20 Mar The Horn Head Peninsula , Co. Donegal
Horn Head is magnificent, a six-hundred foot rock face scored by ledges on which perch countless guillemots and gulls. Puffins are also returning in significant numbers. The best view of the cliffs, sea-tracks and caves is from the water, but the cliff road is vertiginous enough in places to give you a good look down the sheer sides.
To get there on Ireland tours you head West from Dunfanaghy village ; it descends to skirt the side of a beautiful inlet before rising steeply to go round the East side of the head. A spectacular vista of headlands open up to the East – Rosguill , Fanad and Inishowen – but none can match the drama of Horn Head’s cliffs , their tops clad in a thin cover of purplish heather.
Alternatively, you could head to Tramore Beach, and follow a track north past two small blow-holes called the Two Pistols and then a much larger one , McSwyne’s Gun, so called because of the power of the sonic boom produced by the explosion of compressed air from the cavern. Continuing onwards you will come to Pollaguill Bay and beach. The next wondrous sight is the 70ft high Marble Arch , cut by the sea through the base of Trawbreaga Head.
Yes …. Horn Head Peninsula is a true hidden gem , and more probably a must see attraction , on tours of Ireland.