Things to see and do
Moville
Sitting just a short drive along the Lough Foyle coast from us is the pretty town of Moville. At its heart is the handsome Green, a large Victorian park on the seashore with bandstand, playgrounds, walking trails and coastal footpaths offering sweeping views across the lough to Co Londonderry opposite.
Inishowen Maritime Musuem and Planetarium
Situated at the mouth of Lough Foyle, Greencastle has always been associated with the sea. The Maritime Museum is housed in the old Coastgaurd Station on the harbour, which is still home to one of the busiest fishing fleets in the country and the Lough Foyle Ferry to Magilligan.
Within the museum there are a range of exhibitions exploring local history including the towns association with the Spanish Armada, Irish emigration, both World Wars, notable shipwrecks and the lifesaving efforts by the townspeople to avoid further tragedies.
Explore further afield and look to the skys at the new Planetarium. Learn how mariners navigated or how the galaxy was formed with the dazzling light shows.
Doagh Famine Village
The outdoor museum shows what life was like in the 1840s through to the early 1900s. Enter restored turf houses, join a traditional Irish Wake, hideout in a Republican Safe House or the Orange Hall. Doagh Famine Museum is about 30 minutes drive near Ballyliffin.
Fort Dunree
The Fort Dunree Military Museum houses a fascinating display of memorabilia including large guns from the 20th century used to protect the Irish coast and navies during the first and second world wars.
Perched on the cliffs overlooking Lough Swilly the area is home an abundance of wildlife and birds. The clifftop walks offer incredible views and there is a choice of trails suitable for all fitness levels.
Malin Head
The most northerly point of Ireland is marked by a signal tower. The area boast stunning walks and on a clear day you can see Tory Island, Bloody Foreland and even across to the Scottish island of Islay.
Grianán of Aileach
Probably the most well-known monument on Inishowen. The megalithic stone fort is dated back to 1700BC and was originally built by the Tuatha de Danann who invaded Ireland before the Celts. Later the site became the hilltop fortress of the McLaughlin and O’Neill Kings of Ulster before being destroyed by Murtough O’Brien in 1101AD. Although heavily restored, the imposing structure invokes a connection to the past and is a must on any itinerary.
Glenveagh National Park and Castle
Covering 14,000 hectares of loughs, glens and woods, Glenveagh National Park encompasses two of the largest mountains in Donegal, Errigal and Slieve Snacht. The park includes an excellent visitors centre with audio-visual show.
The Castle has a fascinating history. You can only go inside the keep as part of a guided tours but they guides are excellent. Outside the formal gardens are in stark contrast to the rugged mountainous surroundings.