Lookout Point Horn Head

Lookout Point Horn Head
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About

A wild Atlantic headland north of Dunfanaghy, where quartzite cliffs rise to about 180m and a short walk on open bog leads to the old signal tower and a 360° panorama from Tory Island to Malin Head.

Things to Do

Cliff-top panorama

Climb about 100m to the little lookout post for a 360° view: Tory Island out to sea, Malin Head to the right, the Rosguill Peninsula, then Muckish and Errigal inland.

Cliff-top panorama

Dunfanaghy and the beaches

The headland has no food or toilets, so head ten minutes back down the road to Dunfanaghy for restaurants and shops; Killahoey Strand and Marble Hill are close by for a post-walk stroll.

Dunfanaghy and the beaches

Drive the Horn Head Drive

A narrow, single-track loop from Dunfanaghy threads around the headland past several pull-in viewpoints; from one of them you can count six beaches. Drive slowly and be ready to reverse for oncoming cars.

Walk to the old signal tower

From the Lookout Point car park an informal path runs 30 to 40 minutes over bog and heather to the weathered tower at the cliff edge. There is no marked trail, the ground is wet and uneven, so wear waterproof boots and keep well back from the edge.

McSwyne's Gun blowhole

On the west side of the peninsula this blowhole once forced seawater 60 to 90m into the air; erosion has tamed it, so manage your expectations. Keep well back from the edge and the spray.

Seabirds on the cliffs

The cliffs are an internationally important seabird colony: European shag, razorbill, guillemot and kittiwake breed here, fulmars work the sheltered ledges, and a few puffins appear in summer. Bring binoculars.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Open year-round, with no set opening hours.
  • Admission: Free — there is no entrance fee.
  • Parking: Two small car parks — the Discovery Point car park and the Lookout Point car park — at the end of the narrow access road. Both fill fast in summer.
  • Food: None on the headland. Dunfanaghy, roughly ten minutes back down the road, has restaurants, cafés and shops (the Rusty Oven is a local favourite).

Getting Around

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