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Top Reasons to Visit Inishowen

Welcome to Inishowen, a stunning peninsula located in the northernmost part of County Donegal in Ireland! Inishowen is a hidden gem that is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for an authentic Irish experience. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Inishowen.

Morning Sun touches Inishowen (Photograph by Dave Johnston, Your Shot).jpg

Scenery

Inishowen is known for its breathtakingly natural scenery, from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to rolling hills and tranquil lakes. One of the best ways to explore the peninsula is by driving the Inishowen 100, a scenic route that takes you through some of the area's most beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you can stop at viewpoints, beaches, and historical sites.

History

Inishowen has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. The peninsula is home to numerous ancient monuments, including megalithic tombs, stone circles, and standing stones. One of the most impressive is the Grianán of Aileach, an ancient hill fort that dates back to the Iron Age. The peninsula is also famous for its collection of O’Dochartaigh Castles!

An Grianan (Gareth Wray).jpg
Image by Morgan Lane

Culture

Inishowen is a hub of Irish culture, with a vibrant traditional music scene, festivals, and events throughout the year. The peninsula is home to several traditional music pubs, where you can enjoy live music and dancing. Inishowen is also home to the annual Seafood Festival, which celebrates the area's rich fishing heritage.

Pouring a Pint

Outdoor Activities

Inishowen is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities on offer. You can hike or bike along the many trails, including the Inishowen Way, which is a 31-mile trail that takes you through some of the area's most beautiful landscapes. You can also enjoy water sports, including kayaking and surfing, or take a scenic boat trip along the coast.

Image by Kay Liedl

Food and Drink

Inishowen is home to a range of delicious local produce, including fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and craft beers. You can sample these at the area's many restaurants and cafes, or visit one of the local farmers' markets to pick up some ingredients to cook for yourself.

Inishowen is home to a vibrant local community, who are always happy to share their culture and hospitality with visitors. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, history, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Inishowen has something for everyone. We are delighted to have you here, and we hope you enjoy your stay!

The O'Doherty Heritage website is designed to be your place for all things Ó Dochartaigh. Whether your name or ancestry is from a Doherty, Dougherty, Daugherty, Docherty, Dogherty, if your family used another spelling of our name, or if you're from one of our related County Donegal families, such as the McDevitt/McDaid, McBride, McConlogue, or others–we welcome you to the O'Doherty Heritage website!

The vision of the O'Doherty Heritage is "Telling our story, uniting us together." This was the same vision of our ancestors, the Ó Dochartaigh patriarchs, when they established our clann motto, Ár nDúthchas–which means 'Our Heritage'. Below are the goals of O'Doherty Heritage:

TELLING OUR STORY:

  • Share our heritage with our entire clann

  • Research, document, & bring our history to life

  • Curate a digital clann genealogy research library

UNITING US TOGETHER:

  • Encourage quality genealogical research

  • Promote clann identity and pride in our heritage

  • Facilitate communication amongst our clanfolk

 

This site is curated by Will Dougherty III in coordination with the Association of Ó Dochartaighs. ©2024 O'Doherty Heritage. Site Policies. Email hello[at]odohertyheritage.org.

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