The Inishowen Peninsula packs an extraordinary variety of attractions into Ireland's most northerly corner. From a 3,000-year-old hilltop fort with views across five counties to the dramatic cliffs of Malin Head, there's enough here to fill a week — or a lifetime of return visits.
This guide covers the peninsula's top attractions and activities, from must-see landmarks to hidden gems that locals love.
Top Attractions
Grianán of Aileach
The unmissable landmark — this magnificent stone fort crowns a hilltop near Burt, commanding views across Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle, and on clear days, five counties. Built around 1700 BC and restored in the 1870s, Grianán of Aileach (pronounced "green-awn of ale-ach") was the royal seat of the O'Neill dynasty, High Kings of Ulster.
The circular stone walls rise to 5 metres high and 4 metres thick, with three internal terraces connected by stairways. Standing inside the fort, looking out through the ancient doorway across the landscape below, is one of Ireland's most atmospheric experiences.
Location: Burt, at the base of the peninsula Admission: Free (heritage site) Facilities: Car park, information panels Time needed: 30-60 minutes
Tip: Visit at sunset for spectacular light across Lough Swilly. The short walk from the car park takes about 5 minutes uphill.
Fort Dunree Military Museum
Perched on the cliffs above Lough Swilly, Fort Dunree offers a fascinating window into Ireland's military history combined with stunning coastal scenery. The fort was built in 1798 to defend against French invasion and later became a key British naval installation.
The museum houses extensive collections covering the fort's history from Napoleonic times through both World Wars to Irish independence. Original guns, military equipment, and detailed exhibits bring the stories to life.
Beyond the museum, the headland walks are exceptional. The cliff paths offer dramatic views of Lough Swilly and, on clear days, across to the Fanad Peninsula. Several looped walking trails of varying lengths start from the fort.
Location: Dunree Head, 8km north of Buncrana Opening: Daily, seasonal hours (check website) Admission: Adults €7, children €3, families €15 Facilities: Café, toilets, shop, walking trails Time needed: 2-3 hours (museum + walks)
Website: dunree.pro.ie
Doagh Famine Village
This unique outdoor museum tells the story of Irish life from the Great Famine (1845-1852) to the present day. Unlike traditional museums, Doagh presents its history through a recreated village of cottages, each depicting a different era or theme.
Walking through the village, you'll encounter scenes from famine times, the wake house tradition, a traditional schoolroom, and exhibits on more recent history including the Troubles. Local guides provide context and stories that bring the displays to life.
What sets Doagh apart is its willingness to tackle difficult subjects — poverty, emigration, conflict — with honesty and even dark humour. It's moving, informative, and genuinely memorable.
Location: Lagacurry, near Ballyliffin Opening: Daily March-November Admission: Adults €10, children €6 Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Tip: Allow time for the café afterwards — the scones are excellent and the views across to Pollan Bay are lovely.
Wild Ireland
A wildlife sanctuary set across 23 acres of ancient woodland near Burnfoot. Wild Ireland provides homes for rescued animals including brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild boar, and various bird species — animals that once roamed wild in Ireland.
The sanctuary operates on a conservation and education mission, with elevated walkways and viewing platforms allowing visitors to observe the animals in naturalistic enclosures. The brown bears are particularly impressive, having been rescued from poor conditions in Eastern Europe.
Location: Burnfoot, southern Inishowen Opening: Daily, seasonal hours Admission: Adults €16, children €12, families €50 Facilities: Café, gift shop, accessible paths Time needed: 2-3 hours
Best for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers
Glenevin Waterfall
A beautiful 12-metre waterfall hidden in a wooded glen near Clonmany. The walk to the waterfall follows the Glenevin River through native woodland — a peaceful escape from the more exposed coastal landscapes.
The walking trail is approximately 1km each way and takes about 30-40 minutes return. The path is well-maintained with bridges and steps, though it can be muddy after rain. The waterfall is most impressive after wet weather when the water flow is at its peak.
Location: 3km from Clonmany village Admission: Free Facilities: Car park (€2 honesty box), basic Time needed: 1 hour
Tip: Combine with a visit to nearby Tullagh Bay beach for a contrasting coastal experience.
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium
Located in the historic Coastguard Station at Greencastle, this museum tells the story of Inishowen's deep connection to the sea. Exhibits cover fishing heritage, shipwrecks (including the Spanish Armada), lighthouses, and maritime rescue.
The planetarium offers shows about the night sky, constellations, and space exploration — particularly relevant given Inishowen's status as a dark sky area ideal for stargazing and northern lights viewing.
Location: Greencastle harbour Opening: Seasonal (April-September typically) Admission: Museum €5, Planetarium shows €8 Facilities: Gift shop, nearby cafés Time needed: 1-2 hours
Outdoor Activities
Walking & Hiking
Inishowen offers walks for all abilities:
Easy walks:
- Glenevin Waterfall — 2km return, woodland walk
- Grianán of Aileach — Short uphill walk to ancient fort
- Malin Head Trail — 2.5km loop, mostly gravel paths
Moderate walks:
- Inishowen Head Loop — 8.3km from Stroove, 2-3 hours
- Fort Dunree coastal walks — Various options 2-6km
Challenging walks:
- Urris Hills — Mountain walking with stunning views
- Slieve Snaght — Inishowen's highest peak (615m)
Surfing & Water Sports
The peninsula's Atlantic-facing beaches offer excellent conditions for surfing:
Inishowen Surf School operates from Pollan Bay (Ballyliffin), offering lessons for beginners through to advanced surfers. The beach catches consistent swells and the surf school provides all equipment.
Best surf beaches:
- Pollan Bay — Most consistent, beginner-friendly
- Tullagh Bay — Good breaks in right conditions
- Five Finger Strand — For experienced surfers only (strong currents)
Other water activities:
- Sea kayaking tours from various launch points
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on calmer days
- Fishing trips from Greencastle
Golf
Inishowen is home to championship-standard golf:
Ballyliffin Golf Club features two links courses — the Old Links and the Glashedy Links. The Glashedy course has hosted the Irish Open and is regularly ranked among Ireland's top courses. The dramatic coastal setting, with views to Malin Head and Glashedy Island, makes for unforgettable rounds.
Other courses:
- North West Golf Club (Buncrana)
- Greencastle Golf Club
Boat Trips
Greencastle Boat Tours operates trips from Greencastle harbour, offering wildlife watching, coastal sightseeing, and fishing excursions. Look out for seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Trips to the lighthouse at Inishowen Head are particularly scenic.
Towns & Villages
Buncrana
The largest town on the peninsula, Buncrana sits on the shores of Lough Swilly and serves as a good base for exploring. The town has:
- Restaurants, pubs, and cafés
- Supermarkets and shops
- Buncrana Castle (ruins) and Swan Park
- Annual Buncrana Music Festival
Carndonagh
Known locally as "Carn," this is the peninsula's main commercial centre. The town is home to the Donagh Cross — a 7th-century high cross, one of Ireland's oldest Christian monuments.
Malin
A picturesque village with a large triangular green — said to be Ireland's largest village green. Malin makes a good base for visiting Malin Head and the northern beaches.
Greencastle
A working fishing harbour with excellent seafood restaurants. The ruined 14th-century castle gives the town its name. Greencastle is also the departure point for the Foyle Ferry to Magilligan in Northern Ireland.
Moville
A Victorian seaside town on Lough Foyle with a pretty waterfront promenade. Good restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere make it popular for weekend visitors from Derry.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May)
- Wildflowers emerging across the headlands
- Migrating birds returning
- Quieter beaches before summer crowds
- Easter events in local communities
Summer (June-August)
- Peak season for beaches and water sports
- Lifeguards at Blue Flag beaches
- Longest daylight hours
- Festivals and events throughout the peninsula
- Outdoor cafés at full operation
Autumn (September-November)
- Excellent seabird watching from Malin Head
- Northern lights season begins
- Autumn colours in wooded glens
- Quieter attractions, lower prices
Winter (December-February)
- Best northern lights viewing
- Dramatic storm watching (from safe vantage points)
- Cosy pubs and traditional music sessions
- Christmas markets and events
Planning Your Visit
How Long to Spend
Day trip: Possible but rushed — focus on Malin Head or Grianán of Aileach Weekend: Good for highlights — one attraction per day plus beaches 3-5 days: Ideal for thorough exploration Week+: Time to properly explore, including quieter spots and repeat favourites
Suggested Itineraries
Day 1: Northern Route Morning: Malin Head and surrounding headland Afternoon: Five Finger Strand or Culdaff Beach Evening: Dinner in Malin or Ballyliffin
Day 2: Eastern Route Morning: Greencastle — harbour, museum, boat trip Afternoon: Kinnagoe Bay and coastal drive Evening: Seafood dinner in Greencastle
Day 3: Western Route Morning: Grianán of Aileach Afternoon: Fort Dunree museum and walks Evening: Buncrana waterfront
Day 4: Activity Day Surf lesson at Pollan Bay, or golf at Ballyliffin, or walking in the Urris Hills
Getting Around
A car is essential for exploring Inishowen — there's limited public transport and attractions are spread across the peninsula. Consider following the Inishowen 100 scenic route to connect the highlights.
Driving times from Buncrana:
- Grianán of Aileach: 15 minutes
- Fort Dunree: 15 minutes
- Malin Head: 40 minutes
- Greencastle: 35 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Inishowen?
The top experiences are visiting Malin Head (Ireland's most northerly point), exploring Grianán of Aileach (ancient stone fort), and spending time on the beautiful beaches. The right answer depends on your interests — history buffs love the forts and museums, families enjoy Wild Ireland and the beaches, outdoor enthusiasts head for the walks and water sports.
Is Inishowen worth visiting?
Absolutely. Inishowen offers a concentration of attractions, natural beauty, and authentic Irish character that rivals anywhere in the country. The combination of dramatic coastline, ancient history, and welcoming communities makes it one of Ireland's most rewarding destinations.
How many days do you need in Inishowen?
A minimum of 2-3 days allows you to see the highlights comfortably. With a week, you can explore thoroughly and discover quieter spots beyond the main attractions.
What is Inishowen famous for?
Inishowen is famous for Malin Head (Ireland's most northerly point, also a Star Wars filming location), Grianán of Aileach (ancient stone fort), the Inishowen 100 scenic drive, and some of Ireland's most beautiful beaches including Five Finger Strand with Europe's highest sand dunes.
Is Inishowen good for families?
Yes. Family-friendly attractions include Wild Ireland wildlife sanctuary, Doagh Famine Village (educational and engaging for older children), the beaches (especially Culdaff with its Blue Flag status and lifeguards), and various boat trips from Greencastle.
Continue exploring with our guides to Malin Head, Inishowen Beaches, Where to Stay, and the Inishowen 100 driving route.