Page 219 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 21: Dramatic Donegal 217

Above left Craggy rock formations on Tory
8 Bloody Foreland right turn at the brown “Trá” (beach) Island Above The hilly lanes around the
Co Donegal sign and drive to the tiny harbour. village of Bunbeg
This most northwesterly corner of Ferries serve Tory Island year round
Ireland is said to have been named and nearby Gola Island in summer.
for the red glow of its rocks at sunset, ª Leaving Bunbeg, take the R258 to
though more sinister rumours claim Gweedore, then turn left on the N56.
it refers to past battles. Though fairly At the junction with the R251, fork
built up, parts of it remain wild and right, driving alongside Lough
windswept, and from the north side Dunlewey. Dunlewey is at the far end
of the headland there are superb of the lake, below Mount Errigal.
views out to Tory Island and back to
Horn Head and Muckish Mountain. Visiting Tory Island
The beaches here attract surfers. As Ferries to Tory Island, 15 km
the road turns the corner and heads (9 miles) off Donegal’s coast, leave
south to Bun na Leaca, there are from Magheroarty (which has a
views to The Rosses and Aran Island. good crafts shop) on the road to
ª Continue along the R257 south Bloody Foreland, and the village of
Bunbeg, and take about an hour
through Derrybeg to Bunbeg. (www.toryislandferry.com). The island
is famous for its artists, drawn here
9 Bunbeg (An Bun Beag) by the quality of its light since the
Visitors are likely to hear Irish spoken 1950s, and 6th-century monastic
in this long, narrow village, which ruins with a round tower. Bikes can
has views of the sea on one side and be hired to explore the island and
coastal paths offer good walking.
towards conical Mount Errigal on the The main village is West Town.
other. On the way through, take a
Below Bunbeg’s attractive harbour, departure point for ferries to Tory and Gola islands
EAT AND DRINK

AROUND HORN HEAD
The Mill Restaurant moderate
Very popular family-run restaurant on
the shores of New Lake on the N56
west of Dunfanaghy, soon after the
turning for Horn Head. Serves modern
Irish cuisine using fresh, local produce.
Also has seven en suite guest rooms.
Book well ahead, especially in summer.
Figart, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal; 074
913 6985; www.themillrestaurant.com
BUNBEG (AN BUN BEAG)
Teach Hiudái Beag inexpensive
Traditional pub with a lively folk music
session every Monday night; it pulls in
some big names.
Bunbeg; 074 953 1016
Eat and Drink: inexpensive under €25; moderate €25–€50; expensive over €50

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