Page 230 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

228 BACK ROADS IRELAND

Above Winding country road on the hillside
near Portsalon Above centre A typical 4 Portsalon The Gaeltacht
thatched cottage on the roadside near Co Donegal Fanad Head is in the Donegal
Portsalon Above right Portsalon’s long, This tiny seaside resort on the east “Gaeltacht”, the name given to the
wave-washed Stocker Strand side of Fanad Head is a hive of Irish-speaking areas of Ireland. Until
activity in summer, with kayaks, the 16th century Irish was the main
HORSE RIDING ON ROSGUILL sailing boats and pedalos bobbing language of Ireland, but under
PENINSULA in the water, and children building British rule English was enforced
and Irish was outlawed. Today,
sandcastles on the strand. The action some 75 per cent of people in the
Carrigart Riding Stables
Pony trekking on the beach. centres on Portsalon Pier (take Gaeltacht speak Irish. Children are
Carrigart; 074 915 3583; open a right turn in the village), where a taught Irish in schools, and road
Easter–Nov small watersports shop hires out wet signs are in Irish; cultural traditions
suits, kayaks and diving equipment, are also preserved. The Donegal
WHERE TO STAY Gaeltacht is one of the largest in
charters boats and runs boat trips the country, stretching almost
around the bay. Anglers can spin for unbroken along the coast from
FANAD HEAD (CIONN FHANADA) mackerel from the pier; high tide or Fanad Head to Slieve League.
Rockhill Holiday Park inexpensive night-time are best. Just along the
Log cabins and mobile homes to rent
in Kerrykeel, between Milford and coast, Portsalon Golf Club, an
Fanad Head. Offers children’s activities 18-hole links course established in 5 Fanad Head (Cionn
including arts, crafts and cookery 1891, has an outstanding setting Fhanada)
classes, as well as go-kart racing, with panoramic views. Co Donegal
watersports, climbing, tennis and ª Take the coast road out of Piled on a rocky outcrop at the tip of
football, and organizes children’s day
trips and summer camps. On the R246 Portsalon, passing through Doagh Fanad Head, Fanad Lighthouse (now
on the outskirts of Kerrykeel. Beg and on to Fanad Head. At Fanad self-catering accommodation) is an
Kerrykeel; 074 915 0012; www.rockhill.ie Head, turn right along the road to attractive ensemble of whitewashed
Fanad lighthouse (1 km/half a mile). buildings clustered around a classic
ROSGUILL PENINSULA Park on right at lighthouse gates.
Tra na Rosann Hostel inexpensive lighthouse tower. It was built in 1818,
Hostel set in pretty countryside with
views of the coast and Tory island. Below The picturesque 19th-century lighthouse atop a rocky outcrop at Fanad Head
Near several quiet beaches and
Tranarossan Bay.
Downings; 074 915 5374;
www.anoige.ie; open Jun–Aug
Downings Bay Hotel moderate
This three-star hotel overlooks the bay
and is a good base for exploring the
area. It also has a leisure centre with an
indoor pool 1 km (half a mile) down
the road.
Downings; 074 915 5586;
www.downingsbayhotel.com
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort
moderate
Four-star hotel on Sheephaven Bay
with two superb links golf courses, a
leisure centre and a pool.
Downings; 074 915 5301;
www.rosapenna.ie

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