Page 232 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

230  IRELAND REGION B Y REGION

7 A Tour of the Inishowen Peninsula

Inishowen, the largest of Donegal’s northern
peninsulas, is an area laden with history, from early
Christian relics to strategically positioned castles and
forts. The most rugged scenery lies in the west and
north, around the the steep rock strewn landscape of
the Gap of Mamore and the spectacular cape of Malin
Head, the northern most point in Ireland. Numerous
beaches dot the coastline and cater for all tastes, Tower on Banba’s Crown, Malin Head
from the remote Isle of Doagh to the busy family
resort of Buncrana. From the shores, there are views J 4 Carndonagh Cross
This 7th-century
to Donegal’s Derryveagh Mountains to the west and early Christian cross
the Northern Ireland coast in the east. The Inishowen is carved with
Peninsula can be explored by car as a leisurely day trip. human figures and
inter lacing lines.
3 Gap of Mamore
The road between Mamore Hill
and the Urris Hills is 250 m Isle
of
(820 ft) above Doagh Malin
sea level and Trawbreaga
offers panoramic Bay Culdaff
views.
Lenan Head J Clonmany
Gleneely

2 Dunree Head
On the headland, Dunree
Fort overlooks Lough Swilly. Lough Swilly
It was built in 1798 to
counter the threat of French
invasion. Since 1986, it has
been a military museum.
Carrowkeel
1 Buncrana Lough Foyle
Buncrana has 5 km (3 miles) of
sandy beaches and two castles.
Buncrana Castle was rebuilt in
1718 and the intact keep of
O’Doherty Castle dates from Muff
Norman times. Bridge
End
Letterkenny
J
Londonderry Key
Tour route
Other roads
Viewpoint

7 Grianán Ailigh
At the neck of the Inishowen Peninsula, perched on
a hilltop, stands this formidable circular stone fort.
The solid structure that can be seen today is the
Shores of Lough Swilly near Dunree Fort result of extensive restoration in the 1870s.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp301–2 and pp320–21

230-231_EW_Ireland.indd 230 25/04/16 11:03 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2)
Date 14th November 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm