How to Visit Malin Head
Read our travel guide on Malin Head in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Malin Head is a top attraction in County Donegal, and there are several reasons why you should visit this incredible place.
It's rugged, remote, and beautiful, and despite the constantly changing weather conditions, it offers a very peaceful experience.
However, the main draw of Malin Head is that it's the most northerly point in Ireland.
For us, traveling between Malin Head and Mizen Head, the northernmost and southernmost points of Ireland, was an incredible experience.
And reaching this remote point, known as Banba's Crown, marked a huge milestone on our journey along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Our Ireland road trip was a spontaneous decision that left us without enough time to plan our itinerary with care.
Back home, we were unsure whether we would have enough time to drive around the entire island.
When we finally reached Malin Head, we knew it would be possible.
So here's everything you should know about Malin Head before you go.
What to See and Do
Compared to some popular destinations in Ireland, such as Kylemore Abbey or Kerry Cliffs, the first impression of Malin Head is a bit basic.
There is no visitor center, and you won't even find here a ticket booth, just small parking with toilets.
The former signal tower is run down, and the remains of concrete structures on the top of the hill could also use some care.
The headland is exposed to weather elements, so be prepared that it's pretty windy up there.
The experience could not be more fitting, though.
Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland's mainland, which means you can't go any further.
Despite its remote location, there are still some fun things to see and do on Malin Head, though.
Northernmost Point in Ireland
Firstly, congratulations on making it to one of Ireland's extreme points.
At first, it may appear like just a regular stop on your way around the island, but we believe it's one of those travel experiences that remain with you for years and years after the trip, and that in itself is worth it.
There is something really cool about the idea of being the most northern people in Ireland at that moment.
It's not just geography but also geology that makes Malin Head worth visiting.
The results of ancient forces that shaped Malin Head can be seen here.
The multiple layers of Ballyhillin Beach, the large sand dunes at Lagg, and some of Ireland's oldest rocks on Inishtrahull are still present around this area.
Malin Head is a really remarkable place to visit.
And if you're a Star Wars fan, note that the local landscape was also used as a backdrop for the new saga.
It features a scene from The Last Jedi movie featuring the iconic Millennium Falcon.
Marine Environment
Due to the mixing of warm ocean currents, freshwater fraining into Lough Swill and Foyle, and cooler coastal waters, the sea around Malin Head boasts unusual marine diversity.
Grey seal colonies can be found around Malin Head and Inishtrahull Island, and you can be spotted here usually in November.
Basking sharks, which can reach up to 9 meters, feed on the plankton in these waters as well.
The land and rich marine life also attract many species of migratory birds.
It's an ideal resting point before continuing their journey to the Americas. Barnacle Geese, red bills, and corn crakes breed and nest in the cliffs of Malin Head.
Signal Tower
A fairly tall signal tower dominates Ireland's most northerly point.
Together with many other watch towers, it was built in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars to help against an invasion from France.
Later, Lloyd's of London used it as a signal tower to contact offshore ships with telescopes and semaphores. Then they hired Marconi Wireless Company to set up a station in the tower.
During World War 2, it was once again used, together with concrete bunkers, for military purposes.
The tower is inaccessible for safety reasons.
Lookout Post
Only a short walk from the signal tower is a World War 2 lookout post.
This small concrete structure was operated by Irish Defence Forces and monitored the sea and air activity within the area.
You can see similar basic lookout posts in many other parts of Ireland's coast.
Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point
Malin Head is one of the most incredible Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Points you can find in Ireland.
And it's the views that will leave you speechless. The view from the viewing platform, and the area around Signal Tower and Lookout Post, is breathtaking.
On a clear day, you can see Horn Head, Dunaff Head, Tory Island, Fanad Head, and even Errigal Mountains in the west.
To the east lies the raised Ballyhillin Beach, and you may even spot the remote Inishtrahull island northeast of here.
Ballyhillin Beach
We already mentioned the interesting layers of Ballyhillin Beach that can be easily seen to the east of Banba's Crown.
This raised beach has four different stages of sea level change, and you can see glacial activity when the glaciers began to melt during the last Ice Age here.
The beach of international scientific significance is also known for its semi-precious stones, such as jasper, cornelian, or agate.
80 EIRE Sign
During World War 2, these huge stone signs were built to help the pilots to identify the neutral Irish land beneath them.
The EIRE sign at Malin Head was nicely restored and is easily visible from the trail.
There are dozens of Eire Signs dotting the Irish coast, and you can see them also at Downpatrick Head or Valentia Island.
Malin Head Trail
This easy 1-kilometer walk (each way) allows visitors to explore the Malin Head area safely.
The trail is well-maintained, easy to follow, and suitable for most people.
It starts at the main parking area and features a Signal Tower, EIRE sign, Lookout Post, and Hell's Hole.
And also some amazing views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
The trail is exposed, and it was pretty windy when we hiked there. Make sure to bring rainproof and windproof gear.
In case the weather is cold and rainy, you can stop at Farren's Bar on your way out.
This northernmost pub in Ireland is located about 4 kilometers south of Banba's Crown, and it's a great place to warm up before setting off on another adventure.
Hell's Hole
From the parking lot, follow the trail west, and you will soon come to Hell's Hole.
Here the wild waves of the Atlantic crash into a narrow chasm in the cliffs.
The thunderous sound that the waves make is quite a spectacle.
Hell's Hole marks the official end of the trail, though another beautiful viewpoint is further along the unmarked path.
Northern Lights
Did you know that Malin Head is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Ireland?
This northernmost part of Ireland is scarcely populated and has little light pollution.
Together with the entire Inishowen Peninsula or nearby Fanad Head, it's a great place for stargazing.
And from October to March, there are a few days when you can see Aurora Borealis from this area.
We visited this area on a cloudy day in May, so there was no way to see this natural phenomenon here.
Opening Hours
Malin Head can be visited at any time of the day.
If you want to avoid the summer crowds, start early or late.
And if you lucked out on the weather, the sunrise or sunset experience at Malin Head must be breathtaking.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Malin Head.
One of the best things about traveling around Ireland on a budget was that we could see so many incredible places without spending a fortune.
There are tons of amazing spots on Emerald Isle that you can explore for free, so make sure to really take advantage of it.
For inspiration, places such as the Burren, Skellig Ring, or Slea Head Drive were among our favorite free things to do in Ireland.
How Much Time Do I Need
The amount of time needed to visit Malin Head depends on individual interests, your plans, and even the current weather.
We would recommend allowing around one to two hours to walk along the coast, enjoy the views, and read all the information about the things you can see here.
Keep in mind that especially the weather will play a big part in any trip around the Inishowen Peninsula.
When to Go
Malin Head can be visited any time of the year, so it mostly depends on your personal preferences.
Thanks to warm and long days, summer is often considered the best time to visit Malin Head.
Keep in mind that the hotels are expensive during this period and are often fully booked.
The fall or springtime are also great seasons to visit the peninsula and County Donegal.
Summer crowds are gone, which means you can explore Malin Head in a more relaxed manner.
The weather during this period is a bit more unpredictable, though.
Visiting Malin Head in winter is easy, but the weather can be quite miserable in County Donegal.
Therefore, we suggest reading our guide on when to visit Ireland to find out more on this topic.
What to Pack
Here are some tips on what to wear for Malin Head.
Even if the weather is forecast to be sunny, it's always a good idea to be prepared for rain and wind.
Make sure to have a quality rain jacket or a good windbreaker in your daypack. Both are essential items on every Ireland packing list.
Even though the Malin Head trail is well-maintained, it's important to have good comfortable walking shoes that provide good support.
In summer, use sunscreen and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as there is no shade along the trail.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Malin Head is by car. There is no way around it.
Even though public transport does exist on Malin Head, it's very limited in this area.
If you plan to fully explore Inishowen Peninsula, you'll be best off renting a car in Ireland for maximum flexibility.
Don't forget that you can also visit places such as Five Finger Strand, Doagh Famine Village, and Fort Dunree which would be extremely time-consuming without a car.
The R242 that connects Malin Head with the rest of the peninsula has two lanes and is easy to navigate.
The last stretch of the road around Ballyhillin is quite narrow, though, so drive carefully. See our post featuring essential tips for driving in Ireland.
Car
Derry is the nearest city to Malin Head.
The tip of the Inishowen Peninsula can be reached in about an hour by car from there; just remember, Derry is located in Northern Ireland.
If you want to stay in the Republic of Ireland, the easiest way to reach Malin Head is from Letterkenny. The journey requires less than 90 minutes of driving.
It takes about four and a half hours to get to Malin Head from Dublin via Dundalk, Belfast, and Derry.
Galway is almost five hours south of Malin Head. You will need about two hours to get to Malin Head from Donegal Town.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is free parking at Malin Head.
The designated parking lot is very small, so visitors often leave their cars on the side of the road when it's full.
It was fairly empty at the time of our visit, but we could imagine it would be a different story on busy summer weekends.
There were also toilets in the parking lot.
Public Transport
TFI Local Link currently services route 954 between Carndonagh and Malin Head.
As mentioned above, the issue is how you plan on getting to your next destination without a car. If you want to learn more, check out our post in how to get around Ireland.
Tours
You could also take a tour to maximize your time on Inishowen Peninsula.
In fact, hiring a driver or joining a guided tour is a good alternative to a rental car.
This private tour includes Malmore Gap, Malin Head, and the Doagh Famine village and is perfect for families or people traveling in a group.
Here you can reserve an Inishowen Tour in advance.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation near Malin Head, you are spoilt for choice. You can stay directly on Inishowen Peninsula or base yourself in the town of Letterkenny.
There are many family-owned bed and breakfasts and apartments scattered across the peninsula, plus you can always find a nice mid-range hotel in the larger towns.
If you don't mind traveling to Northern Ireland, you could also spend a night in Derry. It all depends on your itinerary and preferences.
Here are our tips on the best hotels near Malin Head.
Malin Head | The Seaview Tavern - Located only 4 kilometers from the most beautiful part of Malin Head, this guesthouse has cozy rooms with sea views, welcoming staff, good food, free private parking, and a hard-to-beat location.
Inishowen Peninsula | The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa - This 4-star hotel is a perfect option for those looking for a bit of luxury while staying close to Malin Head. This leisure complex boasts modern rooms, a rock crystal spa, a swimming pool, and fine dining. Free private parking is available at the hotel.
Letterkenny | Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny - This centrally located gorgeous hotel in Letterkenny boasts modern rooms, helpful staff, a swimming pool, a steam room, a sauna, and free private parking.
Derry | Holiday Inn Express - With a central location, modern design, spotless rooms, comfy beds, and great breakfast, this 3-star hotel provides guests with a comfortable and convenient stay.
Staying Safe
Compared to places such as Cliffs of Moher or Mizen Head Signal Station, Malin Head has no barriers or fences along the trail.
So sticking to the designated trail is essential to stay safe while there.
Getting closer to the cliff's edge is often tempting to get a better photo, but it's never worth the risk.
Despite the overall safety of County Donegal, never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
And as usual, never underestimate the weather, which is even more unpredictable in the coastal areas.
Even though the Malin Head offers a fairly easy trail, at least compared to Spinc Loop or Diamond Hill Walk, you should still come prepared for any type of weather.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Malin Head Worth Visiting?
If you're touring County Donegal, Malin Head is definitely worth seeing.
It's the most northerly point in Ireland, surrounded by rugged beauty and the Atlantic Ocean.
While you can argue that the views are not as impressive as at Slieve League, it's really the sense of remoteness, coastal scenery, and unspoiled beauty that makes Malin Head so special.
In May, there were very few people around, which only added to the overall experience.
Simply put, Malin Head is a great addition to every Ireland road trip itinerary. It's also one of the most interesting places to visit in Ireland.
And if you're searching for similar places on the island, we enjoyed places like Mizen Head, Mullaghmore Head, and Dunmore Head.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
