Inishowen 100

The Inishowen 100 is Ireland's most northerly driving route, circumnavigating the wild Inishowen Peninsula to Ireland's northernmost point at Malin Head. This epic journey offers some of Europe's most dramatic coastal scenery.

Why This Route?

The Inishowen 100 delivers superlatives:

• Ireland's northernmost point - Malin Head
• Stunning beaches - Award-winning strands at Kinnagoe, Pollan, and more
• Historic sites - From Stone Age to Star Wars
• Dramatic cliffs - Dunree Head, Malin Head, Dunaff Head
• Authentic Ireland - Gaeltacht culture in remote communities

Where to Stay

The Inishowen 100 loops the full peninsula over two to three days, crossing between Derry city and remote Atlantic headlands. Splitting the trip between Derry at the start and Buncrana partway around the coast lets you experience both the urban heritage of the walled city and the wild Donegal shoreline without backtracking.

Derry

Derry is the natural launching point for the Inishowen 100 — the Grianan of Aileach ring fort is barely twenty minutes north of the city, and you can walk the historic walls, eat well, and sleep in the centre before committing to the peninsula's wilder roads the next morning. Returning here on the final day via Muff closes the loop neatly, and the city's accommodation ranges from boutique hotels inside the walls to modern options near the Foyle.

Buncrana

Buncrana sits on the western shore of Inishowen at roughly the quarter-point of the circuit, making it the ideal overnight if you want to tackle Malin Head and the northern headlands fresh the next day. The town has its own beach, a handful of good pubs, and enough guesthouses and B&Bs to serve as a comfortable mid-route stop — far quieter than Derry, and right on the doorstep of the Gap of Mamore and Fort Dunree.

The Peninsula

Inishowen (Inis Eoghain - "Island of Eoghan") is a peninsula of superlatives. Bounded by Lough Foyle to the east and Lough Swilly to the west, it points boldly into the Atlantic.

The Route (Clockwise)

Starting from Derry/Letterkenny

Most approach from Derry (Buncrana is 30 minutes away) or Letterkenny via the western shore.

Starting in Derry means starting in Northern Ireland. The loop crosses the border twice: outbound on the A2/N13 just before Bridgend, and again coming back down the Foyle at Muff. Both are unmarked — no checkpoint, no stopping — but the units and the money change at each one. Northern Ireland signs speed in miles per hour and charges in pounds; Donegal signs in kilometres per hour and charges in euro.

Buncrana

The "capital" of Inishowen - a traditional seaside resort with an excellent beach, castle ruins, and facilities.

Fort Dunree Military Museum

A Napoleonic-era fort perched on dramatic headlands guarding Lough Swilly. The museum covers Irish military history, and the coastal walks are superb.

Gap of Mamore

A dramatic mountain pass with hairpin bends and sweeping views. Not for nervous drivers, but the scenery is extraordinary.

Dunaff Head

Detour to this spectacular headland with sea stacks and blow holes. The strand below is remote and beautiful.

Malin Head

Ireland's most northerly point. The views extend to Fanad, Tory Island, and on clear days, Scotland. Features include:

• Banba's Crown - The actual northernmost point
• Hell's Hole - A dramatic chasm with roaring waves
• WWII signal tower - "Éire" sign visible from aircraft
• Star Wars filming location - Scenes from The Last Jedi

Malin

Ireland's most northerly village, with an attractive green and distinctive church. The Malin Head peninsula beyond feels like the edge of the world.

Glenevin Waterfall

A beautiful 30-foot waterfall hidden in a glen. Short walk from the car park.

Kinnagoe Bay

A stunning secluded beach backed by dramatic cliffs. The Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera wrecked here in 1588; artefacts are in the Ulster Museum.

Greencastle

A fishing port with the atmospheric ruins of a 14th-century castle. The Inishowen Maritime Museum tells the peninsula's seafaring story. The Lough Foyle car ferry to Magilligan Point crosses to County Derry in about 20 minutes, saving roughly 80 km around through Derry city — but it is seasonal. In 2026 the operator sailed daily from 22 May to 31 August, then on selected September dates only, at €22.00 single for a car and its passengers (checked September 2026). Outside the season, and if you have not cleared cross-border driving with your rental company, take the road.

Stroove & Inishowen Head

Lighthouse and coastal walks on the eastern headland. Views across to Northern Ireland.

Moville

A handsome town on Lough Foyle with a Victorian-era promenade and excellent cafes.

Muff & Border Loop

Return through Muff (yes, it's a real place name) past the Grianan of Aileach.

Grianan of Aileach

An extraordinary stone ring fort on a hilltop, rebuilt to its original 1,700-year-old design. 360-degree views across both loughs. Free access.

Beaches

The Inishowen coast has some of Ireland's finest beaches:

• Pollan Bay - Sheltered family beach near Buncrana
• Five Fingers Strand - Dramatic dune-backed strand
• Lagg Beach - Perfect sand, limited access
• Kinnagoe Bay - Secluded Armada wreck site
• Stroove Beach - Views to Northern Ireland

Practical Tips

1. Allow 2-3 days - There's too much to rush
2. Gap of Mamore - Check weather; low cloud spoils views
3. Malin Head parking - Can be busy in summer
4. Fuel up in Buncrana - Remote areas have fewer stations, and prices either side of the border are set in different currencies
5. Weather changes quickly - Pack layers

Best Seasons

• Late spring/early summer - Longest days, wildflowers
• September - Quieter, autumn light
• Winter - Dramatic but check road conditions

Combining Routes

The Inishowen 100 connects with:

• Derry (20 minutes from Muff)
• Wild Atlantic Way (via Letterkenny)
• Fanad Peninsula (across Lough Swilly)

Before You Drive This Route

At 160km the Inishowen 100 looks like a 4 hours drive on paper. Allow 2-3 days and you will actually see it. The Irish driving rules and road signs guide covers speed limits, signage and the penalty points system, which is worth ten minutes before you set off. At this length you will be filling the tank, and where you do it matters more than when — see where to buy fuel in Ireland. Coastal weather changes faster than the forecast admits — the all-season packing guide covers what to have in the boot year-round. Most visitors hire at the airport; our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers deposits, excess and what to check before you drive off the lot. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Donegal page, and the Donegal Highlands pairs naturally with this one.