Local Area

The Inishowen Peninsula is situated in the north west of Ireland. The peninsula coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, secluded coves and some of the most breath taking scenery in Ireland. Inishowen is much favoured by many artists for its natural light and beauty.

With a large number of safe rivers and lakes Inishowen is both ideal for the amateur and professional angler. With its many small harbours it also makes an ideal base for deep sea angling and off shore diving. If your planning to make the north west your new home or just a place to take a break from the fast paced living of today’s modern life then Inishowen is the ideal place.

Carndonagh

Carndonagh is situated at the heart of Inishowen. To the west of the town is the church of Ireland which stands on the site of a church said to have been founded by St. Patrick. In the churchyard is the marigold stone, which derives its name from the flower featured on one side of the beautifully, decorated, carved slab. The bell on the church is said to have come from a ship of the Spanish armada, Trinidad de Valencera, which sunk in Kinnegoe bay. Nearby stands the Donagh cross (or St. Patrick’s cross) circa 7th century, which has been described as the oldest and finest carved stone cross actually standing in Ireland.

The position and location of the Donagh Cross have varied over the past forty to one hundred years. In its present position all the carvings can be clearly seen, except for a very small portion at the bottom of the the three figure panel, which is set slightly more deeply than previously. As to the carvings themselves, for the most part they are too well known to need description. The cross is believed by some authorities to date from the last quarter of the seventh century and is one of the oldest in Europe. Each pillar stone has a carving on each side, though some, presumably, are unfinished, David, possiboy as a warrior, is outlined in pocking, and another shows only a head, also in pocking, with the rest of the surface blank. The carving of the figure seated playing a harp-like instrument shows how the artist cleverly fitted the profile of the face, and indeed the whole figure, to the shape of the stone.

Culdaff

Culdaff is a small town situated on the east cost of the Inishowen Peninsula. The local river dominates Culdaff town and is an ideal area for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. It also spawns some of the best Sea trout fishing in the peninsula. The Culdaff area is steeped in ancient history and nearby is the temple of Dean and the Bocan Stone Circle. These all date back to the Bronze Age. Remains of Cloncha Church and High Cross and the enigmatic Crossesa at Carrowmore can also be found in the local area. These sites date back to the early Christian period.

Culdaff also has a beautiful beach and small sheltered harbour. Local angling and diving boats use this harbour as their base and are available for charter.

Malin Town

Malin town has won many awards for the tidiest town in Ireland. The town is situated to the north of the peninsula. Malin Head is the most northerly point in Ireland and is only a few miles for Malin town. Malin is an ideal starting point for exploring the beautiful beaches and rugged coastline.

Buncrana

Buncranna is located on the eastern side of the peninsula over looking Lough Swilly and is the peninsulas`s largest town. At the foot of the town is Swan Park. The park has some beautifully developed and maintained walkways. Through the park flows the Cranna River were wild Atlantic salmon can be seen jumping the weirs during most of the summer months. The town has also a wide range of shops that caters for all needs and tastes.

Ballyliffin

Ballyliffin is a picturesque village in Inishowen. It has two outstanding and contrasting link courses also exceptional Hotels, the classic old links and the excellent Glashedy links. To play on the old links at Ballyliffin is to experience Golf on one of the most beautiful spots. The new Glashedy links is destined for recognition as one of the great link courses of the world, well worth a visit.