian constitution.

Tremone Bay to Drumaville

Enjoy a stroll over the beach, on returning turn right and walk up the corkscrew bend and take first left through townland of Ballyharry Irish and cross river to townland of Drumaville.

Drumaville to Carrowmenagh

At sharp turn branch off left unto a rough track which takes you between farmland to Carrowmenagh. Look out for a Cross Slab in a stone ditch. It is believed that it was erected by an early Christian in thanksgiving for his son who was cured from a fatal illness.

Carrowmenagh back to Trean House

This track takes you out at side of Tremone Bar, in Carrowmenagh, turn left back to Trean House.

Kinnagoe Bay
Distance: 18 km
Time: 4 hrs

Trean House to the Inishowen 100

Turn left from Trean House drive down the lane towards the beach and join the Inishowen 100, turn right.

Ballymagaraghy to Ballintoohan

Heading south walk along the undulating Inishowen 100 with views over Lough Foyle to the Northern Ireland Coastline to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the West and North.

Ballintoohan to Kinnagoe Bay

Descend to the beach where in 1588 La Trinidad Valencia was wrecked. Enjoy a 2 km walk along golden sands. Kinnagoe Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the island of Ireland.

Kinnagoe Bay

Descend to the beach where in 1588 La Trinidad Valencia was wrecked. Enjoy a 2 km walk along golden sands. Kinnagoe Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the island of Ireland.

Kinnagoe Bay to Trean House

To return retrace your steps along the Inishowen 100 and enjoy the views looking northwards. As a detour you can go straight on at the signpost and follow the signs to the historic Carrowmena Village and return to Trean House from there.

Several Inishowen accommodation providers have come together to support the Walking Inishowen project. We all promise our guests a traditional Donegal welcome, warm hospitality and we make every effort to help you enjoy your walking holiday.

Together we offer a range of hotel, B&B and hostels with rates to suit all pockets and tastes.

Why not try a combination of 2 or 3 locations. You can walk from one location to another across open mountainsides, quiet back roads and turf-cutters paths. Your hosts will assist with the transfer of luggage, pick-up, packed lunches etc.

Inishowen offers walkers a wide range of scenic routes, from gentle strolls to challenging mountain walks.

We have provided a small sample of the many walks in the area to whet your appetite. Browse the list of walks on the website, click on the camera icons to see photographs taken along the routes.

Your hosts can provide many more walking route suggestions for the area, maps and local historic points of interest.

The scenic beauty of the Inishowen Peninsula is one of the great surprises of this little-known part of Ireland. With the eastern shores of the peninsula facing of Lough Foyle, tree-lined and lush. The coast on the rugged, windswept northern edge facing the Atlantic is wild and moody. While the western shores on Lough Foyle feature many scenic beaches and coves.

Inland, the mountains of the peninsula also display different aspects from the solitary Sliabh Snaght to the peaks of the Urris Hills. Whichever way you turn some fantastic views and panoramas await you.

We have provided a selection of images from across Inishowen to show the views that await you on your next visit.

Members of the Walking Inishowen Project are in the process of organising a walking festival for September 2007.

The details of the festival will be announced shortly and will include.

Special Accommodation offers for walkers
A range of walks at different grades
Guided walks with local experts
Evening entertainment
Family and Club-friendly events