Page 231 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 22: The Fanad Peninsula 229

in response to the tragic sinking of
the Saldana in Lough Swilly – it is said
that all lives were lost save that of the
ship’s parrot, whose silver collar
bearing the ship’s name identified the
vessel. The view from the grounds of
the lighthouse takes in Tory island to
the west and Dunaff Head to the east.
Leaving the lighthouse, take the
main road back through Fanad Head.
Instead of following the R247 to
Kerrykeel follow the coast road
around Ballyhiernan Bay, where
there’s a picnic area, south to Milltown
and back. This detour is a lovely drive
with views over Mulroy Bay and
across to the Rosguill Peninsula. Above Rolling farmland and heathland on the
ª Take the R246 to Kerrykeel (An bend. The 11-km (7-mile) drive starts Fanad Peninsula
Cheathru Chaol). Continue to Milford in Carrigart (Carraig Airt), a Victorian
and turn right onto R245 for Carrigart. village that once formed part of the
estate of the Earls of Leitrim. The
gateway to the Rosguill Peninsula, FISHING ON FANAD HEAD AND
ROSGUILL PENINSULA
it benefits from tourism in summer.
Behind the main street, Strand Park The Meadows Trout Fishery
looks over the dune-backed This man-made lake, fed by a stream,
shoreline. Take the R246 out of is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
Carrigart. After 6 km (4 miles), there There’s a cabin with a gas ring and
microwave to make lunch or dinner.
is a stunning view over Tranarossan Advice and tuition can be provided by
Bay, a perfect arc of fine white sand. the manager. Booking recommended.
Follow the road round to Cloughfin, Rossnakill (on the R246 from
Rosapenna, which has a long beach, Fanad Head to Kerrykeel); 089 203 8667;
two 18-hole links golf courses – the www.themeadowstroutfishery.ie
Old Tom Morris course dating from Central Fisheries Board
1891 and Sandy Hills, a challenging For information on sea angling,
modern links – and on to Downings including big game fishing off
Downings, contact the Central
(Na Dúnaibh) in Sheephaven Bay. In Fisheries Board. Its website lists charter
autumn, Downings is the launching boats and skippers in the area.
Above The treacherous rocks of Fanad Head, one point for game fishing charters in 01 884 2600; www.fisheriesireland.ie
of Ireland’s most northerly headlands search of giant bluefin tuna.
From Downings, follow the road EAT AND DRINK AROUND FANAD
6 Rosguill Peninsula around the peninsula through a wild HEAD (CIONN FHANADA)
Co Donegal and stony landscape. The road is Ripples Restaurant moderate
Known as the Atlantic Drive, the narrow and bumpy in places, but this Overlooking Mulroy Bay, at the
road around Rosguill Peninsula, from is the most thrilling part of the drive, entrance to Kerrykeel village, this
Mulroy Bay to Sheephaven Bay, is an a succession of scenic inlets and family-friendly restaurant offers steaks,
exhilarating route, with outstanding dramatic seascapes. On the run back duck, fish and chips, and much more.
views of rocky headlands and white to Carrigart, there’s a great viewpoint Kerrykeel; 074 915 0110;
www.ripplesrestaurant.com
sandy bays around every hairpin at Clontallagh (Cluain tSalach).
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Earls Visitor Centre, play golf or enjoy The Atlantic Drive
Seaside Rathmullan, is a lovely a walk in the surrounding area. In For dramatic seascapes and
base for outdoor activities or summer, take the Lough Swilly Ferry unspoiled beaches, drive around
following the Atlantic Drive around from the pier to Buncrana on the the Rossguill Peninsula 7. Don’t
Rossguill Peninsula. Inishowen Peninsula, a 10-minute hop. miss Tranarossan Bay, one of Ireland’s
best beaches.
Historic Rathmullan Rathmullan is 20 km (12 miles) from
Make the most of the great beach and Letterkenny, which links with the N56 From the N56, take the R245 to
outdoor activities at Rathmullan 2 for and N14. See p226 for details of ferries Carrigart (15 km/9 miles), the start
an ideal day trip. Visit the Flight of the to Buncrana. of the drive.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–50; expensive, over €50

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