Malin Head
On the Wild Atlantic Way A jewel on the Wild Atlantic Way;
the British Admiralty in 1805 as
history. The folks at Malin Head
a wild landscape rich in historic
part of a string of buildings right
Wrecks can tell you that there are
curiosities; and now a Star Wars
around the Irish coast to guard
more ocean liners and German
filming location. Welcome to
against a possible French invasion.
U-boats sunk off this stretch of
Malin Head
More modest are the nearby World War II lookout posts.
coast than anywhere else in the world. Several miles off the coast of
As far north as you can go…
Malin Head was one of 83 coastal
Malin Head lies on the Inishowen
locations used to provide a picture
Malin Head lies Inishtrahull
of wartime events along the Irish
island, composed of the oldest
coastline. The coast watchers
rocks in Ireland, metamorphic
here had plenty to report in the
gneisses dated at around 1.778
early stages of the war as German
billion years old! Further to the
U-boats attacked convoys in the
east, the hills of Scotland can be
vicinity.
seen on a good day.
Grianan of Aileach
from Banba’s Crown is Ballyhillin
Peninsula in County Donegal, at the most northerly tip of the island of Ireland. It is the start (or end, depending on your point of view) of the Wild Atlantic Way and has long been renowned for its epic coastal scenery, thriving birdlife and historical curiosities. More recently, Malin Head so
Also in view just along the coast Explore the remains of this
captured the imagination of Star
stunning stone ring fort at Burt.
Wars location scouts that they
It’s built on the site of the original
cast it in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
1700BC ringfort, and stands
Locals and visitors alike were
735ft above sea level. On a clear
thrilled by the sights that unfolded
day, you can see no less than six
over the course of the shoot. The
surrounding counties.
Millennium Falcon (ok, maybe it was a replica) perched on a cliff as the waves crashed beneath it; Luke Skywalker (actor Mark Hamill) popping into Farren’s pub on Malin Head for refreshments; a local stormtrooper arriving to the set in full battle dress. The crew did as everyone should along the Wild Atlantic Way – they left no trace behind them. Now, when you visit Malin Head, you’ll just see the unspoiled beauty of the place.
Myth and history collide A great place to start exploring Malin Head is the very tip of the headland where you’ll find Banba’s Crown (named after a mythical goddess of Ireland). “The Tower”, as it’s known locally, was built by
Go Wild Magazine - Spring Edition 2020
Doagh Famine Village Centred on a “clachan” or group of traditional farmhouses, this attraction offers guided tours that transport you back to the dramatic events that dominated the lives of mid-19th-century locals.
Inch Wildfowl Reserve Follow the 8km looped walk around this wetland and you’re in for a birdwatching treat. Watch out for geese, swans, ducks and a variety of waders as well as panoramic views of the landscape.
What lies beneath?
Beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific significance. It’s a reminder of a time, 15,000 years ago, when sea level was up to 100ft higher than today. The beach is also well-known for its semi-precious stones.
Natural wonders Finally, one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena has started to make regular appearances off the Inishowen Peninsula. Thanks to a peak in the sun’s activity, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are frequently spotted off this coast. This is set to go on for a few more years, too, so maybe you’ll be in luck when you visit. So there you have it, the Inishowen experience: exhilarating coastal walks, unsurpassed natural beauty, spectacular phenomena and
Overall, the turbulent waters
historical intrigue… take it all in
off Malin Head have witnessed
before heading back on your Wild
more than their share of maritime
Atlantic Way adventure!
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