Attractions at Malin Head – Famine Village at the Isle of Doagh
The Doagh Famine Village is now one of Ireland’s most unique and popular attractions. It centers around a recreation of a village at the time of the Great Potato Famine of the 19th century. A tour of this wonderful attraction takes you on a journey through the history of Ireland. From famine times up until today’s economic difficulties it tells the story of Ireland as it was, from all perspectives. It provides an informative, thought-provoking but at times humorous look at Irish life.
Banba’s Crown
Banba’s Crown, named after the mythological patron goddess of Ireland, at the tip of Malin Head marks the most northerly point on the Irish mainland. The rugged coast is rich in wildlife, has an intriguing maritime history and offers some of the most dramatic panoramas along the epic Wild Atlantic Way. This northernmost point of the Inishowen peninsula and the island off Ireland is named after Banba, the goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythological tribe who lived in Ireland in ancient times. Banba and her sisters Ériu and Fódla became the patron goddesses representing the sovereignty and the spirit of Ireland.
With some of the most hazardous waters along Ireland’s coast, Malin Head has a rich history of naval communication. In 1804 the first naval signal station was put in place consisting of a signal mast and a small dwelling hut. Back then a signaling system with balls and flags was used. To help defend against a possible French invasion during the Napoleonic wars, the British Admiralty built signal towers all along their coastlines. In Ireland, a chain of 81 towers was built as part of this defence system. There is a walkway around Banba’s Crown that leads to ‘Hells Hole’, this walk showcases the stunning coastline.
Wild Ireland
Located in an ancient Celtic rainforest, Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to many animals which have been exploited and abused in circuses, roadside zoos, illegal pet trade and laboratories. Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to many animals which have been persecuted and hunted into extinction on this Island such as Brown Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Wild Boar. Step back in time into an ancient woodland, inhabited by these extinct creatures, that have returned to their ancestral home.
Guns of Dunree
Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather” and indicates that this site has been an important defensive site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to one of Inishowen’s most beautiful and peaceful locations. Fort Dunree was first opened to the public in 1986 and has attracted tourists from all over the world ever since. It is a must see for every visitor to the Inishowen peninsula. The attraction includes a military museum, exhibition spaces, wildlife discovery room, a network of walking paths and a waterfront coffee shop.
Historic Walled City of Derry
Few places in these islands can offer such a compelling and unique experience for the visitor as the Walled City of Derry – its setting on the steep hills overlooking the wide sweep of the River Foyle, its distinctive architecture and its famous walls all provide enormous appeal. The Lonely Planet Guide ranked Derry in the top 10 cities to visit in 2013. This reflected the large number of events the city hosted as part of the UK City of Culture 2013 including a very successful All Ireland Fleadh. There is no doubt that Derry has become one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities with an abundance of tourist attractions.
Whitestrand B&B is an ideal for those who wish to explore historic Derry City from a more a tranquil base.
McGrory’s of Culdaff
Mc Grory’s of Culdaff boasts two unique bars: – The Front Bar which is noted for a fine selection of quality food and drink, traditional Irish music and a friendly Irish welcome, while The Backroom is famous throughout Ireland and beyond for its range and quality of music and entertainment. The Backroom can also be used for weddings, conferences, meetings etc. Mc Grory’s Restaurant caters for up to sixty diners in a comfortable yet stylish setting
Inishowen Maritime Museum
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium is located at the Old Coast Guard station over looking Greencastle Harbour on the banks of the beautiful Lough Foyle.
The museum’s exhibits focus on the everyday struggles, as well as the historical events, from armada wrecks and famine-era emigration to the heroism of the Irish lifeboat-rescue teams.
The museum building also includes a state-of-the-art Planetarium. This wonderful facility gives the visitor the ability to see how mariners used to navigate with the stars, and also provide dazzling astronomy and light shows.A recent addition to the Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium is a full Dome Digital Theater