Local Drives
Horn Head Drive
At the western end of the village take the county road beside the Garda Station, which is signposted "Horn Head". After 1km you will arrive at Horn Head Bridge. Note that the bridge has 12 arches, but only two are necessary for the small river that exits here into Dunfanaghy Bay. The reason is that the sea once flooded and ebbed through the full length of the bridge into a large salt marsh. In 1917 a big storm, over three days, dislodged the sand to the west, blocking the entrance of the sea, forming New Lake, and silting up the bay.
Between Horn Head road and the first raid junction there is a private entrance at the edge of the pine forest. In 1700 Captain Charles Stuart, of Bonnie Prince Charlie's royal line, built Horn Head House, now a ruin. Continue along the northern shore for a further km, then take the first road to the left, which leads up hill, right then left over a crooked bridge, to a t-junction at the top of the hill. Take the road to the right and continue until the next junction.
Taking the clock-wise circuit is normal and offers the best views unfolding before you as you proceed. Just before the road junction where Crockashee, the Fairy Hill is, there is a ruined cottage on the right with a very wind-swept bush that gives some idea of the wind strength up here. The Coast Guard look-out post, visible out to the north-west past the perfectly conical Faery Hill, was used during the war to keep a look out for German U-boat activity along the coast. The ruined signal tower further out at 'The Head' is from the 17th century, while in three megalithic tombs in this area were found gold ornaments now in the National Museum. There is suggestion that Horn head was an island 10,000 and that the 'temporary facility' of the sand dunes that connect it to the mainland is already being eroded again.
There is a viewing point at Faugher, the most northerly point of the road that affords breathtaking views of Horn head's 600 ft. cliffs. (BE VERY CAREFUL NEAR CLIFFS IN WINDY WEATHER). As the road turns south again you can usually see up the coast to the north-east to Melmore Head (Mulroy Bay), Fanad Head (Lough Swilly) and Malin Head (the most northerly point of Ireland, and on a clear day Islay and Jura on the west coast of Scotland.
"..and contemplate the grace and silence of some sailing ship
that slips along beyond the land,
and eases out the bay..."
Immediately below on a prominent rock, joined to the land, is a promontory fort. From the next viewing point there are clear views of Downings (and it's Tramore), Ards, Marble Hill, Portnablagh Harbour and Sessiagh Lake behind, Killahoey beach and New Lake, with Muckish and the range to Errigal behind, to the south. It is all downhill from here. As you reach the shore look right Downhill to Muntermellan viewing point where there are panoramic views across the bay to Downings and south to Errigal. Continuing downhill on reaching the shore look right to a col between two small hills where a stone wall divides the hill, and just to the right of the wall there is a spectacular portal tomb. (Ask permission from the landowner if planning a visit).
ROUTE
Begin by taking the Horn Head road past the Garda Station and Holy Trinity Church, across Horn Head Bridge and along the edge of the bay to the first road junction., 1 1/4 miles (2Km). Take the left fork, up hill, for about half-a-mile (1Km) to a T-junction. Turn right (north-east), (great views of Dunfanaghy and Muckish. Continue for about 1 mile to the next junction. Crockashee (Faery Hill), a perfect conical hill is to your left. Driving straight on you reach a World War II look-out post with spectacular views of Tory Island, Inishbofin Island and Bloody Foreland. Further out on the headland (accessible on foot only) is the ruin of an old signal tower. Continuing the circuit to the north-east, over the cattle grid, you will soon arrive at the first viewing point. From here it is mostly downhill to the next viewing point on the eastern side of the head. All downhill now, keeping left around the bay, over Horn head Bridge, and back to the village.
Drives from Dunfanaghy
1. Dunfanaghy - Horn Head - Dunfanaghy
Take right fork in the road just beyond the Post Office. Follow road over the bridge, taking the first turn left to follow the circular drive in a clockwise direction. Turn off to coastguard's lookout (signed Horn Head) for views, especially at sunset. Viewpoint on east side give excellent views of Dunfanaghy and Sheephaven Bay with mountains and headlands as far north as Malin on a clear day.
2. Dunfanaghy - Port-na-Blagh Harbour - Marble Hill - Dunfanaghy
Take N56 heading for Letterkenny for approx. 2.5 Km (1 1/2 Miles). Road to Harbour on left just past the hotel. Return to N56 for another .75km (1/2 Mile) and take the scenic road to left, marked "Marble Hill". Follow this round the bay and continue until you rejoin the N56. Turn right towards Dunfanaghy. Take first road to left about .75km (1/2 Mile) further along to return via Sessiagh Lake. Good views, beautiful beaches, water sports, pretty lake.
3. Dunfanaghy - Ards Friary - Port Lake - Dunfanaghy
Take the N5, Letterkenny bound, for 4 Km (21/2 Miles) out of Dunfanaghy and turn left at the sign marked "Friary". Drive to the church, which is open for visitors, and return to N56 by following the scenic route. Turn right on rejoining the N56, heading for Dunfanaghy, taking the left turn sign-posted "Lough Agher". Follow this road to the Filter House and then turn right to return to Dunfanaghy. Good views of Sheephaven Bay, Muckish mountain and Tory Island.
4. Dunfanaghy - Carrigart - Downings - Glen - Doe Castle - Dunfanaghy
Take the N56, Letterkenny direction. Take R245 road - the first major turn left after leaving the village of Creeslough. Follow this route to Carrigart (Hotel and shops). Retrace road back to right-hand sign for ""Downings". Take this turning and proceed to Downings Harbour and McNutt's Tweed Shop car-park (Tweeds, crafts, coffee shop). Return either by retracing route or proceed along the Atlantic Driveoffering spectacular coastal views over to Tory Island, and east and west along the headlands. This drive rejoins the R245 at thechurch outside Carrigart. Proceed back toward Creeslough for approx. 1.5 Km (1 Mile) and turn left at the sign for "Glen" which takes you right into the centre of this village with its traditional pub. This road eventually rejoins the R245 at Lackagh Bridge - a famous salmon and sea-trout angling spot. Cross the bridge and proceed for 1.5 km (1 Mile) and take the road to the right marked "Doe Castle" (castle, graveyard, esturine views). Rejoin the R245 and return to Dunfanaghy via Creeslough.
This drive offers views of bays, rugged coastlines, traditional pubs, harbour and medieval castle (now restored).
5. Horn Head Drive
At the western end of the village take the county road beside the Garda Station, which is signposted "Horn Head". After 1km you will arrive at Horn Head Bridge. Note that the bridge has 12 arches, but only two are necessary for the small river that exits here into Dunfanaghy Bay. The reason is that the sea once flooded and ebbed through the full length of the bridge into a large salt marsh. In 1917 a big storm, over three days, dislodged the sand to the west, blocking the entrance of the sea, forming New Lake, and silting up the bay.
Between Horn Head road and the first raid junction there is a private entrance at the edge of the pine forest. In 1700 Captain Charles Stuart, of Bonnie Prince Charlie's royal line, built Horn Head House, now a ruin. Continue along the northern shore for a further km, then take the first road to the left, which leads up hill, right then left over a crooked bridge, to a t-junction at the top of the hill. Take the road to the right and continue until the next junction.
Taking the clock-wise circuit is normal and offers the best views unfolding before you as you proceed. Just before the road junction where Crockashee, the Fairy Hill is, there is a ruined cottage on the right with a very wind-swept bush that gives some idea of the wind strength up here. The Coast Guard look-out post, visible out to the north-west past the perfectly conical Faery Hill, was used during the war to keep a look out for German U-boat activity along the coast. The ruined signal tower further out at 'The Head' is from the 17th century, while in three megalithic tombs in this area were found gold ornaments now in the National Museum. There is suggestion that Horn head was an island 10,000 and that the 'temporary facility' of the sand dunes that connect it to the mainland is already being eroded again.
There is a viewing point at Faugher, the most northerly point of the road that affords breathtaking views of Horn head's 600 ft. cliffs. (BE VERY CAREFUL NEAR CLIFFS IN WINDY WEATHER). As the road turns south again you can usually see up the coast to the north-east to Melmore Head (Mulroy Bay), Fanad Head (Lough Swilly) and Malin Head (the most northerly point of Ireland, and on a clear day Islay and Jura on the west coast of Scotland.
"..and contemplate the grace and silence of some sailing ship
that slips along beyond the land,
and eases out the bay..."
Immediately below on a prominent rock, joined to the land, is a promontory fort. From the next viewing point there are clear views of Downings (and it's Tramore), Ards, Marble Hill, Portnablagh Harbour and Sessiagh Lake behind, Killahoey beach and New Lake, with Muckish and the range to Errigal behind, to the south. It is all downhill from here. As you reach the shore look right Downhill to Muntermellan viewing point where there are panoramic views across the bay to Downings and south to Errigal. Continuing downhill on reaching the shore look right to a col between two small hills where a stone wall divides the hill, and just to the right of the wall there is a spectacular portal tomb. (Ask permission from the landowner if planning a visit).
ROUTE
Begin by taking the Horn Head road past the Garda Station and Holy Trinity Church, across Horn Head Bridge and along the edge of the bay to the first road junction., 1 1/4 miles (2Km). Take the left fork, up hill, for about half-a-mile (1Km) to a T-junction. Turn right (north-east), (great views of Dunfanaghy and Muckish. Continue for about 1 mile to the next junction. Crockashee (Faery Hill), a perfect conical hill is to your left. Driving straight on you reach a World War II look-out post with spectacular views of Tory Island, Inishbofin Island and Bloody Foreland. Further out on the headland (accessible on foot only) is the ruin of an old signal tower. Continuing the circuit to the north-east, over the cattle grid, you will soon arrive at the first viewing point. From here it is mostly downhill to the next viewing point on the eastern side of the head. All downhill now, keeping left around the bay, over Horn head Bridge, and back to the village.
Half-day drives
5. Dunfanaghy - Bloody Foreland - Dunlewey - Muckish Gap - Dunfanaghy
Leaving the village, take the westward road to the lively Gaeltacht town of Falcarragh, with its shops, pubs and bustling Friday market. Continue on to Gortahork (hotels & pubs). Here take the R257 which affords beautiful views of the islands out as far as Tory, and southerly views to the distant mountains. Continue on this road until it rejoins the N56. At this junction turn left and head back toward Falcarragh. You will pass the now-decommissioned turf-burning power station on the shores of Lough Nacung, then turn left onto the R251. Follow the signs to the Dunlewey Lakeside Centre (fascinating weaving demonstrations, open farm, safe children's play area, cafeteria, guided boat trips on Dunlewey lake) all overlooked by the majestic western face of Errigal mountain - Donegal's highest peak. Return to the R251 and continue round behind Errigal to the range of mountains that include Beaghy, Aghla Mor and Aghla Beg and terminate at Muckish. Turn left at the sign for "Falcarragh" which takes you up through the Muckish Gap (screed plains and mountain scenery, views out to the coast and Tory Island) proceed to the village of Falcarragh, turn right at the N56 and drive back to Dunfanaghy.
6. Dunfanaghy - Glenveagh - Gartan - Kilmacrennan - Dunfanaghy
Leave Dunfanaghy on the N56 bound for Letterkenny as far as the outskirts of Creeslough village. Turn right at the sign marker "Glenveagh" and follow this route to the 'T' junction (Good views of Muckish). Turn left and then left again at the junction with the R251. Continue to the Glenveagh National Park (visitor centre with excellent video and exhibitions, castle with mature gardens, walks and lake - allow at least a half-day of this visit). On leaving the National Park, turn right and take the next right (after driving 3 Km (2 Miles) toward Letterkenny) following the sign posting "Gartan Lake and Glebe Gallery". The route to the gallery and grounds is well signposted, a visit should take about I hour (tour of intriguing home of painter Derek Hill, his private art collection includes work by Picasso, Jack Yeats, examples of the Tory Island Primitive Tradition and many contemporary artists from Ireland and abroad, coffee shop). Return to R251 and proceed past Gartan Lake. The Colmcille Heritage Centre is sign posted to the right after crossing the bridge (it comprises of exhibits and information about the famous local saint). You will pass through Church Hill (pubs), then take the minor road to the left to Kilmacrennan.
In the village of Kilmacrennan turn left passing the Lurgy Vale Thatched cottage and visitor's centre (museum, traditional teas) proceed back to Dunfanaghy.
7. Dunfanaghy - Bloody Foreland - The Rosses - Burtonport - Dungloe - Dunfanaghy
Follow the directions for drive No. 5 as far as the village of Bunbeg in Gweedore. When rejoining the N56, turn right heading for Dungloe. Leave the N56 after 2 Km (1 _ Miles) turning right onto the R259. This junction is sign posted for Donegal Airport, follow these signs travelling through the Gaeltacht townlands of Annagry, Kincasslagh (hotel owned by singer Daniel O'Donnell) and Burtonport (fishing harbour, ferry to Arranmore Island) to Dungloe (small market town, shops, pubs, cafés and banks with ATMs). Return directly to Dunfanaghy via the N56.
8. Dunfanaghy - Kilmacrennan - Milford - Ramelton - Fanad- Milford - Dunfanaghy
Take the N56, Letterkenny direction. At Kilmacrennan turn left at the cross roads at then bottom of the steep hill taking the road to Milford, ignoring the later right turn for Ramelton - this is a very poor road. At Milford turn right on to the R245 and drive to Ramelton (picturesque rive town, 18th century buildings, market). The road branching to the right is marked "Fanad drive", the turn is just before the bridge leading to the main street. Follow the Fanad drive signs round the peninsula passing through Rathmullan (Heritage Centre, beach, hotels), Ballymacstocker Beach (breathtaking!), Portsalon (pier, golf course, café), Fanad lighthouse. When you reach Milford again retrace the route back to Dunfanaghy. IF YOU DO NO OTHER DRIVE - DO THIS ONE - IT IS STUNNING!