The Irish Times is on the hunt for Ireland’s greatest visitor attractions, and we’ve asked our readers to help, by recommending great ways to spend a day in Ireland. If you want to experience something new, Catherine Devlin has a few ideas . . .
Come to Inishowen, and we will give you a day to remember. If you want to experience some outdoor activities, to try something new and outside your comfort zone, we offer an experience that will stay with you forever.
In the morning the new Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre will take you on a gentle trek on one of our beautiful horses across Tullagh Beach. Here you will see some of the most impressive scenery the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer, including Malin Head, the most northern point of Ireland and the starting point of the route.
There is something about guiding your horse through the sea water in Tullagh Bay that delight and excites in equal measure, and an experienced rider can ride across sand and through the sea for up to two miles.
Next it’s off to the award-winning Glen House for lunch in the tea-rooms followed by a stroll along the wooded pathway to see Glenevin Waterfall.
In the afternoon we change tempo, donning wetsuits and joining the Inishowen Surf School for a surfing lesson. Surfing in the Atlantic is something everyone should try at least once.
If surfing is not on your to-do list, a walk in the Urris hills might entice you. There are several walks marked with clear signage to take you into the hills and safely back again.
If you prefer a beach walk, stroll the three miles across beautiful Pollan Bay, passing Ballyliffin Golf Club, to the recently restored Carrickabraghy Castle.
And it that’s not enough, there’s also rock climbing and abseiling along the Atlantic shore, at the beautiful Leenan and Dunaff headlands.
By now your body will might appreciate a change of pace, so it’s off to the spa at Ballyliffin Lodge for some well-deserved pampering and relaxation in the sauna, before dinner in Jack’s bar.
Music in the lounge sets the scene for a relaxing evening enjoying the views of Malin Head in the distance.
This day out will open your mind to new possibilities and an appreciation of outdoor adventure on the Inishowen peninsula.
Catherine Devlin
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