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Portsalon
(Port an Salainn)
Co Donegal
(A neighbouring village in the Republic Of Ireland)
Introduction
The Area
A beautiful little place, around 30 km from Letterkenny (largest town in Donegal), with a 2 mile sandy beach and a picturesque little harbour, situated on the shores of Lough Swilly, in the Fanad district, the ancient territory of the MacSwineys. There is no actual town of Portsalon, the main area is around the little harbour where a bar and grocery shop are combined in one little building with a cafe close by. A few other bars and shops are a short distance south of this area. Holiday cottages have recently been built, close by with great views of Balymastocker Bay. An 18 hole golf course also attracts many to the area.
Ship's Bell
The ship' bell of the bullion-laden "Laurentic," sank in 1917 by a submarine, was later salvaged and is now in Portsalon church.
Places to visit
The Lough is bounded to the east by the hills of the Inishowen peninsula, and to the west by Knockalla Mountains, 1,200 ft. Across the lough, facing Portsalon, is the prominent Dunree Head, backed by the Urris Hills. There are some wonderful caves and natural arches along the coast, north of the harbour. "The Seven Arches" 1.5 miles long also have a series of tunnels and caves accessible by foot and "Doaghbeg Arch" , 2 miles further along the coast are a worthwhile visiting. The Fanad drive, north of Portsalon where cliffs rise to over 300 ft, facing the seaward end of the lough and looking to Dunaff Head in Inishowen is also worth a visit. The Fanad Head Lighthouse, built on the rocks a few miles north of Portsalon, can also be seen here.
Rare Bird
The Fanad coastline is home to one of the rarest species of European bird: Columba Livia, commonly known as the European Rock Dove and the ancient ancestor of the modern day Racing Pigeon.
*More information on photo pages*
Contact
Page created,21, September, 2002
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