Malin Head

Malin Head is the northernmost point of the island of Ireland. Malin is located at the top of Ireland and Inishowen peninsula. Malin Head also known as Cionn Mhálanna in gaelic is an historical place, it was visited by the Vikings, the ancient Celts and Saint Columbkille over the centuries.

Banba's Crown on Malin Head is Ireland's most northerly point. Banba was one of the mythical queens of Ireland. Banba's Crown is about 16 km (10mi) north of the village of Malin. It was on Banba’s crown where loved ones waved goodbye to their family and friends, it was the last place seen by Irish people as they left their home country for American shores.

A tall derelict building known locally as "The Tower" was built here on Malin Head in 1802 by the Admiralty, and later used as a Lloyds signal station. During the Second World War, the small huts were built and used by the Irish Defence Forces to keep a lookout and protect Irish Neutrality. Marconi Wireless built a radio station beside the tower in 1910. Many years later, this was relocated to its present site some miles away, which is now operated by the Irish Coast Guard. To the north-east can be seen Inistrahull Island. Its first lighthouse was put into operation in 1813, and its light flashes every 30 seconds.

Below Banba's Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. Here lie the largest sand dunes in Europe. The very distinct shorelines show the changing relationship between the sea and the land from the time the glaciers began to melt, some 15,000 years ago. At that time County Donegal was depressed by the weight of an immense ice sheet, so the level of the sea, relative to today's shore, was up to 80 feet higher than today.

The weather station at Malin Head (built 1955) is an important element of the Irish meteorological service Met Éireann, providing weather reports and plays its part in the official Weather Forecasts. The Irish Marine Emergency Service, based at the radio station, has a major role in the safety of life at sea. It is statistically the sunniest part of Ireland and the windiest part also.

While on your Irish Vacation, Breath in the rugged scenery of Inishowen and Malin Head, stand next to the tower at Bamba’s Crown, the most Northerly part of Ireland and you know you’re in an extraordinary place.