Malin Head is the island's most northerly point — a windswept Donegal headland of sea cliffs, the 1805 Banba's Crown signal tower and long Atlantic views. Entry is free and it is open all day.
The landmark at the tip is the signal tower built in 1805 by Lloyd's during the Napoleonic Wars, later a coastguard radio station. From the cliff-top car park look north-east to Inishtrahull Island and its lighthouse, and east to the Scottish hills on a clear day.
A 750 m coastal path west of Banba's Crown leads to Hell's Hole, a chasm about 250 ft long, 8 ft wide and 100 ft deep where the tide rushes in with a thunderous roar; the Devil's Bridge natural arch is nearby. Ground is rocky, uneven and slippery, so stay on the marked path and back from the edge.
Basking sharks and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted from the shoreline viewpoints, along with seals, porpoise and minke whales. Autumn is best for migrating gannets, shearwaters and skuas, and this is one of the few places in Europe where you may hear the elusive corncrake.
Below Banba's Crown to the east lies Ballyhillin, a raised beach of scientific importance where semi-precious stones such as opal, jasper, amethyst, cornelian and topaz are most likely to be found.
Esky Bay and Scheildren stood in for the planet Ahch-To in The Last Jedi. Guided Star Wars walking tours run at Banba's Crown; Wild Alpaca Way eco tours, kayaking and rock climbing are also booked locally.
Malin Head is the end point of the Wild Atlantic Way and sits on the 100-mile Inishowen 100 coastal loop. Approach along the coast road past Lagg for the huge dunes and views over Five Fingers Strand.
When aurora is forecast, Inishowen's dark, open skies give near-perfect conditions, and the headland is a noted viewpoint for the aurora borealis.
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