Malin Head

The end of the road

Malin Head sits at the far northwestern corner of the island. Here, the Atlantic meets the gentler water of Lough Foyle. It is the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Most people drive here first when planning to follow the route. That makes sense. It is a proper, uncomplicated introduction to the west coast.

The headland is low and rounded. The view is the point. From the lighthouse, you can look across to Scotland on a clear day. Looking south, the Donegal coast stretches toward the Blasket and Erris horizons. The lighthouse dates from the 1890s. It sits on its own small promontory. The grounds are open and easy to walk.

The Malin Cross

Down in the village of Malin, the Malin Cross stands. It reminds visitors that this was a place of real importance in the early medieval period. It is a tenth-century high cross. The village is small. It sits at the head of a sheltered harbour. Boats have worked the Lough Foyle fishery there for centuries.

The water here

The strait between Donegal and Scotland is one of the best places on the island to see bottlenose dolphins. The headland is a good spot for them in calm weather. Seabirds are present year-round. The open water to the north is why the lighthouse was built in the first place.

When to go

The light is best in the early morning. The sun comes over from the east then. The headland is in full view. The place is quieter than most of the coast in summer. The walk around the lighthouse takes a pleasant half hour in any season.

Practical

Free to visit. The lighthouse grounds are open in daylight. The lighthouse itself is not generally open to the public. There are a couple of small cafés and a shop in the village of Malin. The nearest substantial services are in Buncrana, about twenty minutes back down the coast road.