Walk the Wild Atlantic Way at Horn Head

When Donegal was named “Coolest Place on the Planet” by National Geographic magazine, they also said that Horn Head was a “ ..walking or cycling loop that squeezes the 1,600 mile Wild Atlantic Way into a 4.5 mile nutshell”. Situated on the breathtaking Horn Head peninsula, guests at Breac.House can walk or cycle the local stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, including taking in some of the extra trails that lead to the beach, cliffs, lake or ancient monuments.

Continue along the road above the cliff until you arrive at the Wild Atlantic Way signature post – from this vantage point you can see into the face of the 600 ft cliffs. Apart from their awesome beauty, particularly on a stormy day, it is also an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds – including the Razorbill, European shag, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and the beautiful puffin.

The route then takes you East where Sheephaven Bay comes into view – boats crossing the North Atlantic can sometimes be seen taking shelter here during sudden storms. There is a stone picnic table perfectly positioned here for to savour your Breac.House picnic lunch – homemade soup, breads, cakes, cheese and some fruit to keep you going. From here you can try to count the number of famous Donegal beaches which are in eye-shot, including Killahoey, Tramore, Falcarragh, Magheraroarty, Ards, Marble Hill, Rosapenna, Downings and the famous Murder Hole !

You are now on the downhill , heading towards the shore. You will see across to the charming village of Dunfanaghy and will see Horn Head House, now in ruins, but since the 1700’s was the social and economic focal point of the area.

A short walk along will take you back to Breac.House where its time to relax – you can heat your bones in the wood-fired sauna then soak in the in-house seaweed bath. After a short nap, its time for your pre -dinner cocktail of a seaweed gin served in the lounge before heading out for dinner