Donegal Bay Drive

Bundoran Ô Ballyshannon Ô Creevy Pier Ô Rossnowlagh Ô Murvagh Ô Lough Derg & Pettigo Ô Donegal Town Ô Mountcharles Ô Inver Ô Dunkineely Ô

Bruckless Ô Killybegs Ô Kilcar Ô Carrick Ô Teelin Ô Malin Beg Ô Malinmore Ô Glencolmcolumbkille Ô Glengesh Pass Ô Ardara and return.

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Sliabh Liag

scenic

touring route1Donegal Bay is touched by many different features and routes. Thewild scenery and the central highlands are a feature of thisspectacular drive. Every turn provides a spectacular view. Thisfascinating drive includes Slieve League, which are the highestmarine cliffs in Europe rising over 606m above the ocean, bustlingmarket towns, wild, primitive and historic glens. Also included is adetour to the ancient pilgrimage centre on Lough Derg.It is journey, which can easily occupy a full day.

Touring Highlights

BUNDORANAn ideal seaside resort with something foreveryone whatever their age or interest.

EU Blue Flag BeachGame angling centreSurfingDonegal Adventure Centre and Surf School Tel: 071 9842418Waterworld. Indoor aqua adventure playground for children of all ages. Tel: 071 9841172Bundoran Seaweed Baths and RelaxariumBundoran. Tel: 071 9841172Bundoran 6 Screen Cineplex Tel: 071 9829999

BALLYSHANNONBallyshannon is the oldest town in Ireland andis the birthplace of Allingham the poet androck guitarist Rory Gallagher.

Walking Tour of BallyshannonGame Angling CentreHandcrafted Pottery-Celtic Weave Tel: 071 9851844 Donegal Parian China Tel: 071 9851826Ballyshannon Cinema Tel: 071 9852928Abbey Assaroe Mill Wheel Tel: 071 9851580

CREEVYCreevy is situated on the edge of the AtlanticOcean, looking into Donegal Bay andsurrounded by the Hills of Donegal.

Deep Sea Angling - An Dúanaí Mara. Tel: 071 9852896AnglingKilbarron Castle

ROSSNOWLAGHSet in a 4km crescent of golden sand, it ispopular for all kinds of watersports, boardsailing, surfing and water skiing.

Franciscan Friary & Museum. Tel: 071 9851342EU Blue Flag BeachSurfing / Board Sailing

MURVAGHThis townland boasts the magnificent Donegal Golf Club which lies along the Atlantic between Ballintra and Donegal Town.

National Blue Flag beach

LOUGH DERG & PETTIGOSituated between Lough Erne and Lough Derg,Pettigo is a picturesque village on the edge ofCounties Donegal and Fermanagh ideal forwalking and angling. The island of Lough Dergattracts over 30,000 annually it is a popularcatholic pilgrimage site. Tel: 071 9861518

DONEGAL TOWNSituated at the point where the River Eskeflows into Donegal Bay this bustling smalltown is still very popular and an ideal basefrom which to explore the south and west ofthe County.

Magees on the Diamond Tel: 074 9722660Donegal Castle Tel: 074 9722405Donegal Craft Village Tel: 074 9722225 Donegal Railway Heritage Centre Tel: 074 9722655Kevin Sharkey That Gallery Tel: 074 9725898Waterbus Donegal Town: 074 9723666Tourist Office : 074 9721148

MOUNTCHARLESOverlooking the broad expanse of Donegal Bayand associated with the folklorist and writerSeamus McManus Mountcharles is apicturesque seaside village.

Sea Angling Centre

INVERA noted game angling centre with a finebeach.

BeachGame Angling

DUNKINEELYSet on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, thisvillage is close to the very scenic peninsula,rich in wildlife, which leads to St. John’sPoint.

BeachLighthouse, St. John’s PointExotic flora, St. John’s Point

BRUCKLESSA small village with excellent reputation forit’s traditional music and food.

KILLYBEGSA lively fishing town with Ireland’s largest fleetof trawlers, it is a bustling town where localand foreign ships tower over the quayside

St. Catherine’s Church 16th Centurytomb slab National Blue Flag BeachFintragh Bay

KILCAR & CARRICKThe Kilcar and Carrick area maybe describedas a painters paradise with its mountainsvalleys, beaches and bays.

Studio Donegal, Kilcar is home to Donegal Tweeds and Hand knits Tel: 074 9738194Tuna Charters: Tel: 074 9738377Aislann Chill Charta (Theatre) Tel: 074 97388376

TEELINScenic views, Slieve League Marine CliffsBunglasSea anglingNuala Star Teelin boat Trips. Tel: 074 9739365

MALINBEG/MALINMOREThese villages near Glencolmcille have wildscenery and dramatic cliffs with fine sandybeaches.

Trabane (Silver Strand)Glenmalin Court CairnTweeds and hand knitsOutdoor activity centre

GLENCOLUMBKILLENamed after St. Colm Cille Glencolmcille islocated in the scenically splendid Sliabh Liagpeninsula. This area is renowned for itswealth of traditional culture, music andprehistoric settlements.

Oideas Gael - Irish language and cultural courses. Tel: 074 9730248Kenneth King Paintings. Tel: 074 9730126

MAGHERAThe Maghera Caves are located hereaccessible by walking along dazzling silverbeach.

Assaranca FallsMaghera CavesBeach

PORTA wild remote hamlet near which is Ireland’shighest Tromore Sea Stack.

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Donegal Bay Waterbus

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Ardara to theBluestacks

Touring Highlights

ARDARAHeritage Town and a major centre for themanufacture of hand-woven tweed.

Sandfield Pitch n Putt. Tel: 074 9541344Stephen Bennett Artist- A professional fine art painter based in Ardara. Tel: 074 9541652Triona Design - Family run shop specialising in Donegal Tweed Tel: 074 9541422

ROSBEGA lovely resort village and an angling centreboasting a couple of fine sandy beaches.

Kiltorris LoughDawros Bay Beach

NARIN/PORTNOOAn ideal spot for golfing and fishing with an18-hole golf course and numerous lakes andrivers on the doorstep. The area also boasts adolmen centre and a blue flag beach. Twinresort towns with magnificent beach.

Blue Flag Beach

KILCLOONEYThere are a number of megalithic sitesnotably the kilclooney Dolmen located hereincluding two portal tombs and the remains ofa court tomb.

Dolmen Eco Tourism Centre- Is the first green energy centre in the Republic of Ireland and feature wind turbine, heat pump,Solar Panels etc. Tel: 074 9541444

GLENTIESGlenties is the most prolific winner of the

National Tidy Town competition. This is a townwhich is set against a backdrop of beautifulmountains scenery.

St. Conal’s Museum - fascinating local history record.

FINTOWNA small village overlooking a lovely lake in thevalley of the River Finn.

Fintown Railway - The only operational gauge railway in Donegal and you can enjoy a four mile return trip that will take you along side Lough Finn. Tel: 074 9546128

BALLYBOFEY / STRANORLARSituated on the banks of the River Finn thesetwin villages are linked by an arched bridgeare popular with anglers, golfers and shoppersalike.

Game Angling Centre

Balor Theatre Tel: 074 9130424McElhinneys Department StoreTel: 074 9131217 www.mcelhinneys.ieDrumboe Woods

BARNESMORE GAPThe mountains of Barnsmore andCroaghconnellagh stand like lofty sentinelseach side of this impressive gateway betweennorthern and southern Donegal.

Scenic Drive

LOUGH ESKELough Eske is a few miles to the north ofDonegal Town and is surrounded by themajestic Blue Stack Mountains. Follow theLough Eske drive, try some trout angling orvisit Ardnamona Gardens.

Ardnamona WoodScenic Route

Ardara Ô Rosbeg Ô Portnoo/Narin Ô Kilclooney Ô Glenties Ô Fintown Ô Ballybofey/Stranorlar Ô Barnesmore Gap Ô Lough Eske Ô Frosses Ô Ardara

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Glengesh Pass

scenic

touring route2A small, but exquisitely beautiful coastal peninsula with twinresorts is included on this drive which otherwise features theBluestack Mountains and the glens and passes which cross thecounty east and west.

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The Rosses &Gweedore

Touring Highlights

DUNGLOECapital of the Rosses and is a lively town,Dungloe is known all over Ireland and furtherafield as the one time home of the Mary FromDungloe and the festival called after her.

Tourist Office Tel: 074 9521297Game Angling CentrePitch & PuttIonad Teampall CroineLibrary Tel: 074 9522124

BURTONPORTA fishing port in the western Gaeltacht whereyou embark for the island of Arranmore.

Ferry Service to Arranmore Island on daily basis all year round Tel: 074 9520532Deep Sea Angling Centre

CRUIT ISLANDA bridge joins this scenic island to themainland and is noted for its wildfowlsanctuary. Whether or not you play golf a tripto the Island is highly recommended.

KINCASSLAGHHome to the popular famous Irish SingerDaniel O’Donnell.

CARRICKFINNSmall village with a wildlife sanctuary andhome to Donegal Airport with services toDublin and Prestwich (Glasgow). Tel: 074 9548284

Wildlife sanctuaryDonegal Airport

ANNAGRY / CROLLYAnnagry is a beautiful village situated in theheart of the Irish speaking Rosses.Crolly is home to the famous singing groupsClannad , Altan and the singer Enya. Call intothe family pub Leo’s Tavern & enjoy thedisplays of gold and platinum recordscelebrating their achievements. Leo’s Tel: 074 9548143

Crolly Dolls -This company that haveintroduced the new generation of the world famous Crolly Doll, first made in Donegalin 1939. Tel: 074 9548466

GWEEDORE / BUNBEG / DERRYBEGThese three towns are so close they could bemistaken as one.

Game Angling Centre- BunbegDonegal Coastal Cruises-Ferry service to Tory Island from Bunbeg Pier.Tel: 074 9531320/9531340Beach-BunbegCraft Shops-DerrybegGola Island Ferry-Ferry trips to Gola IslandTel: 087 2474146

BLOODY FORELANDBloody foreland derived its name from thecolour of the rock on this scenic headland.Breath taking scenic drive

MEENLARAGHGaeltacht village with ferry service to ToryIsland. Tel: 074 9531320/9531340

GORTAHORKAn attractive resort village on the shores ofBallyness Bay.

Maggie Dan’s - local theatre entertainmentTel: 074 9165630

DUNLEWEYDominated by Errigal Mountain, Donegal’shighest mountain reaching over 752 metersthis tiny village overlooks two lovely lakeswhich run the length of the village.

Ionad Cois Locha Tel: 074 9531699

GLENVEAGHGlenveagh National Park- 16,000 hectares ofmountains, lakes, woods and wild bog. Thepark has a visitor centre, you can take a tourof Glenveagh Castle, which was built in 1870,and the castle gardens are among the finestin Ireland. Restaurant & Tea room available.Tel: 074 9137090

CHURCHILLLocated on the shores of Lough Gartan thislively village has homely pubs and is ideal foractivity enthusiasts.

Colmcille Heritage Centre - An exhibition featuring the life and times of St. ColmcilleTel: 074 9137036Gartan Outdoor Education CentreTel: 074 9137032

Dungloe Ô Burtonport Ô Cruit Island Ô Kincasslagh Ô Carrickfinn Ô Annagry/Crolly Ô Bunbeg/Derrybeg/Gweedore Ô Bloody Foreland ÔMeenlaragh Ô Gortahork Ô Dunlewey Ô Glenveagh Ô Churchill Ô Return to Dungloe

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Crolly river

scenic

touring route3The Gaeltacht is a generic term for areas in Ireland where theIrish Language is the first Language of the people and the socialand the cultural traditions associated with this linguistic traditionare safeguarded.

The heart of Gaelic speaking Donegal, the county’s two highestpeaks and the glorious Glenveagh National Park in theDerryveagh Mountains are the major features on this drive.

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Fanad Peninsula toSheephaven Bay

Touring Highlights

LETTERKENNYLetterkenny is the largest town in Donegal andtakes its name from the Gaelic Irish “LeitirCeannain” meaning hillside of the O’Cannon’s.

St. Eunans CathedralCounty Museum Tel: 074 9124613 Admission freeTourist Office - Open all year, selling the best of Irish souvenirs. Tel: 074 9121160Cinema - The ultimate 6-screen cinema experience Tel: 074 9125050Craic Pots - Ceramic Painting for all agesTel: 074 9125996Arena 7 - Ten Pin Bowling, Wayne’s WorldTel: 074 9128853Jungle King - State of the art indoor activitycentre newly opened for children up to the age of 12. Tel: 074 9177731Old Foundry Paintball Games - Extremely popular sport, offering 3 varied and exciting playing areas. Tel: 074 9128086Town ParkLeisure Centre Tel: 074 9125251An Grianán Theatre -North West’s premier entertainment venue. Tel: 074 9120777Pitch n Putt. Tel:074 9125688Newmills Flax and Corn Mills – features a restored mill, parts of which are 300-400 years old. Tel: 074 9125115

RAMELTONIs a scenic village set along the banks of theriver Lennon.

Heritage Town

County Genealogical Centre Tel: 074 9151266Game Angling CentreKillydonnell Friary

RATHMULLANRathmullan is a popular seaside resort, whichwell remembered for the historical Flight ofthe Earls.

Lough Swilly Ferry to Buncrana Tel: 074 9381901Flight Of the Earls Heritage Centre Tel: 074 9158131Blue Flag BeachSea Angling – Rathmullan Charters Tel: 074 9155080Pitch and Putt

PORTSALONPortsalon is home to Ballymastocker Bay,which is alongside a EU blue flag beachrecently ‘voted the most beautiful beach in theworld’

Scenic Views

FANAD HEADLocated at the top of the Fanad Scenic Driveis the scenic Fanad Head. From the groundsof the attractive lighthouse you can see therugged horn of Dunaff Head across the Bay.

LighthouseScenic Views

MILFORDMilford lies at the foot of Mulroy Bay and ispopular fishing centre for the river Lennon andLough Fern.

Game Angling CentreBunlin Glen Waterfalls & Forest Walks

CARRIGART / DOWNINGS / ROSAPENNA & ROSGUILLThe Rosguill Peninsula, which projects out intothe Atlantic between Sheephaven and MulroyBay, offers some of the most spectacularviews in all of Ireland. Seeing is believing…travel along the scenic Atlantic Drive and seefor yourself. Carrigart is a picturesque villageand Downings is the main fishing Village.

National Blue Flag BeachTweed ShopMevagh Dive Centre-Mevagh Dive Centre is Donegal's first purpose built Dive Centre andIreland's newest. Tel: 074 9154708Sea Angling-Michael McVeighTel: 074 9155080

CREESLOUGHAttractively situated at the head ofSheephaven Bay.

Doe Castle- This MacSuibhne castle is protected on three sides by the sea.Ards Forest Park- Ards Forest Park is probably the most beautiful and certainly the most varied of Ireland's Forest Parks.Tel: 074 9121139

MARBLE HILL / PORTNABLAGH &DUNFANAGHYThis scenic resort area with Killyhoey beachfringing the Atlantic is a major centre forbrown trout anglers and special interestholidays. Follow the Horn Head drive where

you will get a real sence of the power of thesea and the resilience of the land.

Blue Flag BeachThe Workhouse - Tel: 074 9136540The Gallery - Tel: 074 9136224Horn Head Scenic DriveDiveology-Learn and explore with Diveology Tel: 086 8095737

FALCARRAGHA lively town on the edge of the Gaelicspeaking area of west Donegal. A good basefrom which to tackle the climb up MuckishMountain.

Church and High CrossAn tSean Bheairic - Tel: 074 9180888

MUCKISH GAPThe slate-grey mass of Muckish Mountaindominates the view as you drive along thewindy roads of Muckish Mountain.

KILMACRENNANLocated on the banks of the River Lurgy withgame angling, Kilmacrennan and nearby DoonWell where the water has curative propertiesand Doon Rock where chieftains wereinaugurated in the 13th to 17th centuries hasmany associations with the O’Donnell clan.

Letterkenny Ô Ramelton Ô Rathmullan Ô Portsalon Ô Fanad Head Ô Kindrum Ô Kerrykeel Ô Milford Ô Cranford Ô Carrigart ÔRosapenna Ô Downings Ô Atlantic Drive Ô Rosguill Peninsula Ô Doe Castle Ô Creeslough Ô Ards Forest Park ÔMarble Hill Ô Portnablagh Ô Dunfanaghy Ô Horn Head Ô Falcarragh Ô Glenveagh Ô Kilmacrennan Ô Return to Letterkenny

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Fanad Lighthouse

scenic

touring route4Deep bays and spectacular peninsular scenery, an ancient Celticcastle, a rock where the O’ Donnell Chieftains were inaugurated,and a most varied and interesting forest park, are some of thefascinating attractions of this drive, presided over by massiveMuckish Mountain.

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Lackagh Bridge

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Raphoe, Grianan Ailigh & Inch Island

Letterkenny Ô Convoy Ô Killygordon Ô Castlefin Ô Lifford Ô Raphoe Ô Newtowncunningham Ô Grianan Ailigh Ô Burt Ô Bridgend ÔBurnfoot Ô Inch Island and return.

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Views over Lough Swilly

scenic

touring route5

A tour, starting in Letterkenny and passing through the fertileeastern foothills of the county. This short tour incorporates adiocesan cathedral, an ancient ring fort and a wildfowl sanctuary.

Touring Highlights

CONVOYA small village east of Letterkenny.

Mallaghagarry Forest Park

KILLYGORDONExcellent stretch of the River Finn above andbelow Killygordon Bridge.

Amenity area.

CASTLEFINNLying south-west of Lifford, this village is setamong the gentle hills and fertile land of eastDonegal

Amenity area.

LIFFORDFor centuries, Lifford has been the gateway toDonegal, set in a rich Archeological hinterland.

Lifford Courthouse-Witness re-enactments ofthe famous cases such as the Napper Tandy Trial and the Lord Leitrim Murder.Tel: 074 9141733Lifford Strabane Cineplex - 4 screen cinemaTel: 074 9141963 Cavanacor House, Pottery and Art Gallery.Greyhound Track. Tel: 074 9142766

RAPHOERaphoe is set in rich farming country, withlush hedges and low hills capped with Heatherand Gorse, with its triangular 'Diamond' is atypical 17th century Plantation town.

Beltany Stone Circle - Sixty-four of the original eighty stones remain.

St. Eunan’s Cathedral- St. Eunan's Cathedral,Raphoe is an ancient building, which stands on an even more ancient site.Mongorry Forest

BURTGrianán Aileach-Stone Fort- This fort ortemple dates back to 1,7000 BC as a templeto the pre-Celt God, Dagda. This place is alsoclosely associated with Niall of the NineHostages, two of whose three sons, Conall andEoghan give their name to the areas of CountyDonegal we know as Tirconnall and InishowenBurt Castle: This castle which was one of theclan O’ Dochertaigh’s strongholds in Inishowenand is one of the best known of all our castleslying as it does near the main Derry ToLetterkenny road.

BRIDGENDStart of the Inishowen 100 scenic Drive

BURNFOOTIf you thought that the view from the top ofGrianan Aileach were spectacular, this villageis the starting point of an even highermountain road. Scalp Mountain Scenic Drive-highestaccessible point in Donegal by car. Tel: 074 9368179

INCH ISLANDSituated on the Southwest corner ofInishowen lies Inch Island, while the name ofthe place is Inch Island, it is in fact attachedto the mainland by a wide causeway. It is anexcellent place for bird watching.

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Inis Eoghain 100

Touring Highlights

BUNCRANAThe principal town and resort on the lovelyInishowen Peninsula, Buncrana boasts a 5kmsandy beach.

Tourist Office-Seasonal Tel: 074 9362600Leisure Centre Tel: 074 9361000Game AnglingSwan Park Tullyarvan Mill – A textile Museum Tel: 074 9361613National Knitting Centre: a centre of excellence of the cottage industry in Ireland.Tel: 074 9362355Blue Flag Beach FahanCar Ferry from Buncrana to Rathmullan

NED’S POINT & DUNREEFort Dunree Military Museum. Tel: 074 9361817Ned’s Point FortViewpoint, Mamore Gap

CLONMANYThis lovely village lies beside a riveroverlooked and sheltered by mountains.

Glendowen Exclusive Design: hand crafted Donegal Tweed. Tel: 07493 76265BeachTullagh Bay

BALLYLIFFINA Golfers Paradise.

Pollan StrandDoagh Visitor’s centre: This outdoor museumtells the story of life in this area in the 1970’s going back to the famine in the 1940’s. During the months of November and December the village becomes Lapland with Santa arriving down the chimney. Tel: 074 9378078

CARNDONAGHThis Inishowen Peninsula contains a largecattle market and agriculture co-operative,which serves the many farmers for milesaround.

8th Century Cross & Carved Stone

MALINThe first item of interest to look out for as younear this village is its unique 10 arched stonebridge believed to be the only one of its kindin the country. Over a period of forty yearsthis town has been in the winning top ten ofIreland’s tidiest towns and has won out righton two occasions.

Chartered Sea Angling: Inishowen Boating company Tel: 07493 70605Five Finger Strand

MALIN HEADThis spectacular headland is Ireland’s mostnortherly point.

Bamba’s CrownFor the adventurous Walker there is the ‘wee house of Malin and the rock formation ‘hells hole’.

CULDAFFThe Culdaff area is rich in historical sites fromthe monastic churches of Cloncha andCarrowmore to the enigmatic stone circle atBocan and the Megalithic Tombs at Deen andCare.

Birthplace of Charles Macklin, the celebrated18th century actor, who was born in 1690.Blue Flag BeachSea Angling CentreCarrowmore High Crosses

KINNAGOE BAYA plaque at Kinnogoe bay tells the tail of thesinking of the La Trindad Valencera, whichbroke her back in the bay. Superb views ofvalleys and moor lands with intermittentglimpses of sea.

STROOVEPort-a-Doris Strand leads to a cave through a lovely natural arch.LighthousePicnic SiteCliff Walks

GREENCASTLEA commercial fishing port and a mostattractive resort.

Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium. Tel: 074 9381363Lough Foyle Ferry- Ferry crossing from Greencastle to Magilligan Tel: 074 9381901

MOVILLEThis busy scenic town is situated in awonderful location along the banks of LoughFoyle.

PromenadeMoville GreenCooley Cross

REDCASTLERedcastle is a small village overlooking LoughFoyle with nice coastal walks.

Leisureland Redcastle- One of Ireland’s leading indoor heated fun parks, catering forchildren of all ages. Tel: 074 9382306Yacht Club

MUFFA rural village amid the hills of the InishowenPeninsula.

FAHANSt. Mura's Abbey stands at the entrance tothe village of Fahan and in the graveyard isthe ancient St. Mura's cross (8th cent.) aceltic cross etched on a village steeped inhistory with its newly completed Lough SwillyMarina - Tel: 074 9360008

Buncrana Ô Ned’s Point /Dunree Ô Dunaff Ô Clonmany Ô Ballyliffin Ô Carndonagh Ô Malin Ô Malin Head Ô Culdaff Ô Ballymagaraghy ÔKinnagoe Bay Ô Stroove Ô Greencastle Ô Moville Ô Redcastle Ô Muff Ô Burnfoot Ô Fahan Ô Return to Buncrana

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Fort Dunree

scenic

touring route6It may sound like a Formula 1 race, but it gets its name fromthe approximate distance in miles of the signposted drive, which officially starts in Bridgend on the Inishowen Peninsula. You willcertainly not wish to break any speed records as you linger andsavour the many scenic and historical gems which Inishowen, the biggest of the Donegal peninsulas, has to offer.

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Malin Head

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