Nestled between Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, the Inishowen Peninsula is home to one of Ireland’s best-known spots: Malin Head, our most northerly point. The area is renowned for its dramatic landscape and beautiful beaches but also for its historical, scientific and ecological importance. You can see some of the largest sand dunes in Europe when you approach Malin Head from the coastal road, along the north of Trawbreaga Bay at Lagg. Enjoy a walk, go fishing, swim in the shimmering water, take some incredible photos or study the unique rock formations. And don’t forget to look out for sharks and dolphins!
Courtesy Scott Duncan_Wild Ireland
A much newer attraction for Inishowen is
Wild Ireland near Burnfoot. It is a genuinely unique wild animal sanctuary located in an ancient Celtic rainforest. Wild Ireland offers sanctuary to many animals such as Brown Bears, European Wolves, Lynx & Wild Boar, long extinct in Ireland.
You can watch feeding time, listen to the wolves and learn about the animals and their habits. For children there are also hear tales of ancient Irish folklore, a play park and tasty treats and gifts from the Wild Ireland Shop. Or walk along Malin Head and the Atlantic Ocean in the company of Alpaca’s at
Wild Alpaca Way and create memories that last a lifetime.
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Photo - Shane Smyth
But no visit to Inishowen would be complete without some sea adventure thrown in. What better way to explore the stunning and wild craggy coastline of Inishowen’s Wild Atlantic Way than aboard a yacht!
Amazing Grace Yacht Charter in Culdaff offer packages and custom trips for up to 12 people. Choose from dolphin watching, visiting an offshore island, or simply cruising the coast of this incredible peninsula.
Not too far away is Ballyliffin, home to one of Ireland’s best-known golf clubs:
Ballyliffin Golf Club. - host of the 2018 Irish Open.
Photo - Tourism Ireland by Chris Hill
Nearby is
Doagh Famine Village. The Doagh Visitors Centre takes you on an informative and at times humorous journey through Irish history and culture. Life size, authentic attractions include original thatched dwellings inhabited up until the 1980s. Other scenes include an Irish Wake, Eviction Scene, Travelling Community, Presbyterian Meeting House, Orange Lodge and a Republican Safe House. And don’t miss out on…the Haunted Rooms!
Courtesy Doagh Famine Village Facebook page
For a truly unforgettable experience, get up bright and early to enjoy the sunrise at the ancient hilltop fort of
Grianán Ailigh in south Inishowen, near Burt. From here you can stand 250m above sea level on a which was probably first built on an earthen rath. The view from Ailigh is breathtaking, overlooking the waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly and the entire peninsula. The origins of the Grianán Ailigh fort date back to 1700 BC and it is thought that St Patrick visited the site in the 5th century and baptised the local chieftain, Eoghan (from whom Inis Eoghan gets its name).
Staying with historical sites, it’s well worth visiting
Fort Dunree outside Buncrana, an important defensive site down through history. It’s built into the craggy coastline of the Swilly and offers stunning views as well as a military museum, and a range of exhibitions. Its origins stretch back to the days of the 1798 rebellion, when it was built to guard against the possible return of a French fleet.
Courtesy Gareth Wray
Note - this blog doesn't claim to be a comprehensive list of everything to do - for more inspiration visit
www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do
Check out Donegal's other regions:
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-south
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-west-and-gaeltacht
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-north
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-east
Now is the Time to Visit Donegal
It’s no surprise that Donegal was named ‘the coolest place on the planet’ by National Geographic. We’ve given you just a small taste of what we have to offer. So, there’s only one thing left to do – book a trip to Donegal that will give you a lifetime of memories. We’ll be waiting with a warm welcome!