The Inishowen Peninsula is Ireland's most northerly land mass. There you will find some of the most magnificent unspoiled scenery the island has to offer.
Today I thought I might share some photos I took of Doagh Beach, on the western coast of Inishowen.
Summer in Ireland
We visited on a bright, sunny day in mid-summer. We found a secluded, unspoiled beach.
An inlet of the Atlantic ocean flows into the cove, separating this beach from Five Fingers Strand.
The view is breathtaking and the Wild Atlantic Way lives up to all its scenic expectations.
Not even a footprint marked the soft sands.
Well, not until we arrived to leave our marks,
And bounce rocks across the waters. Skipping stones is a favorite family pastime for my crew.
This is truly God's country, hidden in an unspoiled, majestic landscape.
My kids are looking forward to their trip to Ireland next year. They often ask if they can go back to the empty beach to throw rocks into the water. Oh, the joys of childhood memories.
Doagh Strand in County Donegal
Here is the view from the opposite side of the peninsula, looking down on Five Fingers Strand and across the waters to Doagh Beach. In typical Irish fashion the weather changed within a matter of hours.
The beautiful blue skies we experienced during our beachside escapades, had disappeared behind a curtain of gray clouds by the time we drove around the coast to the other side.
The Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal may seem out of the way to many tourists, but if you love scenic driving trips, this northerly Irish headland is a must-see.
Plus here's a bonus for jigsaw enthusiasts. You might like to try your hand at an online jigsaw puzzle featuring Doagh Strand.
Perhaps you have a favorite Irish beach. You can check out my thoughts on the best beaches in Ireland here.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
Genealogy
- Irish Family Crests: An Easy Step by Step Guide
- World Village Playset Ireland Giveaway
- Introducing Histories In The Making
- Introducing Fields of Rye By Des Garvin
Ireland - County By County
- County Sligo Land of Heart's Desire
- County Roscommon
- County Offaly - The Heart of Ireland
- County Monaghan - A Land of Lakes and Drumlins
Brian Deeney
Hi Mairead
Lovely set of photos of Doagh beach, brings back memories for me too (even though I live just down the road in Derry) - did you visit the famine village while you were there?
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - We did indeed take the tour of the Famine Village while were there. It was an amazing and informative experience. When I was looking through my photos I wondered why I had so few pictures of the Famine Village, and then I remembered my triplets were just four at the time. I spent the whole tour watching them like a hawk, and saying "Don't touch that." My kids loved the safe house. They went in and out of the hidden rooms, over and over again. By the time we finished they were experts on all the hidden nooks and crannies. Thanks for stopping by and take care.
Mairead
Cheryl Barker
Sometimes it's those out of the way places that hold the best surprises -- not to mention the treasured memories!
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - We have many treasured memories of our trips to Ireland. It is lovely for my little American kids to know where their ancestors came from, but also to experience Ireland like few tourists ever see it.
Have a great week,
Mairead
Lisa
Your photos are great! I agree sometimes getting off the beaten path is well worth the trip.
Irish American Mom
Lisa - Next time I make it home to Ireland I hope to find more of these out-of-the-way spots. I must remember to pack my camera. Most of my current photos are of Donegal and Dublin, since these are the two counties we visit most on our trips.
Here in Kentucky, where I live, I have found many beautiful state parks and places to visit which are off the beaten track. There are hidden treasures just waiting to be explored every where.
Take care,
Mairead
Catherine Drea
An area that gets very little exposure. What magical photos you have shared to remind us to go a bit further and explore a bit more:~))
Irish American Mom
Catherine - So true. The Inishowen Peninsula is seldom visited by American tourists. Most think of the southern parts of the island and famous tourists spots like the Ring of Kerry when planning their trips to Ireland. Getting off the beaten track can reveal some of Ireland's hidden treasures. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mairead
Brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, Ah Donegal a beautiful part of the world, I suspect you may still find a few revelers left over from the big game scattered around the area ,
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - The celebrations were mighty in Donegal this week. My husband was actually home in Letterkenny for the final. He said the whole county was cheering. Donegal won the All-Ireland twenty years ago, when we got married, so I told my husband they'll probably repeat their great feat every twenty years.
All the best!
Mairead