Inishowen Coastal Tour

The largest of the northern peninsulas of Donegal, this is an area of rugged scenery laden with history. The scenic 160km route around the edge of Inishowen takes in Malin Head, castles, churches, High Crosses and pre-Christian antiquities.

Beginning in Donegal's main business centre of Letterkenny, which has one of the longest main streets in Ireland, head east on the N13 signposted for Derry, passing Grianan of Aileach built as a pagan temple to later become a royal residence of the O'Neills and Burt castle. Passing through Bridgend to the resort town of Buncrana where the O'Doherty castle dates from Norman times, then on to the interpretative centre at Tullyarvan Mill.

The military museum at Dunree Head overlooks Lough Foyle while further north, the renowned Mamore Gap rises to 250m above sea and offers panoramic views. Continue through Clonmany and Ballyliffen famous for golf, angling and beaches or visit the famine village at Isle of Doagh. On to the towns of Carndonagh and Malin, from where a tour round Malin head will bring you past Bamba Crown, Ireland's most northerly point.

From Culdaff cross to the fishing village of Greencastle, named after a castle built by Richard deBurgo guarded the entrance

to Lough Foyle. Continuing through Moville, Redcastle and Muff where Derry City can be seen in the distance across Lough Foyle. Having completed the circle, from here take the route back to Letterkenny.