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Buncrana

Buncrana is a beautiful seaside town located on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. It was named after its location Bun (the Irish for bottom) and Crana (the river that runs by it into Lough Swilly); bottom of the Crana. Buncrana’s natural beauty lives up to its name, with beautiful tree-covered river walks, coastal trails, and beaches. Cross your fingers for sunny weather, because when the sun is shining, it can’t be beat. The Gallaghers are from Buncrana, with Conor’s dad Terry growing up just a few minutes’ walk from the main street.

  • Take in the incredible views of Lough Swilly on this coastal walk, make sure to stop at a Tip O’Neill Monument and plan a beverage break at The Grind coffee cart. The path includes multiple historical markers, including the inspiration for the song Amazing Grace (Peter “The Egg” down at Excelsior Pub can pour you a pint and give you some additional insight on this particular story).

  • The Castle Bridge is an iconic six-arched stone bridge leading up to Buncrana Castle, with O’Doherty’s Keep to the right and the River Crana flowing beneath it.. O’Doherty’s Keep is a 14th century fort built as a base for aid from Spanish Forces. Burned down in 1608 in retaliation for the destruction of Derry city, Buncrana Castle (Manor House) was constructed in the early 1700s. You can choose from a variety of walking paths along the river, crossing another nearby bridge will take you back to the Shore Front, or you can continue on to Ned’s Point, Porthaw Beach, and Fr. Hegarty’s Rock.

  • The path beside O’Doherty’s Keep leads out to another coastal walk. You’ll pass Ned’s Point Fort, built during the Napoleonic Wars to protect from French invasion. We recommend taking in the sun (if you’re lucky) at Porthaw Beach and going for a cold plunge into Lough Swilly (a good way to clear the cobwebs). Porthaw Beach is located just beneath Porthaw Glen and the easiest way to get there is to go along the beach path from Ned’s Point. Further along the coastal path, you’ll find Fr. Hegarty’s Rock, the site where Fr. Hegarty was beheaded for giving secret masses after the English outlawed doing so under the 1698 Penal Laws.

  • Rest your feet and take in the other side of Lough Swilly by getting the Ferry to Rathmullan. Parched throats, caffeine needs, and hunger can be eased at Tank and Skinny’s before you depart next to the Pier. While in Rathmullan, enjoy a beach walk, play some mini golf, and enjoy scenic views, drinks, and food at the Beachcomber Bar. The White Harte Pub is also a nice spot for a beverage!

  • We recommend the the Northwest Golf Club in Buncrana or the

    Ballyliffen Golf Club. Ballyliffin is about a 20 minute drive from Buncrana and this club was the 2018 Irish Open Host.

To Visit

  • Tank and Skinny’s (Café/Casual)

  • The Fisherman’s Wharf (Café/Casual)

  • Ubiquitous Restaurant (Main Street - Contemporary/Refined)

  • Oscar’s (Main Street - Café/Bar)  

  • The Railway Tavern (just outside of Town - Cozy/Casual/Pub Fare)

  • The Red Door Country House (just outside of town - Upscale Dining)

To Eat

  • Located on the main street and family owned and operated. You’re likely to find a beautiful floral display out front, with an ornate, cozy interior you just can’t beat. Get lucky and snag a table next to the fireplace or take in the fresh air on their spacious back patio. We should warn you - besides the drinks, the most notable thing behind this bar is the wit and the humor, so bring your best.

  • Also located on main street, Exelsior is fondly referred to as ”the Eggman’s” by locals. Peter “the Egg” behind the bar is the man you want to talk to if you’re up for some local history. The bar has two entrances - the one on your right takes you to the front bar with a fireplace and cozy feel, while the door on your left takes you to the back bar if you’re in the mood for pool, live music, or catching a game on tv. Like many of the bars in Buncrana, the “Eggman’s” boasts an outside space.

  • A unique bar, both in appearance and in history, the Drift Inn was a railway station until 1956. The main bar itself is in the shape of a boat, continuing with nautical elements throughout the rest of the restaurant. The Guinness pours here never miss, and you can enjoy your pint next to the impressive fireplace to take in the bar. If you haven’t gotten enough of Lough Swilly yet, head out back with your drink in hand and take in the view. This pub is not on the main street, but right next door to the Inishowen Gateway.

  • This was not a regular bar on Conor’s list during his time in Buncrana, but has crawled into the favorites rankings during his recent return visits. Located towards the end of the main street, with its picture perfect white walls and red window frames, it’s hard to miss. The vibe inside is decidedly comfortable and relaxed, with a fun touch from the wine-cork laden walls, and a small back patio with a view.

  • Located on main street, this bar is commonly called “Bill the Lieu’s” by locals. With its gold paint and flower beds in the window, it has long been a Buncrana staple—Conor’s Great Granda used to drink here, and if you sit at the high bar up front you may yourself feel like a part of history. Don’t be fooled by its size - Bill the Lieu’s is a small bar, but the pints are good and the history is rich.

To Drink

Inishowen

Buncrana is located on the Inishowen Peninsula and there are plenty of beautiful places to visit and see within this relatively small peninsula. We’ve recommended a few favorites below but there is so much to see - you can do more research here.

  • Drive along what is known as the Inishowen 100, which will take you along the coast of the Peninsula overlapping with the Wild Atlantic Way, a well-known Irish tourism route along the west coast.

  • For more Napoleonic era forts, schedule a pit stop at Fort Dunree, and be sure to ask Conor’s dad Terry and his uncles Liam, Michael, Malachy, and Martin about their time working there in the army reserves.

  • Hiking in the surrounding Urris Mountains is best followed by a hearty breakfast, but well worth the scenery.

  • Take in the stunning beaches, alpacas, Ireland’s most northerly point Malin Head of Star Wars filming fame. We recommend Farren’s Bar as a pit stop.

  • Grianan of Aileach is an ancient ring fort with beautiful views of three counties: Donegal, Derry and Tyrone, as well as Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle.

Derry

Derry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the 5th largest city in Ireland. It is also one of the oldest walled cities in Europe, boasting 400-year-old walls which surround the original city within a one-mile circumference. As you visit Derry, there’s no escaping the history or the politics of the place, there is so much to take in. Conor completed his master’s here at the Ulster University Magee. Conor’s mom Mary grew up just a few miles outside of the city.

  • Walk the old walls around the original city and take in the history and beauty. While the walls of the city are 400 years old, the history of Derry stretches back to the 6th century, with a still more palpable recent history. Start off with a walking tour to get the lay of the land and some background history.

  • Derry boasts a strong craft tradition and has recreated a Craft Village within the city: Take a step off the 400-year-old City Walls and into the delightfully reconstructed 18th Century streets, packed with a mix of artisan shops, home to local crafters, restaurants and coffee shops. Take a step back in time and grab a gift for yourself or someone back home.

  • Visit the Museum of Free Derry for background on the more recent history of the city. Check out the Tower Museum and the Siege Museum. Regardless of your political or historical interests, you should take a walk across the Peace Bridge over the Foyle and visit the Guildhall, a truly beautiful building. Should there be any Irish literary fans amongst you, Seamus Heaney’s Home Place museum is a 50-minute drive from the city.

  • If you are a Derry Girls fan, you can take a picture by the Derry Girls mural (one of many murals in the city) on the back wall of Badger’s Pub. While you’re there maybe even call in for a drink or a bite to eat. Leading up to her first trip to Ireland, Sarah watched Derry Girls over and over to fine tune her ears for the accents….honestly, not a bad plan…and if you’re up for a laugh, you can find it on Netflix!

  • You’re guaranteed good atmosphere and music seven nights a week in Paeder O’Donnell’s on Waterloo St. While on Waterloo Street you could check out any or all of the following: Lizzy O’Farrels, The Dungloe (with beer garden), The Harp, Gwedore, and Tracey’s. The Blackbird on Foyle St is also a good spot for occasional live music and people-watching. Derry is also a very walkable city so feel free to wander and stop in anywhere that catches your eye. Take note - if you’re going up Shipquay St. be ready for a calf workout. The Guildhall Tap House near…you guessed it, The Guildhall, is a popular spot, along with the also popular Embankment across the Peace Bridge.

To Visit

  • The Exchange

  • Quaywest

  • Fitzroys

  • Umi

  • Bishop’s Gate (good meeting spot for drinks and lunch)

  • Silver Street (River Inn)

  • The Bentley

  • The Gate Bistro

  • Browns

  • Artis

To Eat