Day Trip around Inishowen Peninsula

The weekend arrived with some fine weather so there was no excuse not to get out and enjoy our amazing countryside.

On Saturday we headed off around the Inishowen Peninsula on our monthly family day trip, nothing planned we just drove along and wondered what hidden treasures we might find.

We were joined by my sister J and her husband Mr D who are becoming part of our monthly trips.

And treasures we did find.

Beautiful scenery, nature in it's purest form, lots of laughs and precious time with family.

Our first stop was Greencastle, a fishing port on the north coast of the county.

We went to see the castle which is called Greencastle or Northburg. 

It was built in 1305 by Richard de Burgh, the Red Earl of Ulster and according to a brochure I have about it, the castle was the greatest castle enterprise in Donegal. 

Although today very little remains of the building, there is so much history here you have to step back and try and imagine the castle in all it's glory.

I would say it was a truly magnificent sight coming up the shore.

We then drove further on through Greencastle taking in the breathtaking views and very impressive houses. 

Mr P and me saw some very interesting old ruins and decided if we ever win the lottery we will buy one, renovate it and live here - I dream on.

We stumbled upon the Shrove Lighthouse and when we got out of the car to take some photos walked on toward the beach.

I wasn't expecting the view on the other side, this is where Lough Foyle meets the wild Atlantic and is a very beautiful beach.

We were so taken with this place that we just sat down and enjoyed the views, Mr P and our Inbetweener had a great time messing around, spending some father and son time.

The Little Fella enjoyed being out in the fresh air and was quite happy to just sit with everyone else taking it all in.

Such a tranquil place we could have stayed here all day.

Our next hidden treasure is called Kinnagoe Bay which is hidden by a very steep hill. When you are driving along you don't expect to find this secluded little beach.

 The view from the hill was stunning and although the drive down to it was almost vertical it was worth it.

This is where the Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera was shipwrecked in 1588.

Crashing waves, seashells, writing in the sand, we played and joked around, there is a real sense of romance here.

I took the Little Fella down to the waters edge and he loved the waves coming crashing in, we had to run back a few times as they came so fast.

It's lovely hearing him giggle.

We had a very nice lunch in Culdaff at a hotel called McGrory's. 

Child friendly and good food. 

Mr P and me shared a lemon meringue pie for dessert and it's the best I've had.

We finished our day at Banba's Crown, Malin Head.

This is the most northerly point of the whole island of Ireland and has the most gorgeous rugged coastline.

When you stand on the rocks here with the wind blowing through your hair it's raw and refreshing.

Life doesn't get any better than this.

This is the kind of day you want to bottle up and store away, it's good for the soul.

Hope your weekend was great too xxx

Joining in with Country Kids from Coombe Mill click on the badge to pop over and have a look at some of the other wonderful adventures.