Inishowen Peninsula Scenic Drive
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Port
Greencastle (Londonderry), Ireland
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$109.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Inishowen, the hidden jewel of the Ireland's northwest, is almost entirely surrounded by sea. Tapering towards Ireland's northernmost point at Malin Head, the Inishowen Peninsula is a rugged and wild region of mountains, lakes and loughs. The scenery here is breathtaking, the towns and villages are small and handsome, and the peninsula feels like a world apart. This long, broad arm of land stretching north to the Atlantic between Lough Swilly to the west and Lough Foyle to the east is Ireland's northernmost point and it is arguably the most beautiful area in all of Ireland. Along the shores of the loughs and the Atlantic Ocean, long stretches of sandy beach are backed by sheer cliffs. Inland are some of Ireland's most impressive mountains, with the 2,019-foot Slieve Snacht dominating the center of the peninsula. Its heritage reaches back beyond recorded history, with relics of those distant days scattered across its face. Inishowen takes its name from Eoghain, a son of King Niall of the Nine Hostages, who lived in the 5th century at the time of St Patrick. The king named this amazing peninsula for his son, and it means 'the island of Owen'.
To drive around the Inishowen Peninsula is to traverse a ring of seascapes, mountains, valleys, and woodlands. It has been said that Donegal is Ireland in miniature. Present-day residents revere their ancient heritage, treasure the legends and antiquities of this remote region, and still observe many traditions of their ancestors.
Stop at Doagh Folk Village for afternoon tea and to visit the Famine Village, created to allow visitors a firsthand account of hardships endured during Ireland's Great Potato Famine. The village also features a wake room, a hedge school and thatched cottages.
Return to Greencastle at the end of your tour.
Notes:
Dress warmly in layers so you are comfortable despite the inevitable changeability of Ireland's weather. Walking at the Famine Village is at guests' own discretion. The terrain at Grianan of Aileach (photo stop only) makes it inaccessible for guests using a wheelchair.