Inishowen: Coast, Heritage and Trails

Inishowen offers rugged coastlines, gentle hills and unspoilt beaches. Sliabh Sneacht is part of the peninsula’s central uplands. When planning your trip, you can focus on different things: coastal trails, historic sites, museums or visitor experiences such as pottery workshops in Moville. The places and activities vary, as do the ways to experience Inishowen.

Coast and Trails

Malin Head is Ireland’s northernmost point. At Malin Head, you can walk along the cliffs to Hell’s Hole; there is also a circular coastal route. The two route descriptions focus on different things: Hell’s Hole is the destination on the walk, while the circular route follows the coastline.

On the east coast of the Inishowen Peninsula lies Stroove Beach, a relatively small beach near the North Inishowen Natural Heritage Area. The beach and the cliff path offer different coastal experiences. When choosing your route, you can consider these destinations separately rather than assuming there is a connection between them.

The signposted Inishowen 100 is a circular route of approximately 100 miles, starting in Newtoncunningham on the Inishowen Peninsula. This makes it different in scale from the local walking routes: at Malin Head, the focus is a coastal loop or the walk to Hell’s Hole, while the Inishowen 100 is a longer signposted circular route.

During the summer months, a ferry operates across the Foyle from Greencastle to Magilligan Point. As this is a seasonal service, check the latest operating information before travelling.

Forts and History

Grianán of Aileach is a stone ringfort on a hill in Inishowen, 250 metres above sea level. Its origins date back to 1700 BC. The ruins of Inch Castle on Inch Island were built in 1454. Both places offer a tangible connection to the past, but their dates are very different.

Doagh Famine Village in the north of the Inishowen Peninsula tells the story of an Irish family from the 18th century to the present day. The buildings illustrate the diverse history and culture of this part of the peninsula. The site is mostly covered, making it a different setting from the open coastal destinations.

Fort Dunree offers an interactive military museum about Ireland’s coastal history; visitors can also explore original bunkers there. Fort Dunree also offers impressive coastal views. A museum visit, bunkers and scenery come together in one place.

Museums and Special Visits

Moville Pottery is a ceramics studio and visitor attraction in the centre of Moville on the Inishowen Peninsula. Hands-on workshops include painting your own pots, pottery painting and throwing pots on the wheel. Places are subject to availability; enquire about workshops in advance.

Wild Ireland is a wildlife sanctuary for rescued animals on the Inishowen Peninsula. Visitors can encounter animals that once lived wild in Ireland. The animals’ historical connection sets this experience apart from visits focused on coastal scenery or cultural history.

The Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle displays artefacts, photographs and ship models, as well as stories about fishing, seafaring, shipwrecks and life on the coast. The museum has been closed since 13 September 2026 for redevelopment; it is expected to reopen in early 2027.

The full-dome shows at the Planetarium & Dome Theatre cover astronomy, cosmology, exoplanets, Earth’s history, prehistoric marine life and family-friendly adventures. The planetarium has also been closed since 13 September 2026 for redevelopment; it is expected to reopen in early 2027. Take these closures into account when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Dungloe, Ballybofey, Fintragh, Drumfree, Dunkineely, Stranorlar, Derrybeg, Loughanure

For the main travel overview: County Donegal.