Things to do in Inishowen Peninsula
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Beach House
With plate-glass windows facing the lough, this aptly named cafe/restaurant projects an elegant simplicity. Although the menu is also intrinsically simple, the quality and preparation are a cut above: ‘surf and turf’, for example, comes with fillet steak, crab claws, langoustines and creamy bisque.
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Grianán of Aileách
This amphitheatre-like stone fort encircles the top of Grianán Hill like a halo and offers eye-popping views of the surrounding loughs. On clear days you can see as far as Derry. Its mini-arena can resemble a circus whenever a tour bus rolls up and spills its load inside the 4m-thick walls.
The fort may have existed at least 2000 years ago, but it's thought that the site itself goes back to pre-Celtic times as a temple to the god Dagda. Between the 5th and 12th centuries it was the seat of the O'Neills, before being demolished by Murtogh O'Brien, king of Munster. Most of what you see now is a reconstruction built between 1874 and 1878.
The fort is 18km south of Buncrana ne…
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Ballyliffin Golf Club
With two championship courses, Ballyliffin Golf Club is among the best places to golf in Donegal. The scenery is so beautiful that it can distract even the most focused golfer. Its above-average restaurant, Linx, overlooks the fairways (mains €9.50 to €20).
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Doagh Famine Village
The Doagh Famine Village is set in a reconstructed village of thatched cottages. Call ahead to book its tour, packed with entertaining titbits about a disappearing way of life, and insightful comparisons with famine-stricken countries today.
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Barron’s Cafe
Run by a friendly couple, this cheap, cheerful cafe serves staples like freshly ground burgers. Upstairs, the four guestrooms, each with private bath, are happy little dens and very tidy (single/double €32/56). Book ahead.
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Fort Dunree Military Museum
The Fort Dunree military museum sits on a rocky outcrop in a 19th-century fort. It’s a beautiful spot. If the guns don’t impress you, the scenery and birdlife will.
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Simpson's
The old-world charm, buzzing atmosphere and excellent seafood make Simpson's a great stop any time of day. The menu also includes solid surf, turf and international dishes, all of which are made fresh on the premises. The four-course Sunday lunch is only €15.
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McClean's
Easily spotted by the petrol pumps out front, this treasure of an old-time pub has the best craic in Malin and often has live music.
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Rosato's
This lively pub is the best spot in town for food. It has a good range of pizzas and pasta dishes, and live music on Saturday nights.
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Atlantic Bar
Dating from 1792, this spearmint-and-moss-green drinking hole is Buncrana's oldest and most atmospheric pub.
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Rawdon’s
Rawdon's is a friendly pub along the Main Rd, less than a block from the Market Sq and has regular live music.
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O'Flaherty's
A central hub for locals and visitors, this old-world pub is a friendly spot and has live traditional music every Wednesday night.
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O'Doherty's Keep
At the northern end of the seafront, the early 18th-century, six-arched Castle Bridge leads to this tower house built by the O'Dohertys, the local chiefs, in 1430. It was burned by the English and then rebuilt for their own use.
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Ned's Point Fort
Walking 500m further from the keep (turn left and stick to the shoreline) brings you to Ned's Point Fort (1812), built by the British and now under siege from graffiti artists.
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Buncrana Castle
At the side of the keep is the manorlike Buncrana Castle, built in 1718 by John Vaughan, who also constructed the bridge. Wolfe Tone was imprisoned here following the unsuccessful French invasion in 1798.
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Beach House
With plate-glass windows facing the lough, this aptly named cafe/restaurant projects an elegant simplicity. Although the menu is also intrinsically simple, the quality and preparation are a cut above: 'surf and turf', for example, comes with fillet steak, crab claws, langoustines and creamy bisque.
reviewed
