Horn Head

Horn Head is a must-visit place offering stunning cliff and ocean views.

Horn Head is a peninsula in Donegal, Ireland, close to Dunfanaghy. With its 180 metres high cliffs, Horn Head offers a breathtaking panorama over the cliffs and the endless Atlantic Ocean, a stunning drive along the coast and an excellent place for hiking.

You can get there by car, walking or on a bike. The car park is big enough, and there is a Second World War observation building 20-40 meters away from the parking that is worth visiting. This spot offers a great view towards Tory Island, Inishbofin and Inishdooey to the west, the Rosguill Peninsula to the east and Malin Head to the northeast.

Walk to the old signal tower.

Another trail starts from the parking and continues approximately 2 km, and leads to the ruins of an old signal tower at the edge of the cliffs. It is about a 20-30 mins walk from the parking, but the paths turn into the turf (bog), and you might have to pick your way, so you don't get wet in poor weather conditions.

Visit the Wild Atlantic Way car park for a different view.

On your way back from the parking, turn east on the first crossroad towards the Wild Atlantic Way parking and viewpoint. The Wild Atlantic Way parking has a picnic table overlooking the head cliffs and the North Atlantic.

You can continue on the road to close the loop with amazing views of Sheephaven Bay.

You can return or continue the road from the Wild Atlantic Way parking spot. If you continue, you will enjoy more impressive views from Sheephaven Bay.

Note: Most of the road is narrow, and there is no space for two cars.

Horn Head is an excellent place for observing the night sky.

The Wild Atlantic Way parking is a good spot for observing the night sky, including Aurora (The Northern Lights). It is a remote spot facing the North Atlantic, so the light pollution is less than in other parts of Donegal, making it an excellent place for looking at the stars.

An alternative route is to park at the Lurgabrack Nature Reserve parking and go hiking or on a bike.

If you'd like a longer adventure, you can start from the Lurgabrack Nature Reserve parking and get to Horn Head walking or on a bike, then close the loop getting back to the parking from the east side road. Taking this hiking alternative, you will increase your adventure to approx 10 - 13 km. The claim is steep, but having a slow pace will give you more opportunities to enjoy the views.

Don't forget your hat and windproof jacket.

If you plan to stay enjoying the views for a while, take a windproof jacket and a hat. You will be standing right on the Atlantic Ocean, with a chance of cold wind.