Donegal's hidden peninsula with Fort Dunree military museum, Gap of Mamore mountain pass, and stunning coastal scenery without the crowds. Wild Atlantic Way's quieter northern section.
The Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal forms the northernmost section of the Wild Atlantic Way, a quieter counterpart to Kerry and Clare's more visited coastal routes, ringed by a signposted driving loop that takes in cliffs, beaches, and mountain passes without the crowds found further south. Fort Dunree, a former military installation guarding Lough Swilly, is now a museum covering its role defending the coast from Napoleonic times through both World Wars, set on a dramatic headland with gun emplacements still in place. Inland, the Gap of Mamore cuts a narrow, steep mountain pass between Mamore Hill and Urris Hills, a memorable drive with views down to Lough Swilly and out toward Malin Head at the peninsula's northern tip. The peninsula's beaches, including Kinnagoe Bay and Pollan Strand, see a fraction of the visitors found at better-known Irish coastal spots. A full circuit of the peninsula's main sights takes a full day, and given its remoteness from Dublin, most visitors base themselves in Derry or the town of Buncrana for a night or two while exploring. Roads here are narrow and quiet compared with the busier tourist routes further south, making it well suited to a slower, self-directed pace.
Weather through the year in Ireland
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Highlights
- Fort Dunree military museum on Lough Swilly
- Gap of Mamore mountain pass drive
- Quiet beaches at Kinnagoe Bay and Pollan Strand
- Wild Atlantic Way's least-crowded northern section
Tips for visiting
- Allow a full day for the peninsula's driving loop
- Base overnight in Buncrana or Derry given the distance from other regions
- Fill up on fuel before setting out as stations are spread out
- Roads through the Gap of Mamore are narrow; drive cautiously in poor weather
When to visit
Clear days give the best views from the Gap of Mamore; the quiet roads make any season workable, though summer offers the longest daylight for a full circuit.
Accessibility
Fort Dunree's museum building is accessible, though its outdoor gun emplacements involve uneven terrain; the Gap of Mamore and peninsula beaches are not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does exploring Inishowen Peninsula take?
A full day covers the main driving loop, Fort Dunree, and the Gap of Mamore.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the beaches and Fort Dunree's museum both work well for families, though the mountain pass roads require careful driving.
Is photography allowed at Fort Dunree and the Gap of Mamore?
Yes, photography is unrestricted at both the fort grounds and the mountain pass viewpoints.