Malin Head
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Malin Head
Visitors should not miss Banba's Crown Malin Head. It is not just Ireland's most northerly point, but an area of great scenic beauty and of historical, scientific and ecological importance. The circuit of the Head will take you past the Radio Station, built in 1910, and round the coast to Banba's Crown, the northern tip of Ireland. Here a tall derelict building known locally as "The Tower" was built in 1908 by the Admiralty, and later used as a Lloyds Signal Station. During the second world war, the small huts were built and used by our defence forces to keep a lookout and protect our neutrality. It is also a perfect starting point for a ramble along the cliffs to Hell's Hole, a remarkable subterranean cavern 250 feet long and 8 feet wide, into which the tide rushes with great force. Nearby is a picturesque natural arch called the Devil's Bridge.
To the north-east can be seen Inistrahull Island. Its first lighthouse was put into operation in 1813, and its light flashes every 30 seconds. Further out to the east, on a clear day you can see the Scottish hills.
Below Banba's Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The very distrinct shorelines show quite dramatically the changing relationship between the sea and the land from the time the glaciers began to melt, some 15,000 years ago. At that time Donegal was depressed by the weight of an immense ice sheet, so the level of the sea was up to 80 feet higher than today.
The beach is also noted for its semi-precious stones, such as cornelian, chalcedony, jasper, serpentine, agate, etc., all of which can be polished and set into jewellery.
The route passes the Meteorological Station built in 1955.
A detour to explore the Wee House of Malin will reveal that the "wee" house is in fact a cave in the hillside and is said to be the home of St. Muirdealach. Legend has it that no matter how many people entered this cave it always had room for more.
Beside are the remains of an old church which according to tradition was built by St Muirdealach. Built of split stone rubble and some boulders, only the NE and S walls now survive.
It is a part of Donegal which is famous for its rugged coastal scenery and lovely beaches. The area is steeped in history and folklore. Malin Head is a place for all tastes, including walking, fishing, swimming, photography, studying rock formations or rare flora, and is near Inishowen's five magnificent golf courses.
From the moment you enter the Malin Head area via the coastal road, along the north of Trawbrega Bay, you will find the largest sand dunes in Europe at Lagg. From Knockamaney's Ben's you can view the famous Five Fingers Strand. At low tide you can see the wreck of the Twilight which sank in 1889, on route from Newfoundland to Derry. On a clear day you can see Tory Island to the west.
You will find at Bamba's Crown, Ireland's most northerly point, the Tower, which was built in 1805 as a Lloyds Signal Station. In its early days this was a major news link between America and Europe.
Here you can picnic on the last headland before Greenland, and it is a wonder to behold, regardless of the weather.
The Meteorological Station is at Malin Head and plays its part in the official Weather Forecasts. The Irish Marine Emergency Service, based at the radio station, has a major role in the safety of life at sea. There are two very important Government services for an area with a thriving fishing industry, of which the main catches are crab, lobster and salmon.
Fishing/rock-angling is also popular in the area. The area offers a wide range of tourist facilities including self-catering accommodation.
From here, Inishtrahull Island is visible, and also Scotland on a clear day a haven for professional and amateur painters alike. Malin Head is a favourite spot for bird watchers, most importantly it is one of the few places in Europe where you may hear the illusive 'Corncrake'. It is also an ideal vantage point from which to view the Autumnal movements of seabirds such as gannets, shearwater, skuas, auks, etc, on their southward migration flights, it is one of the few sites for observing chough.
