Page 229 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 22: The Fanad Peninsula 227

Killygarvan
0 metres 500 Bridge
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G L E N R O A D
GLENCROSS
Kinnegar
Lime Kiln Strand
and Lime Quarry
Kinnegar
Head
Standing CARNAFEAGH
Stone
Rathmullan Strand Buncrana

R E D B R A E
RATHMULLAN Above Horse riders on Rathmullan Strand,
with the Inishowen Peninsula beyond
Carmelite
Friary
Flight of the
Earls Visitor Centre

shorten the walk, return along the road glorious panorama. Just after the
to Rathmullan, through pretty copses, road starts climbing, look down
to the friary. For the hardy, continue up to the right. The circular cages in
Glen Road, a long, steep climb with the water below are used to farm
spectacular views of Lough Swilly. The salmon, an important (though
land on the left is known as The Flats. sometimes controversial) industry
The route passes between an on Lough Swilly.
abandoned lime kiln and lime quarry A little further on, the slopes of
3, once used to make whitewash for Knockalla Mountain rise to the left.
the cottages and farmhouses of the Five kilometres (3 miles) before
area. Turn left at Glencross, just after Portsalon, the road rounds on a view
the farmhouse, and walk through over Ballymastocker Bay and its
Carnafeagh, turning sharp right at the golden strand, Warden Beach, one
top of the hill. Look out for a Standing of the best beaches in Ireland. The
Stone 4 on the right. At the T- winding drive down to the bay is
junction, turn left down the Red Brae, one of the prettiest in Donegal. HORSE RIDING IN
RATHMULLAN
back to Rathmullan. The route passes ª Continue north along the R268/
the ruins of a 15th-century Carmelite Fanad Drive to Portsalon. Golden Sands Equestrian Centre
Friary 5, with a church that was Specializes in beach rides. Half or full-
converted to a bishop’s private day outings with picnic included, as
residence in the 17th century. Follow well as rides by the hour.
the road along the seafront and back Rathmullan; 074 915 8124
to the pier. In summer, there is a car
ferry to Buncrana (see left), an attractive EAT AND DRINK IN
resort, with two castles and sandy RATHMULLAN
beaches, on Inishowen Peninsula.
ª From Rathmullan, head north on the Belle’s Kitchen/Salt ’n’ Batter
R247 towards Portsalon. This becomes inexpensive
the R268, signposted Fanad Drive. A great little fish ’n’ chip shop – ideal
for a simple but satisfying meal.
3 Ballymastocker Bay Pier Road; 074 915 8800
Co Donegal The Tap Room inexpensive
North of Rathmullan, the Fanad Drive This terrific little cellar bar, down in
coast road becomes progressively the original basement kitchens of
more scenic as stunning views across Rathmullan House, offers a winning
combination of wood-fired pizzas
Lough Swilly unfold. A series of and craft beers.
viewing points along the way offer Above Spectacular view from the slopes of Rathmullan House, Lough Swilly; 074
opportunities to stop and take in the Knockalla Mountain 915 8874; www.rathmullanhouse.com
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–50; expensive, over €50

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