Welcome to Malin Head. It is not just Ireland's most northerly point, but an area of great scenic beauty and of historical, scientific and ecological importance. The circuit of the Head will take you past the Radio Station (Malin Head Marine rescue coordinating centre), built in 1910, and round the coast to Banba's Crown, the northern tip of Ireland. This is the oldest station of its type in Europe. Here a tall derelic building known locally as "The Tower" was built in 1805 by the Admiralty, and later used as a Lloyds Signal Station. During the second world war, the small huts were built and used by our defence forces to keep a lookout and protect our neutrality. It is also a perfect starting point for a ramble along the cliffs to Hell's Hole, a remarkable subterranean cavern 250 metres long and 8 metres wide, into which the tide rushes with great force. Nearby is a picturesque natural arch called the Devil's Bridge. To the north-east can be seen Inistrahull Island. Its first lighthouse was put into operation in 1813, and its light flashes 3 times every 15 seconds. Further out to the east, on a clear day you can see the Scottish Island of Coll, Jura, Islay and the Mull of Kintyre to the east and Oileán Thoraí to the West. Below Banba's Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The very distinct shorelines show quite dramatically the changing relationship between the sea and the land from the time the glaciers began to melt, some 15,000 years ago. At that time Donegal was depressed by the weight of an immense ice sheet, so the level of the sea was up to 80 feet higher than today. The beach is also noted for its semi-precious stones, such as cornelian, chalcedony, jasper, serpentine, agate, etc., all of which can be polished and set into jewellery. The route passes the current Meteorological Station the present buildings were constructed in 1955, when regular hourly weather observations commenced by Irish Meteorological Service personnel. However, the station records go back to 1885. Personnel employed by Lloyd's Insurance Company, who manned and operated a local coastal signal station, were first to prepare and transmit regular weather reports. Coastguard officers continued this work until the early twenties. From the 1920's to 1955 a local family was contracted to provide climate data and at least one weather report each day. The weather element which distinguishes Malin Head from the other stations throughout the country is wind speed. Storm force 12 winds are recorded at the station during most years. The highest measured gust to date is 99 knots, recorded on 16th September 1961 when the remnants of "Hurricane Debbie" swept up along the west coast of Ireland causing widespread damage in this part of the country. A detour to explore the Wee House of Malin will reveal that the "wee" house is in fact a cave in the hillside and is said to be the home of St. Muirdealach. Legend has it that no matter how many people entered this cave it always had room for more. Beside are the remains of an old church which according to tradition was built by St Muirdealach. Built of split stone rubble and some boulders, only the NE and S walls now survive. Simply put I call this home. Best viewed large. View On Black