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Culdaff
Culdaff
is a picturesque village, with two fine stone bridges and a trianagular
green featuring a now dissued pump house. In Culdaff River you can see
St. Boden's 'Boat', a stone in which he crossed from Scotland, only
the sceptic will doubt the marks of his fingers! Situated on a pretty
estuary, there are beautiful sandy beaches which have Blue Flag status.
The Culdaff area is fine walking country with cliff scenery stretching
north-west to Malin Head and southwards to Inishowen Head.
The Bocan
Stone Circle is an impressive and evocative monument situated on pasture
land near St. Mary's Church Bocan just outside Culdaff. With a diameter
of 65-75 feet, consisting possibly of 30 stones originally, the surviving
orthostats are fine specimens up to six feet high.
The Temple
of Deen is a fine and well preserved megalithic monument, sometimes
call the Laraghill Cairn lies on the opposite side of the road to the
Bocan Stone Circle atop the Hill of Deen. There are twenty large stones
remaining at the forecourt and the first chambers are well preserved.
In Clonca
three kilometers to the south is the impressive shaft of St. Boden's
Cross rising to a height of almost 4 metres. The cross is well carved
and the east face carving has been identified as showing the miracle
of the loaves and fishes.
There are, close by, the ruins of a 17th century planters' church but
incorporating some earlier stonework. The carved lintel on the west
doorway is very much older. Inside the church is an interesting 16th
centruy gravestone to Magnus Mac Orrist in which shows a sword, hurley
and ball indicating that he was both a warrior and a sportsman. There
is an Irish inscription (and they are not very common) which reads "Fergus
Mac Allan do rini an clath sa" (Fergus Mac Allin made this stone).
Less than
a kilometer from Clonca lies Carrowmore, which is believed to be the
site of the monastery of Bothchonais. The buildings there have disappeared,
the only surviving monuments being two crosses and an incised rock.
The east cross is 10ft. high, of the Latin shape and the west is 11ft.
high.
Inishowen
The Inishowen Peninsula is situated in the North West of the Republic
of Irelandand it possesses such a range of sights and attractions that
is often referred to as 'Ireland in Miniature'. This is the undiscovered
Ireland, a world apart, a timeless place.
This ancient territory (The Land of the O' Dohertys), in County Donegal
is 26 miles in length and its greatest breadth is about 26 miles across.
It is the most northerly part of Ireland and it comprises an area of
about 309 sq miles. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean.
Lough Swilly forms its western boundary and Lough Foyle its eastern
boundary. It is connected with the mainland on the south and is not
as its name implies, an island, but a magnificent peninsula. Monuments
of an earlier age grow from the landscape as castles, towers and ancient
churches shimmer in the sunshine. The Celtic crosses and the pagan monuments
come together in a colourful tapestry with these great houses of the
last century, to leave more lasting memories for the visitor.
Inishowen
is well known as one of the most scenic parts of Ireland but the nature
of that scenery combines with the up to date outdoor sporting facilities
to provide the ideal base for an activity holiday. The ocean and lakes
are perfect for fishing, wind surfing, swimming, canoeing, water-skiing
and sailing. The fishing enthusiast will be well catered for in Inishowen
with sea, shore, river and lake fishing. Sea-Angling Festivals are held
annually at Moville/Greencastle, Malin/Glengad, Leenan, Fahan and Culdaff.
Inishowen is a golfer's paradise with five magnificent golf links to
choose from. The more energetic golfer will find sufficient challenge
in the 18-hole links while those with a more leisurely approach will
find the 9-hole links equally enjoyable. The hills and cliffs of Inishowen
are still relatively unfrequented and little restraint is put on walkers.
There are walks to suit all ages and all interest. The Sunday afternoon
will find unspoiled beaches, forest walks, quiet country roads and a
wealth of historical sites to explore. The more energetic hiker will
find out the more inaccessible spots; the dramatic cliff walks, the
remote hills, glens and lakes which the driver misses. If bad weather
prevails indoor leisure facilities are available at Buncrana Leisure
Centre and The Redcastle Hotel.
Our heritage trail begins at Grianan an Aileach - the ancient Temple
of the Sun christianised by St. Patrick. Founded by the Druids, this
ring fort dates back to some 2000 years B.C. . The panoramic view from
the walls of this ancient palace is truly magnificent, 7 counties can
be seen on a clear day. The legends and history behind Grianan is interpreted
at the Grianan Aileach Centre, 2km from the fort.
Onwards to Buncrana and the Tullyarvan Mill - a tastefully restored
corn mill dating from the nineteenth century and today developed as
a local craft centre and tourist amenity. Textile industry has long
been a tradition in Buncrana and the museum recreates some 250 years
of textile production. The Centre also houses aspects of flora and fauna
that exists in Inishowen.
The coast road heading left at Buncrana leads to Dunree Head, here stands
Fort Dunree constructed in 1798 by the English with the fear of Napoleonic
invasion. This fort remained the property of the British until 3rd October
1938 when the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and was handed
over to the Irish Government. This fort is today the first and only
permanent and professionally-designed military museum in Ireland.
East of the peninsula on the shores of Lough Foyle is Greencastle is
one of Ireland's important fishing village boasting a long seafaring
history. were the Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium is located,
the museum is housed in the old coastguard station overlooking the harbour,
where the local history and seafaring traditions are interpreted through
photographs, exhibitions, artefacts and models. Close by is the recently
erected maritime memorial recording the names and dates of people lost
at sea from the area.
Enjoy the trail.
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