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The
Inishowen Peninsula is situated in the north west of Ireland.
The peninsula coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, secluded
coves and some of the most breath taking scenery in Ireland. Inishowen
is much favoured by many artists for its natural light and beauty.
With a large number of safe rivers and lakes Inishowen is both
ideal for the amateur and professional angler. With its many small
harbours it also makes an ideal base for deep sea angling and
off shore diving. If your planning to make the north west your
new home or just a place to take a break from the fast paced living
of today's modern life then Inishowen is the ideal place.
Carndonagh
Carndonagh is situated at the heart of Inishowen. To the west
of the town is the church of Ireland which stands on the site
of a church said to have been founded by St. Patrick. In the churchyard
is the marigold stone, which derives its name from the flower
featured on one side of the beautifully, decorated, carved slab.
The bell on the church is said to have come from a ship of the
Spanish armada, Trinidad de Valencera, which sunk in Kinnegoe
bay. Nearby stands the Donagh cross (or St. Patrick's cross) circa
7th century, which has been described as the oldest and finest
carved stone cross actually standing in Ireland.
The position and location
of the Donagh Cross have varied over the past forty to one hundred
years. In its present position all the carvings can be clearly
seen, except for a very small portion at the bottom of the the
three figure panel, which is set slightly more deeply than previously.
As to the carvings themselves, for the most part they are too
well known to need description. The cross is believed by some
authorities to date from the last quarter of the seventh century
and is one of the oldest in Europe. Each pillar stone has a carving
on each side, though some, presumably, are unfinished, David,
possiboy as a warrior, is outlined in pocking, and another shows
only a head, also in pocking, with the rest of the surface blank.
The carving of the figure seated playing a harp-like instrument
shows how the artist cleverly fitted the profile of the face,
and indeed the whole figure, to the shape of the stone. (Photograph
- Inishowen Tourism)
Culdaff
Culdaff is a small town situated on the east cost of the Inishowen
Peninsula. The local river dominates Culdaff town and is an
ideal area bird watchers and nature lovers alike. It also spawns
some of the best Sea trout fishing in the peninsula. The Culdaff
area is steeped in ancient history and nearby is the temple
of Dean and the Bocan Stone Circle. These all date back to the
Bronze Age. Remains of Cloncha Church and High Cross and the
enigmatic Crossesa at Carrowmore can also be found in the local
area. These sites date back to the early Christian period.
Culdaff also has
a beautiful beach and small sheltered harbour. Local angling
and diving boats use this harbour as their base and are available
for charter.
Malin Town
Malin town has won many awards for the tidiest town in Ireland.
The town is situated to the north of the peninsula. Malin Head
is the most northerly point in Ireland and is only a few miles
for Malin town. Malin is an ideal starting point for exploring
the beautiful beaches and rugged coastline.
Buncrana
Buncranna is located on the eastern side of the peninsula over
looking Lough Swilly and is the peninsulas`s largest town. At
the foot of the town is Swan Park. The park has some beautifully
developed and maintained walkways. Through the park flows the
Cranna River were wild Atlantic salmon can be seen jumping the
weirs during most of the summer months. The town has also a
wide range of shops that caters for all needs and tastes.
Ballyliffin
Ballyliffen is a picturesque village in Inishowen. It has two
outstanding and contrasting link courses also two exceptional
Hotels, the classic old links and the excellent Glashedy links.
To play on the old links at Ballyliffen is to experience Golf
on one of the most beautiful spots. The new Glashedy links is
destined for recognition as one of the great link courses of
the world, well worth a visit.
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