Horn Head
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Horn Head (Corran Binne, "Hollow in the Hills" in Irish) is a peninsula in Donegal, North West Ireland, close to Dunfanaghy. It forms part of Sheephaven Bay.
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[edit] Archeological Significance
Horn Head has many remains of Neolithic stone circles, court tombs and passage tombs and prehistoric field boundaries.
[edit] Natural Heritage Area
Horn Head cliffs rise straight out of the water to a height of about 600ft/180m on the ocean side of the peninsula. They are an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds. Species include the European Shag and the Razorbill. It is designated as an Irish Natural Heritage Area and as a Refuge for Fauna specifically sea birds. Horn Head cliffs are also designated a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation by the Irish government.
[edit] McSwyne's Gun
McSwyne's gun is a blow hole on the West side of the peninsula. Previously, during storms, water could be forced through it to a height of 200-300 feet, with a noise that could be heard ten miles away. Although still functional, it is not as spectacular any more. Several people have been killed after getting too close and falling in.
[edit] Horn Head House
Horn Head house stands on the Sheephaven Bay side of Horn Head. It was built in the 18th century and was the largest house in the Dunfanaghy area. It was the seat of the Stewarts of Horn Head from the 1700's until 1935. It has been derelict since then.
[edit] Lookout Towers
Horn Head has remains of two lookout towers, one from Napoleonic times and one from World War II. Both give views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tory Island.
[edit] References
- Alistair Rowan (1979). The Buildings of Ireland: North West Ulster. Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-09667-4.
