North Fanad

Following on from Portsalon you will find yourself in Doaghbeg, with its beautiful rolling green hills, fields full of grazing sheep, rugged coast line to the right and ideal country farm houses, you will get a real sense of being in an unspoilt countryside. Although difficult to locate, but with the help of the friendly locals, none the less achievable, you will after a trek down a muddy sloping field be rewarded with the splendid sight of the Great Pollet Arch. Affirmation to the power of the Atlantic Ocean, this wonderful sea arch will one day fall into the sea leaving behind two stacks as the only reminders of its existence, as well as a catalogue of stunning photographs. An inspiring must stop for any would be photographer. Keeping the water to your right you will soon see the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean revealing itself to you. When reaching the crossroads from the Doaghbeg side a quick turn to the right will be worth it to see one of the most famous and beautiful Lighthouses in the entire country, a prominent feature in National tourism promotions. Fanad Lighthouse was build in 1817 after Captain Hill of the Royal Navy in Derry, suggested soon after the sinking of the HMS Saldanha in 1811 that a Lighthouse should be places at Fanad Head, as it would have most certainly have prevented the tragedy at Ballymastocker . On the way back from the Lighthouse make sure to stop into the friendly family run Lighthouse Tavern for a taste of the authentic Irish Pub experience, always full of locals willing to divulge some local knowledge. Making your way back towards the crossroads you will notice a small field to your right containing stones to mark the graves of unidentified bodies washed up along the coast, dignified by the locals with a burial and headstones. Winding your way through the country roads you will eventually find yourself in the midst of sand dunes near to the gorgeous Ballyhiernan Bay. This long stretch of beach is a popular place for surfers, with the Adventure One surf school offering classes there. The Eelburn Caravan Park is also situated near the shore nestled within the sheltered dunes, offering amenities to those looking to camp for a surfing holiday. On Sundays the Trilough football pitches are a hub of activities and a good place to mingle with the locals indulging in one of their favorite pastimes. Football, both soccer and Gaelic are of huge importance to the area and plays a part of virtually every household. The Fanad Lodge can be found to the left of Eelburn crossroads, a great place to heat yourself up with a hot toddy or a bowl of soup after an afternoon on the surf.

Heading straight on through the crossroads on the left a small Pitch and Putt course on the right offers a relaxing way to while away an afternoon, watching the shadows lengthening, and listening to the waves breaking against the rocks as the tide comes in, and grazing sheep braying inbetween holes. Making your way around the crest of the Bay, The Atlantic House to the left is another place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat with live music at night. Around this area you will also notice many quaint chalets and cottages available for rental, a must for those longing for the perfect view the Atlantic. Passed The Atlantic House a fork in the road will present itself with to scenic routes. To the right you will be in Ballywhorskey, with a picturesque pier where you can watch the local fishermen set of or return from there catch. If your lucky you might hitch a ride and be able to rustle up your own freshly caught crab dish in the evening. To the left of the fork is Tonbane, it has its own unique history with the unusual sight of a row of tin houses, called Tin Pot Row. These houses were specially built for quarryworkers extracting granite that was then shipped off to pave the streets of Edinburgh. You will eventually find yourself at the foot of the old Cashel National school while a little further on the New Cashel National School. Take a right and then a left for those interested in history, at Kindrum Lake you will see a large and fine example of a Celtic Cross build to honour the Fanad Patriots who put an end to the tyranny of the infamous Lord Lietrim in 1878. Many of these patriots decendents can still be found in the locality. North Fanad is of interest for those with a love of the outdoors, fishing, birdwatcing, naturalists, walkers, sport enthusiasts and those just wanting to relax and do very little.

Between the Waters

This area in Fanad is a beautifully situated peninsula surrounded on both sides by Mulroy Bay. The twists and turns of the roads are not for the faint hearted but as in everything in Fanad, well worth the effort of exploration. Take a look for the O’ Breslins Cashel, a stone fort on the top of Cashelmore with a wealth of stunning views of the surrounding Bay. A more recent attraction to this part of Fanad is the construction of the Blaney Bridge.