If you’re near Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula, don’t hesitate to head for the northernmost tip. Known as Banba’s Crown, the site takes the form of a steep, rocky expanse flirting with the ocean. It boasts an imposing 1805 tower overlooking the cliffs. The magnificent setting offers some of the finest views in County Donegal. Nature reigns majestically here, making you feel very small in the face of such immensity!
Malin Head – © Shawn
The name “Banba’s Crown” has its origins in Celtic myths. Banba was one of the three sovereign queens of Ireland, along with her sisters Ériu and Fódla. According to legend, when the Milesians (ancestors of the modern Irish) arrived on the island, each queen asked them to baptize the country in her honor. Ériu eventually became the official name (Éire in Irish), but Banba remained anchored in the memory of the place.
In addition to its mythical history, Banba’s Crown has historical and scientific significance. In 1805, a meteorological station was built here by the British Admiralty.
It played a key role in the collection of meteorological data for almost two centuries.
In the meantime, however, the tower was converted into a signal station (Lloyds Signal Tower). Its mission was to ensure communication between approaching ships and the coast, while providing military defense of the area.
All around are concrete sheds, once used by the Irish army as lookout posts during the Second World War.
If you love the ocean in all its fury and primal beauty, then Banba’s Crown is literally the highlight of the Malin Head show!
Magnificent, the site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cliffs and ocean. From left to right, you can admire the hills of Inishowen, Dunaff Head, Fanad Head lighthouse, Horn Head and Tory Island. Add to this a view of Muckish Mountain and Errigal Mountain, and you’ll understand just how much of Ireland’s wilderness this is!
Note that the site is equipped with coin-operated telescopes: perfect for admiring the scenery with precision.
In fact, it’s reputed to be a great place to watch the Northern Lights in winter!
Once you’ve immortalized the view, don’t hesitate to take a walk on the cliffs (be careful, not too close to the edge. There are no safety barriers and the wind can be dangerous!)
You’ll then come across the Lloyds Signal Tower, built in 1805. Colossal and imposing, it once served as a weather station and communications hub for the British.
A few old WWII lookout posts have survived. They’re one of the local attractions!
Don’t hesitate to take a stroll. The buildings seem to have frozen in time and space. They alone bear witness to Ireland’s turbulent past.
Although partially in ruins, these structures add historical charm to this natural landscape.
A stone’s throw away is Hell’s Hole, a natural chasm where ocean waters crash forcefully against the cliffs! It’s enough to make you feel very small in the face of the power of the ocean.
We warn you: sometimes the force of the sea spray is such that you’ll come out rather wet!
Nearby, don’t miss the Malin Head lighthouse, another point of interest, and the rock formations that tell geological stories from millions of years ago.
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Rates : free of charge
Opening hours :
every day
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