LETTERKENNY to DERRY
HIGHLIGHTS
- Malin Head. The northernmost point of Ireland. Further North there is only the tiny island of Inishtrauhll.
- Grianán of Aileach (Grianán Ailigh). A 19th Century reconstruction of an Iron Age fort, overlooking the whole peninsula.
- From the walls the view reaches up to Derry.
- Mamore Gap. The pass over the Urris mountains; it can be reached crossing the peat bogs on a narrow and steep road with great views.
- Inishowen Head Loop. The circular walk on the moor, reaching the Shrove Lighthouse and the secluded Kinnagoe Strand.
- Five Fingers Strand, Trawbreaga Bay. A wide gulf closed by a narrow passage into the open sea, with dunes up to thirty meters high.
- The Font Bar at Mc Grory’s hotel in Culdaff. Traditional music in a nice environment.
- Nancy’s Barns’ fish soup. In an old barn in Ballyliffin, the award-winning fish soup, cooked by Kieran Doherty based on his grandmother’s recipe.
- Watch the Northern Lights. Malin Head is one of the areas in Ireland to see the Northern Lights.
- The Derry Walls. The historic centre of the city, symbol of the Troubles, the Old Town is still surrounded by the scenic 17th Century walls.
- The Curiosity Shop. In Malin Head, a bric-à-brac shop at the end of the world. Full of unmissable wonders.
AUTHOR’S TIPS
Grianán of Aileach (Grianán Ailigh), Carrowreagh.
The Iron Age fort, rebuilt in the 1800s, dominates the entire peninsula. From the walls, the view extends as far as Derry.
https://www.discoverireland.ie/donegal/grianan-of-aileach
The Railway Tavern, Fahan.
In the old waiting room of the Lough Swilly Railway, a pub full of charm and history. Local bar of the year awarded.
Sea Vista, Fahan
Three contemporary rooms in a charming bed and breakfast overlooking Lough Swilly.
The Coffee Cup, Fort Dunree.
One of Ireland's most scenic coffee shops, in secluded Fort Dunree.
Glen House, Clonmany.
A b&b in an eighteenth-century house overlooking the sea. In the garden, tea house and craft shop.
The Rusty Nail, Clonmany.
A traditional pub with a seafood restaurant that comes directly from the boat of the chef's brothers. Also live music.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057551045833
Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre, Clonmany.
To ride along the beaches made endless by the tides.
Nancy's Barns, Ballyliffin.
In an old barn, the award-winning fish soup, prepared by Kieran Doherty on his grandmother's recipe.
The Curiosity Shop, Malin Head.
A small bric-à-brac shop full of wonders, almost at the end of the world.
The Seaview Tavern, Ballygorman.
Not far from Malin Head, room with ocean views and pub frequented by fishermen.
The Font Bar, Culdaff.
The pub at Mc Grory's hotel is a must-see for its traditional music and cozy atmosphere.
https://www.mcgrorys.ie/bars-culdaff/front-bar-culdaff
Inishowen Bogwood Gallery, Bocan.
The sculptures and objects in swamp wood created by Mary Doherty.
https://www.facebook.com/InishowenBogwood/
Trean House, Tremone.
A farm among the pastures a stone's throw from the sea, sheltered by stone walls and surrounded by a large garden.
Moville Boutique Hostel, Moville.
In a renovated old farmhouse, dormitories, apartments and rooms with bathroom.
Treehouse Bar.
Cocktails and craft beers in a modern venue, also with a restaurant.
Peadar O'Donnell's & Gweedore Bar, Derry.
Three pubs in one, at the foot of the historic walls, where you can listen to music every evening.
