Malin Head is Ireland's most northerly point and it's spectacular. When you think about beautiful coastal areas in Ireland, I'm sure that a few spots come to mind: the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry, and the Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula.
However, on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal, you'll discover the equally magical Malin Head. More than just a pretty face, there are numerous reasons to add Malin Head to your Irish road trip itinerary.
I visited Malin Head after my journey around Northern Ireland enroute to Donegal. Even though it was a rainy day, I didn't let the weather deter my adventures. After all, it's Ireland and I was bound to encounter a few rainy days at least.
Malin Head: The Northernmost Point of Ireland
It might seem trivial to visit Malin Head for this reason, but there's something cool about standing at the most northerly point of a country. The most northern tip of headland is called Banba's Crown, and you'll find a weather station there.
It is one of 22 weather stations in the British Isles that comprise the BBC Shipping Forecast. It's worth noting that there is another small island that's technically farther north than here, but this is as far north as you can go on the mainland.
From this northerly spot on the Inishowen Peninsula, take a look to the northeast. You may be able to spot Inishtrahull Island off in the distance on a clear day. Even farther in the distance are the Scottish Hebrides.
There is a fairly large parking lot at Malin Head, and we visited at the end of September. On a dreary weekday, we had no issues finding a parking spot. If you visit during the busier summer months, it can get quite busy here. There are also public toilets at Malin Head.
From Easter to September, the Caffe Banba Coffee Van will likely be parked at Malin Head, serving up excellent coffee and fresh baked goods. They take pride in being Ireland's most northerly bakery and coffee shop.
Go Hiking at Malin Head
While I didn't hike the entire path while I was there (due to time and weather constraints), I suggest walking the entire trail at Malin Head if you can. This out-and-back trail is 2.3km and will take you about 40 minutes to complete. Here is the trail map on AllTrails.
If you enjoy hiking and walking regularly, consider an AllTrails+ membership. There are many benefits to upgrading from a free AllTrails membership to their Pro membership.
One main upgrade is being able to download offline maps, which is key when you're going for walks where you may lose cell signal. Get 45% off an annual AllTrails+ membership, which amounts to only a little over a dollar a month.
From the car park, hike the paved path alongside rugged cliffs and the perilous ocean. I came across some of Ireland's oldest rocks, sculpted over time by the raging waters.
Soon after walking down the path, I encountered a 30 metre chasm known as Hell's Hole. It's an extraordinary subterranean cave, although I merely observed it from above while the sideways rain pelted against my face. There is a small cross nearby that memorializes a French tourist who fell into the sea.
Malin to Mizen
If you're thinking about embarking on a sizable adventure, consider hiking or cycling from Malin to Mizen. Malin Head is the northernmost point and Mizen Head, in county Cork, is the southernmost point in Ireland.
I visited Mizen Head, too, except I travelled there by car. Typically, the journey takes about 5-6 days to cycle and about 15 days to walk.
Watch the Northern Lights at Malin Head
The Inishowen Peninsula is one of the best places in Ireland to see the northern lights. The area surrounding Malin Head is a dark sky reserve, meaning that you'll be able to view the northern lights at their most vivid.
While there's no guarantee that the aurora will pulsate across the sky while you're visiting, you can check out the aurora forecasts before heading out. There's a Facebook group called Aurora Alerts Ireland and a Twitter feed with the same name.
The best time of year to view this natural phenomenon is in winter or spring. I didn't travel here during the evening and didn't see the northern lights, although I have seen them in my life before. They're absolutely spectacular, and remains one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Star Wars Filming Location
For fans of the Star Wars franchise, parts of Star Wars Episode VIII were filmed at Malin Head. The entire village got caught up in Star Wars fever.
One pub owner painted a mural of Yoda on the side of his establishment. Another local coffee shop includes Star Wars references in its advertising. In one restaurant, they have a storm trooper helmet proudly displayed at the bar.
If you're a fan of Star Wars, go for a walk at Malin Head and then head over to some local establishments. One unmissable place is Farren's Bar, which also happens to be Ireland's most northerly pub. They have some Star Wars art, murals and memorabilia at the pub, and they were happy to have a chat about Star Wars with us!
Landscapes and Wildlife at Malin Head
In my opinion, the most important reason to visit Malin Head is for its stunning landscapes. You'll witness lush hills, craggy cliffs, and crashing waves.
Everywhere you look is so incredibly green or blue. It's a very peaceful and quiet place to be alone with your thoughts.
You might come across a variety of birds, including Eider ducks, gannets, doves, and other kinds of seabirds. Grey seals live on nearby rocky islets, although you might not be able to spot them from the coastline.
Malin Head Belongs on a Irish Road Trip Itinerary
If you're renting a car and driving all over Ireland like I did, why not make your way up to Malin Head? Public transportation isn't the best in Ireland. While tour buses can take you all over Ireland easily, I prefer to drive all over the country.
By renting my own car, I can explore everywhere I'd like to go on my own terms. I can stay at certain spots for as long as I'd like and get to travel places that aren't frequented by the tour buses.
I didn't see any group tours or tour buses at Malin Head. It didn't seem like a really touristy spot, although a few visitors braved the rain to wander around while we did.
Take a look at my guide to renting a car in Ireland for more details on how to do so and everything you need to know. We always use Discover Cars when renting a car on our travels. They allow you to compare prices between car rental companies to find the best rates. Book your rental car here.
In terms of our itinerary, we visited Malin Head after departing Derry and Northern Ireland. Malin Head was one stop in County Donegal before contining down to Ramelton and then Donegal Town.
Where to Stay in County Donegal
If you're checking out County Donegal or northwest Ireland, I highly recommend staying at Solis Lough Eske Castle. First of all, you'll be sleeping in an actual castle - how cool is that?
It's a dreamy, historic castle situated on the most gorgeous property. Perhaps you'd like to wander around the lake or pamper yourself at the spa? This is a five-star, luxurious property with many fabulous amenities.
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debbi Krisher says
my 3 times great grandfather came from here and I would love to one day go there to see it for myself. On my bucket list.
Renuka Walter says
Beautiful! Ireland is extremely stunning. I would love to visit it especially for the landscapes and the castles. I'm not sure about the food, though. Did you discover some authentic cuisines?
Megan Jerrard says
Nice! I’ve actually not heard of Malin Head, even though I’ve done a circumnavigation of Ireland and Northern Ireland. What a cool spot though! Hiking or cycling from Malin to Mizen really does sound like it would be an incredible adventure, and you would see so much of the landscape that way. I might add this to my adventure bucketlist!
Reshma says
I knew about Cork but had not heard about the northernmost point of Ireland. Ireland is such a beautiful country, and love how the place looks despite being wet! I loved how you went around on a road trip. I love to travel the same way, either rent a bike or a cab to go at my pace and just how flexible it is to travel! Glad that it is not yet such a touristy place. Would love to visit Malin head someday!
Cat says
You can see the northern lights at the Inishowen Peninsula? Sign me up! I've been living in Canada for almost 9 years and still haven't seen it yet. If I'm in Ireland, I'll keep that in mind, maybe I'll have a better luck there.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie says
I love traveling around by car, too. Road trips are the ultimate freedom because you can stop and go whenever you please. Malin Head looks gorgeous and I love that the area is a dark sky reserve. The northern lights would be beautiful to see but even just the stars on a clear night would be amazing.
Alli says
Staying in castle is totally appropriate for the scenery here! It looks so wild and rugged - absolutely beautiful :) I would love to do a road trip up there, it certainly made for amazing photographs!
sherianne says
Such a gorgeous coastline. I had no idea you could see the Northern Lights from Ireland, such a unique place to experience them
Rosemary says
I have been to the "end of the world" in Ushuaia, Argentina which is the southernmost tip of South America. Amazing and very different from Malin Head, Ireland. Your shots are absolutely gorgeous and the natural beauty is outstanding. I think it's time for me to go north!!
Carrie says
Whoa, I had no idea you could see the Northern Lights from Ireland! That plus Star Wars would be enough to get me there. And the hiking sounds fun too. Thanks for the tips!
melody pittman says
Nice! Staying in that castle would have been ultimate! Did you know there were Star Wars filming spots before you traveled there? I'd love to see Malin Head just for that reason alone.