Carrickbrackey Castle hotels in Ballyliffin, Ireland

County Donegal is renowned for its incredible Atlantic landscape, its rocky outcrops, rugged cliffs, secluded inlets and beautiful beaches producing views that live long in the memory. There are also countless historic sites dotted around the coast just waiting to be explored.

Many of them can be found around the Inishowen Peninsula, the northernmost point in Ireland. It is an area breathtaking in its natural beauty and there is lots of choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay, all offering a wide range of comfortable and affordable accommodation.

Towns and villages around the peninsula are home to two, three and four star hotels as well as guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes. There are also plenty of hostels to look at if you are planning to discover Donegal on a budget.

Hotels Close to History

As you explore the Inishowen Peninsula you will come across numerous ruins, each steeped in their own rich history. One of the finest examples stands on a rocky outcrop at the north-western tip of the Isle of Doagh, at the head of Pollan Bay in Clonmany.

Carrickabraghy Castle is one of the most captivating sights on the peninsula, a ruin linked to dramatic tales of bravery and battles, foreign invasion and revolt. It is a fabulous place to spend a couple of hours savouring the sights, sounds and smells of the wild Atlantic Ocean.

The isle on which it stands is something of a rarity in itself. It was once an island in its own right but, because of constant silting, it became a peninsula that is now easily accessible via a narrow road. As well as the castle, the island is also home to a famine village, made up reconstructed thatched cottages, which gives a fascinating insight into the past.

Built in the 16th Century by the ruling O’Donnell clan, Carrickabraghy Castle would have been a mighty fortress in its prime. It is believed that it was abandoned in 1665 and, since then, the ravages of time and the power of the elements have had a dramatic effect on the once majestic building. Today, visitors remain enthralled by this isolated beauty, intrigued by its colourful past and entranced by its amazing setting.

Exploring the Peninsula

The extreme northern tip of Ireland, Malin Head is the place to go to experience genuine wild beauty. The views are incredible and there are towers, chasms and caves to explore - look out for Hell’s Hole and the Wee House of Malin. Other sites in the area well worth seeing include Fort Dunree and O’Doherty’s Keep, both in Buncrana.

Hotels Close to Carrickabraghy Castle

With the Inishowen Peninsula attracting huge numbers of visitors every year, most of its towns and larger villages are well prepared when it comes to catering for big crowds. You’ll find a huge range of hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hostels and holiday homes and apartments all over the area - Buncrana, Ballyliffin and Moville are good places to start your search.