Where Are We?

Donegal is the third largest and most northern county in Ireland. Donegal is noted for its rugged unspoilt terrain and its numerous golden sandy beaches. It is a county of endless acres of mountain, moor and bog and it is one of the last true wild barren landscapes left in Europe. Its coastline has been sculptured over the centuries by the pounding waves of the Atlantic. The powerful inshore winds have slowly trained the trees to grow horizontally - the trees grow so tall and then they take a 90 degree turn to protect themselves from the battering winds. Nature has a lovely way of knitting itself into whatever the terrain demands and in Donegal you can see this wherever you look - especially on Horn Head penninsula.

Horn Head is a 5 minute drive from the village of Dunfanaghy which is on the route N56 heading north from Letterkenny.

Horn Head is also known as Corran Binne (Hollow in the Hills) and is the most north westerly tip of Ireland. The "Horn" is at the top of the east facing cliff side, points up to the sky and looks like a rocket getting ready to launch. The high cliffs are dramatic and steep and rise to 180 metres on the Sheep Haven bay side of the peninsula. The cliffs are a recognised breeding ground for protected bird species especially the Razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake and Fulmar. The cliffs are best seen from Traghlisk on the east side of Horn Head - a 5 minute walk from my house.

The views to the west include Tory Island and Bloody Foreland and to the east Malin Head and Fanad.

The discerning tourist will find their way to Horn Head and walk the "loop" - a 5 mile road walk. More adventurous hikers will plough through the thick heather and make their way right out to the "Horn" - be careful if the winds are high, as so are the cliffs!