Dunkineely: Nature and history around St John's Point

Around Dunkineely, a striking limestone coastline, remarkable fossil finds and a long history of settlement come together. St John's Point defines the natural landscape: the 12 km-long spur of Carboniferous limestone extends from Dunkineely into Donegal Bay in the Atlantic. When planning your stay, it is worth considering the coastal scenery and the historic sites in the surrounding area as separate highlights.

Coast, fossils and wildlife

The entire area of St John's Point lies within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a proposed National Heritage Area (NHA). Due to the quality of its exposures and fossil content, St John's Point is a nationally significant fossil site. The peninsula is also home to a colony of Marsh Fritillary, a Red List butterfly listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive.

St John's Point is also an important habitat for wildlife. Dolphins, seals, porpoises and basking sharks, which feed on smaller shoals of fish, are regularly seen there. Their presence and the opportunities to observe them vary by season. This means that enduring geological features are complemented by changing opportunities for nature watching.

Early history and Killaghtee

Dunkineely has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age, or around 4,500 years ago. The Killaghtee Cross nearby offers a glimpse into a different period: it is thought to date from around 650 AD. A Maltese cross is still visible on its head; a triple-knot loop engraved beneath it is now barely discernible. The cross is said to mark the grave of the early monk St Aedh, who is believed to have had a small prayer and meditation cell there.

At the north-western end of St John's Point lie the ruins of the old Killaghtee Church and Graveyard, also known as Spamount Graveyard. The church is thought to date from the mid-12th century and was used until the early 18th century. A short path and a gate beside the road form the described access to the site. The ground is very uneven and therefore not suitable for everyone; check local path and access conditions before visiting.

Places and traditions around Dunkineely

The Reilig near Dunkineely is a burial ground with several penitential cairns and a small D-shaped platform, sometimes called Conall's Bed. Turás, or pilgrimages, are still practised there on 22 May, the feast day of St Conall. If you would like to time your visit to coincide with this tradition, check the dates and arrangements locally.

St Conall's Well near Dunkineely is associated with the 6th-century St Conall of Inishkeel Island. Another trace of the area's religious history is the Ballysaggart Third Order Regulars, who were based in the John's Point area from 1500 to 1602—a little over a century.

Getting around and getting there

At the end of St John's Point, The Point includes a lighthouse, an Éire sign, a lookout post and caves; diving experiences and wildlife watching are also associated with this location. The beach beyond the gate is private property. Check current parking and access conditions before visiting.

A TFI Local Link timetable printed in March 2023 listed route 293 from Glencolmcille via Killybegs to Donegal Town, with a stop in Dunkineely. Check current departure times before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Convoy, Derrybeg, Rossnowlagh, Manorcunningham, Annagry, Killybegs, Ballygorman, Culdaff

For the main travel overview: County Donegal.