North West Ireland Tourism
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Malin
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Malin
Malin is located 4 miles north of Carndonagh is the village of Malin, and 8 miles (13 km) further on is Malin Head, the most northerly point of Ireland and a conspicuous landmark to sea-travellers on the North Atlantic. Though of no great height, the head has superb views of the neighbouring coast. Striking rock formations in this neighbourhood include Hell's Hole, a remarkable chasm into which the tide rushes with great force.
Malin Head has always been a strategically important headland. For many centuries observation posts and signal towers have been erected high on its peaks to watch over shipping as it passed the north coast. From the Spanish Armada, to the Napoleonic Fleet, and more recently, the two world wars, Malin Head has played an important observational role. Before the introduction of satellite communication it was a radio re-broadcast station. Indeed Malin Head is still an active weather monitoring station today. This most northerly point in Ireland is marked by an old signal tower on top of a hill known as Banba’s Crown, a very popular tourist destination. From here, the best views are looking south at the panoramic vista provided by the Inishowen Mountains, although on a clear day, one can see as far as the Scottish Hebrides to the east, and Tory Island to the west.
Banba’s Crown is the most northerly point in Ireland. Lloyd’s Signal Tower, built in 1805, is located here. It was used to re-broadcast radio signals, and to monitor shipping. In fact the Californian Goldrush, the Asassination of President Lincoln, and many other historical records were first introduced to Europe by way of this station. You can also see the word “EIRE” laid out in large white stones to enable aircraft to identify that they were flying over Ireland , which was neutral during WWII.
Above Banba’s Crown to the east, lies Ballyhillion Beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The largest sand dunes in Europe are at Lagg, along the north of Trawbrega Bay.
Malin Head is one of the few places in Europe where the elusive Corn Crake can be heard. It is also an ideal vantage point from which to view the Autumnal movements of seabirds such as gannets, shearwaters, skuas, auks and others, on their extraordinary southward migration flights. The “Wee House of Malin Head” is the little cave behind the ruins of the old church. It was supposedly the home of a family, and there is a saying that no matter how many people enter, it holds all without limit.
The “Raised Beach of Malin” is a beach sprinkled with semi precious stones created by volcanic activity. This beach is of great geological importance and is featured in numerous books, as any student of this science will tell you. Needless to say the stones should not be removed as the law prohibits this. The Old Curiosity Shop is a quaint establishment owned and run by Pete and Susan McAvenue. A great place to stop and find unusual items and knick knacks of your visit to Malin Head. Pete and Susan also have the local tourist information centre and have a warm and friendly attitude to all their patrons.
From the head you can clearly see Inishtrahull Island located 9km offshore. Ireland’s most northerly lighthouse is situated here, as are the ruins of the houses of this island community. It was vacated in 1929. The ruins of the islanders homes still remain along with the local graveyard. You can clearly see where the islanders grew their potatoes as the ridges are still visible. The only inhabitants now are a few deer and a lot of rabbits! You can often see seals and there cubs lying on the rocks behind the island. Boat trips can be organised from Malin Harbour.
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Malin Head has always been a strategically important headland. For many centuries observation posts and signal towers have been erected high on its peaks to watch over shipping as it passed the north coast. From the Spanish Armada, to the Napoleonic Fleet, and more recently, the two world wars, Malin Head has played an important observational role. Before the introduction of satellite communication it was a radio re-broadcast station. Indeed Malin Head is still an active weather monitoring station today. This most northerly point in Ireland is marked by an old signal tower on top of a hill known as Banba’s Crown, a very popular tourist destination. From here, the best views are looking south at the panoramic vista provided by the Inishowen Mountains, although on a clear day, one can see as far as the Scottish Hebrides to the east, and Tory Island to the west.
Banba’s Crown is the most northerly point in Ireland. Lloyd’s Signal Tower, built in 1805, is located here. It was used to re-broadcast radio signals, and to monitor shipping. In fact the Californian Goldrush, the Asassination of President Lincoln, and many other historical records were first introduced to Europe by way of this station. You can also see the word “EIRE” laid out in large white stones to enable aircraft to identify that they were flying over Ireland , which was neutral during WWII.
Above Banba’s Crown to the east, lies Ballyhillion Beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The largest sand dunes in Europe are at Lagg, along the north of Trawbrega Bay.
Malin Head is one of the few places in Europe where the elusive Corn Crake can be heard. It is also an ideal vantage point from which to view the Autumnal movements of seabirds such as gannets, shearwaters, skuas, auks and others, on their extraordinary southward migration flights. The “Wee House of Malin Head” is the little cave behind the ruins of the old church. It was supposedly the home of a family, and there is a saying that no matter how many people enter, it holds all without limit.
The “Raised Beach of Malin” is a beach sprinkled with semi precious stones created by volcanic activity. This beach is of great geological importance and is featured in numerous books, as any student of this science will tell you. Needless to say the stones should not be removed as the law prohibits this. The Old Curiosity Shop is a quaint establishment owned and run by Pete and Susan McAvenue. A great place to stop and find unusual items and knick knacks of your visit to Malin Head. Pete and Susan also have the local tourist information centre and have a warm and friendly attitude to all their patrons.
From the head you can clearly see Inishtrahull Island located 9km offshore. Ireland’s most northerly lighthouse is situated here, as are the ruins of the houses of this island community. It was vacated in 1929. The ruins of the islanders homes still remain along with the local graveyard. You can clearly see where the islanders grew their potatoes as the ridges are still visible. The only inhabitants now are a few deer and a lot of rabbits! You can often see seals and there cubs lying on the rocks behind the island. Boat trips can be organised from Malin Harbour.
How to get to Malin Head
By car, bicycle, or by foot. There is no bus service to Malin Head, although the Lough Swilly Bus Company does run services to Carndonagh about 20km south of it.Where to stay near Malin Head
Malin Head has lots of good places to stay nearby including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.Book Malin Head Accommodation
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Malin Head is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Greencastle and Derry if you are travelling east, and Doagh Famine Village and Rockstown Harbour, if you are travelling west.Things to do in Malin Head
- Look out the windows of the old World War 2 lookout station, and imagine what it was like to spend weeks here looking at war convoys and and trying to spot submarines. Although it must have been a good job in fine weather, it must have been extraordinarily bleak in the cold winter months.
- Stand close to the edge of the rocky shore at Banba’s Crown. Watch the wind and waves and do be careful that you do not put yourself at risk. You are now the most northerly person in all of Ireland. Enjoy the strangely satisfying feeling.
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