Restaurants are not plentiful around Malin Head. I would recommend the Seaview Tavern. I have eaten there many times with my clients while touring and the food is always excellent, with a versatile menu.
Top sites to visit in the beautiful County of Donegal.
Here are my ‘must see’ places to visit in Donegal.
No 1: Sliabh Liag Cliffs. The tallest accessible sea cliffs in Europe at over 2,000 feet, located just outside the lovely village of Carrick. I love visiting Sliabh Liag or Slieve League in English. The hikers park at the bottom car park and enjoy the walk to the upper car park with spectacular views of the Wild Atlantic Way.
For those with limited mobility, there is an option to drive to the upper car park. There is a little shop in the bottom car park and if you speak to the owners, they will open the gate for you. Even the drive up is stunning but please be aware of pedestrians. When you get to the upper car park, you are just a few short steps to some of the most stunning views of The Wild Atlantic way.
If you get hungry during your visit to Slieve League, here are my recommendations:
My personal favourite is the Rusty Mackeral Bar/Restaurant, which boasts all local produce, freshly cooked.
The Ahoy Café is a great stop if you’re looking for a bowl of delicious soup and/or a sandwich.
No 2: Glenveagh National Park. The park is an absolute ‘must see’ if visiting Donegal. It’s situated in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains and includes beautiful lakes and awesome tumbling waterfalls. There are scenic walks and a late 19th century castle Glenveagh Castle with its own beautiful Gardens.
Some Tips while Visiting Glenveagh.
Give yourself plenty of time to visit the National Park. Take the Shuttle Bus up to the Castle and there is a very nice Tea Shop up at the Castle.
There is bike hire available at the Park for all ages and the more active sightseers.
No 3: Malin Head. Malin Head is Ireland’s most northerly point with spectacular views in every direction. You can drive up close to Malin Head and there is a small car park and bathroom facilities. There is also an option to walk down quite a steep pathway, to take in even more stunning views.
No 4: Doagh Famine Village & Visitor Centre. This is well worth a visit with an excellent visitor experience, talking about The Irish Famine and its effects on the local community. It has authentic beautiful thatched roof cottages and friendly passionate Tour Guides. You will be drawn into the atmosphere of this historic event. There is a lovely Tea Shop on site and there are also stunning beaches to explore.
No.5: Horn Head Loop. This is just outside the lovely village of Dunfanaghy. While it is a stunning loop, it is not for the faint hearted. I love driving the Loop and taking in the amazing views of the Wild Atlantic Way and on the way back to Dunfanaghy, the views of the beach are glorious.
Tip for your visit. If you are a nervous driver, take your time. The road is very narrow.
Horse riding on the Beach in Dunfanaghy Beach is excellent and you can also visit the Dunfanaghy Stables.
The Village of Dunfanaghy has some fabulous food choices. My own personal favourite is Lizzie’s Diner. For top quality pizza, The Rust Oven is excellent and you have to taste the delicious mouth-watering local Ice Cream.
No 6: Beaches in Donegal As Donegal is a coastal county, there are too many beaches to name them all but here are some beauties.
1. Murder Hole Beach has stunning views. It’s not easy to access but well worth the walk and effort. It is however, not suitable for everyone because of difficulty with access but there are many other beaches to choose from.
2. Kinnagoe Bay has an amazing history. It is a secluded beach in Inishowen, best known as the location of the wreck of the Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera. It is a sheltered beach and popular with campers. This is without doubt, one of my favourite stops on the Inishowen 100.
3. Five Finger Strand: You can visit Five Finger Strand on your way to Malin head and you will not be disappointed. The unusual name comes from five narrow sea stacks that protrude from the water on the north side of the beach, which allude to fingers. Explore the beautiful beach and stunning views of the wild Atlantic Way.
Narrative by Derek Smith Custom Irish Tours.
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