Somewhere Over the Rainbow

‘You’re located where?!’

If we say Donegal, that’s understood well enough. But even among those with an enthusiasm for Ireland’s geography, a surprising number of people have never heard of Inishowen.

Well - perhaps that is not so surprising after all, considering we are somewhat tucked away, and accessible from mainland Ireland only through a wee sliver of land.

So by way of introduction, allow us to share some interesting factoids about our home.

. Inishowen is a peninsula in the northwest of Ireland, and home to Ireland's Northernmost point Malin Head.

. While most peninsulas are situated within a single body of water, Inishowen is surrounded by three bodies of water: the Lough Foyle, the Lough Swilly, and the Atlantic Ocean. This unique positioning creates distinct habitats for local flora, fauna, and aquatic life.

. Inishowen is home to one of the steepest climbs in all of Ireland - the Mamore Gap. Cyclists beware, it is brutal!

. Inishowen has the highest concentration of both inhabited and derelict thatched cottages in all of Ireland. It is heaven for lovers of Irish vernacular architecture.

. Inishowen is a thriving habitat for bees, and is home to the largest number of independent bee-keeping initiatives in Ireland.

. Inishowen is home to a thriving oyster farming industry, and exports oysters of the highest quality to some of the finest restaurant all over the world. If you’ve ever had oysters in France, there is a good chance they were from here!

. Inishowen is home to one of the only surviving pile lighthouses in Ireland. Located in Moville and pictured in the above photo, this freestanding polygonal beacon dates back to 1870 and is a beloved local landmark.

. Inishowen is home to a vibrant community of fibre artists, including knitters, spinners, weavers, felters, and sewists. It’s a community we are proud to be a part of!