Steve Kidd Cycling Trips and Guides

Malin Head, August 2015

There is a lot to do in this northernmost tip of Donegal (I actually found the best thing was doing nothing; an absolute ***** experience), so this little route gets an nice page of its own.

Malin Head

is the village that shares its name with the end of the Inishowen Peninsula (which happens to be the largest peninsula in Ireland). The actual northernmost point is called Banba's Crown, though most everybody says it is Malin Head. Whatever, it's in (Southern) Ireland (not Northern Ireland!), Ireland is an island, and is also three quarters of an island as a bit of it isn't (Ireland).. got that? Like any rugged coastline, it's beautiful (though the county council could make it even more so, with a little attention to planning, transport and fence erection)

The Sandrock Hostel

Hidden away at the bottom of the hill on the Western side is the best hostel I have ever stayed at. Given that the deal with hostels is you share dormitories and cook your own food, at €13.50 a night it is cheaper than Ponty! The price is not the trick though, it's the living room/kitchen/general set-up and the location which is the clincher(s). Exquisitely appointed with books, binoculars bicycles, crockery, cutlery, candles ... (that's just the b's and c's). Rodney, the owner is so eager to tell you about everything that you will be edging backwards before he has finished. It took me three days to do this bike ride and I still haven't got to the bottom of it, because I cannot think of a nicer place to be than sat in the bay window here, watching the huge panorama shifting in hue and temperament with a book in your hand and a cup of (free) tea at the end of your arm.

Banba's Crown

A very steep but equally short road leads you up to Banba's Crown. It is quite difficult to figure out what the most northerly point actually is, as the car park and buildings are on top of the headland, not actually at it. You would see what I mean if you go there. A stoutly built track takes you on a short stretch of coast (only 800 m) to "Devils Hole", and you can buy a cup of coffee and souvenirs on top if that is what floats your boat. The view, as always, can only be understood by actually seeing it. It makes one wonder, that for every piece of coast like this which is somehow 'eminent', how many others are there which no one has heard of, that are just as awesome?

The Pebble Beach

I know, I know, beaches have pebbles, but not like this. It is kind of famous for its variety, and roundness of the rocks, and I would say it is a perfect place for a picnic. I almost wish I'd had me swimming stuff, 'cos the water was beautifully clear. You will not leave without a collection of pebbles - guaranteed; Your sandals will be full of 'em.

Map

In three days I didn't walk the coastline of ride over the middle road. A shop is just off the map on the right. It's hardly going to be on the left, is it?



Roads and sites around Malin Head, Distance around = 8 km, 5 miles



View North and East from Banba's Crown