Inishowen
Our Hostel is the perfect location to use as a base to explore the spectacular Inishowen peninsula. The hostel is on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and main tourist trail in the area known as The Inishowen 100, which is rich and diverse in heritage, culture and natural archaeology.
Swan Park
The beautiful wooded Swan Park is approximately a quarter of a mile long and it’s only a 5 minute walk from the hostel. The entrance to the park is on the right hand side just before Westbrook Bridge. You can follow the path along the Crana River heading towards O’Doherty’s Medieval Keep. The O’Doherty’s were the Gaelic Lords of the late medieval Inishowen. Near the ‘Keep’ is Castle Bridge a six arched stone structure and there is also Buncrana Castle a privately owned manor house built (1716 – 1718).
Distance approximately 0.8km/0.4 miles / 2 minutes’ drive.
Wild Atlantic Way Northern Headlands
In Swan Park you will see signs for Ned’s Point which is a Napoleonic Fort & Fr Hegarty’s Rock a coastal walk along the beautiful Lough Swilly. This walk is very popular with the local people. Fr Hegartys Rock is a local landmark. Legend has it that in 1711 he was martyred at the place that now bears his name. If you continue along this path you will arrive at Porthaw Beach, and for those who are still feeling energetic you can continue on until you arrive at Stragill Beach. The views along this walk are spectacular.
Doagh Famine Centre
The Famine Village is an outdoor museum located at Doagh Island, which tells the story of life in Ireland during the famine of the 1840’s. Learn how the people adapted and survived from the 1840’s through the 1900’s till the present day.
Distance approximately 25km/15.5 miles / 45 minutes’ drive.
Fort Dunree Military Museum
The Fort has been an important defensive site down through history. It houses a fascinating display of military memorabilia, artefacts and an array of 20th Century Guns. There are 3 walkways which are signposted you can get some breath-taking views of Lough Swilly. This area of natural beauty is rich in wildlife some of which is unique to the area.
Distance approximately 10.5km/6.5miles / 20 minutes’ drive.
Grainan of Aileach Stone Fort
The origins of the Grianán of Aileach fort date back to 1700 BC. The round fort is built largely without mortar. The wall is about 4.5 metres (15 ft.) thick, and 5 metres (16 ft.) high.The site of the fort is a windy and exposed area, on a clear day you can see the counties of Donegal, Derry/Londonderry, Tyrone, and Antrim. Folklore suggests it was built by Tuatha De Danann God, and king of Ireland to mark or protect the grave of his son. Today the site is a National Monument and a tourist attraction, situated in Burt.
Distance approximately 20km/12.5miles / 35 minutes’ drive
Amazing Grace
Caught in a violent storm in the Atlantic Ocean in 1748, John Newton cried out to God for mercy and found refuge in Lough Swilly. He stepped ashore a changed man and this experience later inspired him to write “Amazing Grace”. Newton went on to mentor William Wilberforce throughout the 20-year battle to abolish the slave trade.
Distance approximately 2.4km/1.5miles / 5 minutes’ drive.