Malin Head and Inishowen Peninsula Private Tour

The Inishowen Peninsula offers scenic views from Grianan of Aileach ring fort, a breathtaking descent at Mamore Gap, a step back in time at Doagh Famine Village as well as a visit to Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head.

All Inishowen tour itineraries are custom built to suit the interests of the tourist, their location and timeframe available. The following is a suggestion of some of the discovery points to include while on a day trip of Inishowen, Co. Donegal.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a minimum booking requirement of 3 consecutive days in May – September. Single dates may be released one month in advance.

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Grianán of Aileach

Grianan of Aileach ringfort is an ancient stone fortress with roots tracing back to 1700 BC. Offering panoramic views of Lough Swilly and five surrounding counties, this historic site served as a seat of Ulster kings. Its well-preserved circular structure and rich history make it a captivating destination for those seeking a glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past.

Malin Head

Malin Head is Ireland’s northernmost point, where rugged cliffs meet the wild Atlantic. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and a cinematic backdrop, featuring in films like “Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi.” Visitors can explore the iconic Banba’s Crown and absorb the untamed beauty that defines this coastal gem.

Buncrana Town

Buncrana, a charming seaside town in Inishowen, County Donegal, hugs the shores of Lough Swilly. Steeped in history, it offers a blend of ancient sites like O’Doherty’s Keep and contemporary attractions such as Swan Park. The town’s warm hospitality and stunning coastal vistas make it a delightful destination for both shopping and coffee break.

Fort Dunree

Entrance fee not included | Subject to seasonal opening hours Fort Dunree on the cliffs of the Inishowen Peninsula, stands as a sentinel overlooking Lough Swilly. This fortress, now a military museum, delves into Ireland’s military might with exhibits ranging from World War I to The Troubles. Adjacent lies the Laurentic Memorial, commemorating the tragic sinking of the SS Laurentic in 1917.

Mamore Gap

The Mamore Gap in Inishowen, County Donegal, carves a majestic path through the Urris Hills, offering a scenic drive with awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean. This winding mountain pass is a photographer’s dream, showcasing the untamed beauty of Ireland’s largest peninsula. As you navigate its twists and turns, you’ll be amazed by a curiosity, the gravity-defying ‘Magic Road’.

Doagh Famine Village

Entrance fee not included | Subject to seasonal opening hours
Doagh Famine Village is a living history museum offering a poignant journey through Ireland’s past. Guided tours unveil the hardships of life in the area, the Great Hunger, and also showcases the Poitín (Moonshine) distillers of Inishowen. Tea/Coffee & Poitín sampling included in admission.

Inishowen Tour

“Henry is amazing. He was professional and very informative. We will definitely be back to see the places we didn’t manage to see this time. I highly recommend his services.”

Janet (Google)

“The best one!”

“Henry is one of the best guides we ever meet. Everything was fantastic! Top of the top!! very recommendable”

Maria P (TripAdvisor)

A Day to Remember for a Long Time

Without a doubt, my day out touring with Henry was the highlight of my trip to Ireland. I traveled to Donegal with a mission in mind – to spend a day experiencing the area around Lough Swilly and Inch Island as my mom’s family may have done before coming to America. Several decades earlier, I had helped my mom locate her last few very elderly relatives who stayed and it meant the world to her. With that memory, I wanted to return to gain a deeper context for the stories of my mom’s family.

Henry was amazing! He very thoughtfully considered my objective and came up with a plan that took us up to Grianana Aileach first for the incredible vista across Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle and from Inch Island across to Derry – where my mom’s cousins were from. The view was nothing short of majestic, and its impact will stay with me for a very long time. Then on to Inch itself for a drive through while I captured video of life as it is today on the island.

Later in our day when Henry mentioned he had worked on documentaries, I wasn’t surprised. His talent and expertise set the stage for me to experience a personal and very meaningful documentary of my family’s history in Donegal.

Henry had great suggestions to follow after we headed north. I loved the town of Buncrana and learned quite a bit at the Doagh famine village. The Magic Road on the way to Malin Head was unique, and of course the scenery was grand at Fort Dunree, at the Star Wars movie site, and at Malin Head. Henry was very patient (hello – husbands out there!) as I took my time absorbing and capturing the incredible beauty at each stop.

Plus, it was just a lot of fun to ride with Henry and catch up on the issues of the day in contemporary Ireland. My most recent trip had been in 2018, so I have a small perspective on how it has changed over the decades and I’m always interested in being properly informed by the people who are living it day to day.

If you make the effort to visit Donegal, you would be remiss in not relying on Henry’s expertise to thoroughly enjoy Donegal!

sharonhQ7305SV (TripAdvisor)

You can’t go wrong by booking with him.

What an enjoyable 2 days I had with Henry! He really did his homework to make sure I could experience items on my bucket list with my limited mobility. He even found that walk in a bluebell woods for me ❤️. Henry is kind, personable, knowledgeable, and a great driver. You can’t go wrong by booking with him.

Gayla F (TripAdvisor)

Don’t do Donegal without him!

At the recommendation of family members who had retained Donegal Tour Guide in 2022, my friends and I booked Henry as our guide and driver for a recent visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland. He provided transit from Dublin through Belfast and Ballycastle into Donegal, then we did both the Malin Head/Inishowen and Slieve League tours, with final transit to Knock. He made the experience an exceptional one. In our five days together, he took as to places that we’d have never discovered had we traveled on our own, and he gave us insights and back-stories that tour books don’t provide. His knowledge, wit, engaging personality, and ability to “read the crowd” were truly a treasure. By the time he dropped us off at our final destination, we felt as if we were saying goodbye to a dear friend. Don’t do Donegal without him!

Patricia Mullah...F (TripAdvisor)

Three beautiful days in Donegal

“We booked three tours from Henry (Inishowen, Fanad and South Donegal). During these days we saw a lot of beautiful places. Henry is a knowing guide and nice and pleasant person. His car is very comfortable and cozy. Henry adjusts to the client’s tastes. Thanks to him we not only saw a lot of interesting places, but also had a good rest.”

Саша М (TripAdvisor)

The only way to see Donegal

Our family of four had one of the best experiences we’ve had traveling around Ireland thanks to Henry. We booked Henry for 3 days and each day he gave us a comprehensive and highly enjoyable guide around different regions of Donegal. Henry is funny and extremely knowledgeable and we had such a wonderful time touring the county. We traveled in comfort and got to see views and visit places which simply are not accessible with large coaches or difficult on your own. Simply put, if you want to see Donegal, leave the car at the hotel and get in contact with Henry. Cannot recommend Henry’s private tours highly enough.

Shane C (TripAdvisor)

Wonderful Two Days in County Donegal

Henry was a great tour guide and very easy to work with. He picked us up at our hotel in Donegal town and took us on a variation of the south Donegal tour with the addition of a lovely Assaranca waterfall and Maghera beach and caves. Henry is very knowledgeable and delightful company. This first day finished with a lovely drive across the County by Mount Errigal to our hotel in Derry (Londonderry). He picked us up the next morning and took on the Inishowen tour including a great lunch stop at Nancy’s Barn (must get the seafood chowder). Henry even produced a double rainbow at Malin Head but don’t expect that every time. I am sure wherever he takes you it will be great.

Joel Riklin (TripAdvisor)

Indispensable

Henry is a godsend to people like us who don’t like to drive on holidays. With public transport almost non-existent on Inishowen, his service is much appreciated. We had a lovely day with him. Would recommend to anybody who prefer scenery to the dashboard on their holidays.

Saumava M (TripAdvisor)

Best Tour of Ireland!

My husband and I were touring Ireland via a cruise ship and 3 ports were cancelled due to inclement weather and substituted with other cites, the last one was Greencastle. I was scrambling to find something to do just like all the other passengers and we were so grateful to have found Henry. Henry picked us up at the port and we immediately started our wonderful day sightseeing some breathtaking views of North Ireland. Henry is such a delight, he is very knowledgeable, very compassionate and a great sense of knowing just what the tourist want to see and do. I highly recommend any of the tours that Henry has, you will not be disappointed.

OnAir40255428683 (TripAdvisor)