Go Wild Tourism March 2020 Wild Atlantic Way

Page 82

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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