The Inishowen Peninsula

Corncrake

Corncrakes dramatic decline, its near extinction, and its more recent recovery and even re-introduction to new or formerly abandoned areas makes an excellent example of how man can and has influenced his environment.

Copyright Mike Brown

Corncrake
Copyright Mike Brown

Corncrake

Copyright Mike Brown

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Along the Inishowen Peninsula in the north east of Co. Donegal are a variety of habitats, such as cliffs, sand dunes, salt marshes and beaches. The Corn Crake is a bird of particular interest, as this is one of the few areas in Europe where it is found.

Many seabirds such as Shearwaters, Gannets and Auks also inhabit the area. The area becomes particularly crowed during the autumn, when the birds are preparing for their southbound migration.

Geology

Between Ineuran Bay and Esky Bay is the oldest and best preserved late-glacial fossil coast in Ireland . During this period, Co. Donegal was weighed down under a vast glacier so the level of the sea was 80ft. higher than today. As a result, the raised beach system and distinctive rock formations that can be seen along this coast today formed. This is of international importance as it is the only such coast in Europe that is so well preserved.

Malin Head

Malin Head is the location of one of Ireland’s most important weather stations. In 1870 the first weather reports were recorded, and in 1902 the first wireless commercial message was sent from Malin Head to the ship S.S. Lake Ontario.

Malin Head, Co. Donegal

Photo of Malin Head.

Courtesy of Corinna Schleiffer

Malin Head, Co. Donegal
Courtesy of Corinna Schleiffer

Malin Head, Co. Donegal

Photo of Malin Head.

Courtesy of Corinna Schleiffer

Enlarge image

The most northerly tip of Malin Head, and of Ireland , is known as Banba’s Crown. In 1905, Banba Tower was built as a signal station and was a very important news link between America and Europe before modern communication technology made it redundant.

There is also a bird watching observatory built at Malin and it is a very popular spot for bird watching. Due to the sheltered nature of the bay and inlets around Malin, it provides a safe habitat for many species of birds. Examples include Eider Duck, Buzzard, Peregrin Falcon, Barnacle Geese and the rare Corn Crake.

Tory Island and Inishtrahull Island are visible from Malin Head. On a very clear day, it is even possible to see Scotland from Banba’s Crown.