Derry-Londonderry to Donegal | The Wild Atlantic Way
A good start if you are coming from Northern Ireland would be to visit the city of Derry - Londonderry first, which really is a tale of two cities as its other name Londonderry suggests. Dubbed Legen-derry following its success as the UK's first City of Culture in 2013, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Take a crash course in Irish history, by doing a walking tour of the city walls which are the oldest intact medieval walls in British Isles. Another highlight is the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, designed to mimic a handshake, it literally bridges the historic, cultural and religious divide that led to the infamous 'troubles' of the 1960's.
The Hills of Donegal
From there take a ferry from Magilligan's Point or drive out to Inishowen and do the spectacular 100 km route taking in Kinnego Bay where the Spanish Armada ship, La Trinidad Valencera was discovered in 1971. Malin Head is the Northern most point of Ireland and if you park at the top, you can clearly see the word EIRE (Ireland) still etched in white stones which indicated to WW2 pilots that they were flying over neutral territory.
From there you can drive out to the Isle of Doagh and vist the Famine village via Five Finger's Strand as far as Ballyliffen and Mamore Gap and on down into Drumree Fort which has magnificent views out over Lough Swilly and the Fanad Head peninsula beyond. Be sure to visit Grianan an Aileach near Burt, which is a huge and very ancient, triple tiered stone fort close to Derry. The 360 views from the top of the fort's walls are incredible, try and get there at sunset, when the mists roll in from the sea over both lough's and the fields are a breathtaking patchwork of green and gold. Donegal is a must when touring the Wild Atlantic Way, your guaranteed a collection of breathtaking settings and the locals will surely make your visit that more memorable!
Book a Derry-Londonderry B&B 
Posted: 25 Mar 2014 by
Claire Regan |
with 0 comments
Tags: Derry-Londonderry, Donegal, Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2600km coastal driving route, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north of Donegal, right down to the town of Kinsale in the south of Cork.
Posted: 01 Aug 2023 by
Claire Regan |
with 0 comments
The Wild Atlantic Way is a place like no other. Stretching for 2,500km along the Ireland’s Atlantic coastline from Donegal to West Cork, the world’s longest defined coastal touring route traverses an area of wild, raw beauty and dramatic coastline. Experience a stunning backdrop for the exploration of untamed land and seascapes.
Posted: 21 Jul 2020 by
Claire Regan |
with 0 comments
It’s all happening in Galway in 2020. This scenic and friendly county located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic way has been nominated as European Capital of Culture for 2020 and is about to host the largest ever festival on the island of Ireland.
Posted: 13 Feb 2020 by
Claire Regan |
with 0 comments