Inishowen offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from traditional Irish B&Bs with legendary hospitality to modern hotels, rustic cottages, and wild camping spots. The key decision is where to base yourself — the peninsula is larger than many visitors expect, and your choice of location affects what you can easily explore.
Where to Base Yourself
The best location depends on your priorities and how long you're staying.
Buncrana
Best for: First-time visitors, families, those wanting amenities
Buncrana is the largest town on the peninsula and the most practical base for many visitors. You'll find:
- The widest choice of hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants
- Supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops
- ATMs and services
- Central location for exploring both north and south
- Pleasant waterfront and beach
Drawbacks: It's a working town rather than a picturesque village. Less atmospheric than smaller settlements.
Driving times: 15 min to Fort Dunree, 40 min to Malin Head, 35 min to Greencastle
Ballyliffin
Best for: Golfers, beach lovers, couples seeking a quieter base
A small village that has grown thanks to its championship golf courses and proximity to Pollan Bay beach. Ballyliffin offers:
- Several good hotels and guest houses
- Excellent dining options for its size
- Quieter atmosphere than Buncrana
- Close to northern beaches and Doagh Famine Village
- Good base for Malin Head
Drawbacks: Limited shops and services. Restaurants can book up in high season.
Driving times: 20 min to Malin Head, 25 min to Buncrana, 30 min to Greencastle
Malin / Malin Head Area
Best for: Northern lights seekers, photographers, those wanting remoteness
The northernmost settlements on the peninsula. Staying here puts you closest to Malin Head and the dramatic northern coastline. Options include:
- Traditional B&Bs with genuine Irish hospitality
- A few self-catering cottages
- Proximity to Five Finger Strand and Culdaff Beach
- Best location for northern lights viewing
- Authentic "end of the road" atmosphere
Drawbacks: Very limited services. You'll need a car for everything. Restaurants are few.
Driving times: 10 min to Malin Head, 35 min to Buncrana, 25 min to Culdaff
Greencastle / Moville (Eastern Shore)
Best for: Seafood lovers, those arriving via Northern Ireland, quieter atmosphere
The eastern shore of the peninsula, overlooking Lough Foyle towards Northern Ireland. This area offers:
- Working fishing harbour (Greencastle) with excellent seafood
- Victorian seaside charm (Moville)
- Easier access from Derry/Belfast
- Foyle Ferry connection to Northern Ireland
- Inishowen Maritime Museum
- Generally quieter than the western shore
Drawbacks: Further from Malin Head and the main Atlantic beaches.
Driving times: 45 min to Malin Head, 35 min to Buncrana, 30 min to Derry
Carndonagh
Best for: Central location, traditional market town atmosphere
The main commercial centre of the peninsula, Carndonagh ("Carn" locally) sits roughly in the middle:
- Practical base for exploring all areas
- Traditional Irish town rather than tourist resort
- Good range of shops and services
- Home to the ancient Donagh Cross (7th century)
Drawbacks: Less scenic than coastal locations. Few tourism-focused facilities.
Driving times: 25 min to Malin Head, 25 min to Buncrana, 30 min to Greencastle
Types of Accommodation
Hotels
Inishowen has a handful of hotels, mostly concentrated in Buncrana and Ballyliffin:
What to expect:
- Modern facilities and en-suite rooms
- On-site restaurants and bars
- Some with leisure facilities (pools, spas, gyms)
- Prices from €80-€200+ per night
- Best booked in advance for summer months
Best for: Those wanting full hotel amenities, business travellers, golfers (Ballyliffin hotels cater heavily to golf tourism)
B&Bs and Guest Houses
The traditional Irish B&B remains the backbone of Inishowen accommodation. These family-run establishments offer:
What to expect:
- Warm, personal hospitality
- Cooked Irish breakfast included (often exceptional)
- Local knowledge from hosts who know the area intimately
- Clean, comfortable rooms (most now have en-suites)
- Prices typically €40-€80 per person sharing
- Some take cash only — check when booking
Best for: Those seeking authentic Irish hospitality, good value, local recommendations
Tip: Many Inishowen B&Bs don't appear on major booking sites. Look for "B&B" signs while driving, or ask at tourist information points.
Self-Catering Cottages
Holiday cottages and self-catering rentals are popular throughout Inishowen, from traditional stone cottages to modern holiday homes:
What to expect:
- Full kitchen facilities for preparing your own meals
- More space and privacy than hotels/B&Bs
- Often in scenic, rural locations
- Prices from €400-€1000+ per week (less off-season)
- Minimum stays often required (especially peak season)
Best for: Families, longer stays, groups, those wanting independence
Where to find them:
- Airbnb and VRBO list many properties
- Local letting agencies (search "Inishowen holiday cottages")
- Donegal County Council tourism site
Tip: Book early for summer — popular cottages reserve months in advance.
Camping and Glamping
For those who want to wake up closer to nature:
Camping:
- Several small campsites around the peninsula
- Wild camping is technically not permitted, but discreet, responsible camping is generally tolerated in remote areas (leave no trace)
- Beach camping prohibited at most locations
Glamping:
- A growing number of glamping options (bell tents, yurts, pods)
- Combines outdoor experience with comfort
- Often includes proper beds, heating, and sometimes en-suite facilities
Best for: Budget travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking unique experiences
Booking Tips
When to Book
Summer (June-August): Book 4-8 weeks ahead minimum. Popular B&Bs and cottages fill up fast. Hotels may still have availability closer to the date but at higher prices.
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Good availability but popular places still book up.
Winter (November-March): Often possible to book days ahead or on arrival, but check that places are open — some B&Bs close seasonally.
Booking Platforms
Hotels: Booking.com, Hotels.com, direct booking B&Bs: Booking.com, direct contact (many aren't listed online) Self-catering: Airbnb, VRBO, local agencies Camping: Often no booking required; check individual sites
Price Expectations
Approximate prices per night (subject to variation):
| Type | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| B&B (per person sharing) | €40-€60 | €50-€80 |
| Hotel (double room) | €80-€120 | €120-€200+ |
| Self-catering (per week) | €350-€600 | €500-€1000+ |
| Camping (per night) | €15-€25 | €20-€30 |
Eating Out
Wherever you stay, you'll find good food nearby:
Buncrana: Widest choice — cafés, pubs, restaurants, takeaways Ballyliffin: Several good restaurants, book ahead in summer Greencastle: Excellent seafood (Kealy's is legendary) Moville: Pleasant cafés and restaurants on the waterfront Carndonagh: Traditional pub food and cafés Malin: Limited options — excellent traditional pubs
Self-catering tip: Supermarkets in Buncrana and Carndonagh. Smaller shops in villages. Stock up before heading to remote areas.
Practical Considerations
Getting Around
A car is essential for exploring Inishowen. Public transport is minimal, and attractions are spread across the peninsula. Most accommodation can arrange parking.
From your base to key attractions:
- Factor in 20-45 minutes driving to most sights
- Don't underestimate distances — roads are scenic but winding
- Consider staying in different areas on multi-day trips
WiFi and Mobile Signal
- Most hotels and B&Bs offer WiFi
- Mobile signal varies — good in towns, patchy in rural areas (especially around Malin Head)
- If you need reliable connectivity for work, check with accommodation before booking
Accessibility
Many older B&Bs and traditional cottages have limited accessibility features (stairs, narrow doorways). If you have mobility requirements:
- Contact accommodation directly to discuss needs
- Newer hotels generally have accessible rooms
- Some modern self-catering properties are purpose-built for accessibility
Recommended Stays by Interest
For Golfers
Stay: Ballyliffin Why: Steps from championship links courses, golf-focused hotels, fellow golfers in the pubs
For Families with Children
Stay: Buncrana or self-catering anywhere Why: More amenities, beach access, space for kids, easier dining options
For Romantic Getaways
Stay: Secluded cottage or boutique B&B near Malin Why: Dramatic scenery, remote atmosphere, northern lights potential
For Northern Lights Seekers
Stay: Malin Head area Why: Closest to prime viewing locations, minimal light pollution, can reach viewpoints quickly when aurora appears
For Foodies
Stay: Greencastle or Moville Why: Best seafood, several good restaurants, relaxed pace
For Photographers
Stay: Different locations on consecutive nights Why: Capture golden hour at various spots — Malin Head at dawn, Five Finger Strand at sunset
Off-Season Stays
Visiting in winter (November-March) has advantages:
- Dramatically lower prices
- No crowds at attractions
- Best northern lights viewing
- Atmospheric stormy weather
- Cosy pub sessions by the fire
Considerations:
- Some B&Bs and attractions close seasonally
- Shorter daylight hours
- Weather can be harsh (wind, rain)
- Book restaurants ahead — limited winter openings
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in Inishowen?
Buncrana is the most practical base with the widest choice of accommodation and amenities. Ballyliffin suits golfers and those wanting a quieter village atmosphere. Malin area is best for northern lights and photographers. There's no wrong choice — it depends on your priorities.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
In summer (June-August): Yes, book well ahead — popular places fill up quickly. In shoulder season: Recommended but not always essential. In winter: Often possible to book on short notice, but check places are open.
Are there hotels in Inishowen?
Yes, though fewer than you might expect. Most hotels are in Buncrana and Ballyliffin. The peninsula is predominantly served by B&Bs, guest houses, and self-catering cottages.
Is it worth staying overnight in Inishowen?
Absolutely. While day trips from Derry or Letterkenny are possible, staying overnight allows you to:
- Explore properly without rushing
- See the northern lights (if you're lucky)
- Experience evening atmosphere in local pubs
- Catch sunrise/sunset at scenic spots
- Support local communities
Can I find accommodation near Malin Head?
Yes, though options are limited compared to larger settlements. Several B&Bs operate in Malin village and the surrounding area. Self-catering cottages are also available. Book ahead in summer.
What's included in a B&B stay?
Traditional Irish B&Bs include breakfast — typically a cooked "full Irish" with eggs, bacon, sausages, black/white pudding, toast, tea/coffee. Many also offer lighter options. This is included in the room rate and is often a highlight of the stay.
Are credit cards accepted everywhere?
Most hotels and larger B&Bs accept cards. However, some smaller B&Bs, campsites, and rural establishments are cash-only. Always carry some cash.
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