Malin Head Ireland’s Most Northerly Point
Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, is usually given as the most northerly headland of the mainland of Ireland. In fact, the most northerly point is a headland named Banba’s Crown on the Inishowen Peninsula about 2 km to the northeast. Banba was one of the mythical queens of Ireland. There is a weather station on the head.
Above Banba’s Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The largest sand dunes in Europe are at Lagg, along the north of Trawbrega Bay.
Portmor
A unique, well maintained, historical building, possibly built originally for the harbour master, and is said to be well over 100 years old.
The White House
Malin Head Whitehouse, located at Carnmalin, close to Ireland’s most northerly point, has stunning views across the Inishowen landscape towards Dunaff Head and the Atlantic Ocean.
Malin Head is one of the few places in Europe where the elusive Corn Crake can be heard. It is also an ideal vantage point from which to view the Autumnal movements of seabirds such as gannets, shearwaters, skuas, auks and others, on their southward migration flights.
On the northernmost tip stands a stark cliff-top tower that was built in 1805 by the British admiralty and later used as a Lloyds signal station. Around it are concrete huts that were used by the Irish army in WWII as lookout posts. To the west from the fort-side car park, a path leads to Hell’s Hole, a chasm where the incoming waters crash against the rocky formations. To the east a longer headland walk leads to the Wee House of Malin, a hermit’s cave in the cliff face.
Portmor Harbour
The Seaview Tavern
Trip Advisor Review of Malin Head and Caffe Banba
“We went on a trip today to Malin Head just an hour or so drive from home. I have been there many times and it has always been cold and windy but today it was amazing no wind and very mild. When standing at Banba’s Crown you can see peoples names written in stones so my kids had a ball writing their names to join all the others. We had a picnic with us but when the mobile cafe turned up it was a big surprise.
Caffe Banba is amazing, they have delicious coffee, homemade cake and cookies. We had a few coffees and enjoyed the view and it was nice to chat to the other customers as well. The guy who runs the cafe is a pleasure to deal with, he has a lovely manner and was very knowledgeable about the area. I thought the prices were very reasonable and the van had an amazing selection of items to choose from. All in all we had an amazing day made even better by Banba Cafe turning up.”