Inishowen

The Inishowen Peninsula is situated in the North West of the Republic of Ireland and it possesses such a range of sights and attractions that is often referred to as 'Ireland in Miniature'. This ancient territory (The Land of the O' Dohertys), in County Donegal is 26 miles in length and its greatest breadth is about 26 miles across. It is the most northerly part of Ireland and it comprises an area of about 309 sq miles. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean. Lough Swilly forms its western boundary and Lough Foyle its eastern boundary. It is connected with the mainland on the south and is not as its name implies, an island, but a magnificent peninsula. Monuments of an earlier age grow from the landscape as castles, towers and ancient churches shimmer in the sunshine. The Celtic crosses and the pagan monuments come together in a colourful tapestry with these great houses of the last century, to leave more lasting memories for the visitor.

As a picturesque driving route, the 100 mile long Inishowen Drive offers dramatic scenery to tourists and what better way to enjoy the landscape than in an authentic VW campervan. Retro Rentals offer "Maizy" and "Sue" - two new VW campervans fitted with electronic ignition and catalytic converter exhaust system- In other words modern day reliability with traditional retro styling and good looks.. these ladies have it all. These travel and sleep 4 with 2 in the front and 2 in the back all safely buckled in with a modern safety belt system. This seat then converts to a double bed with another double bed in the raising roof. There is a modern Hob, Grill and Fridge Freezer fitted and a sink with electric pumped water. Mains hook up gives you plenty of additional power on site and the new van even comes with an independent blown air heater, a modern day experience which any vintage camper driver wishes he has! If it is environmentally conscious you are you will be pleased to know that the VW Kombi van can be run on bio-fuel as well as regular unleaded.

For something to do along your trip, try some horse riding at Rose Cottage Riding School in Malin. The school,l set up by Kate McDermott, offers group lessons, private lessons, hacking and beach rides. For some Irish history, visit The Doagh Island Visitor Centre and Famine Walk, located in Ballyliffin. This unique outdoor museum tells the story of life in the area as far back as the famine times in the 1840's while dancers, musicians and singers are here during June, July and August. Different to any other tourist attraction in Ireland the Famine Village depicts life in Ireland as it was, uncommercialised, interdenominational interspersed with humorous anectdotes of Irish life complete with its own replica Republican safe house and Orange Hall.

One of Ireland's many stunning natural wonders is the Giant's Causeway, located on the island's northeast coast just a few miles from the town of Bushmills, in County Antrim. Like much of Irish lore, the Giant's Causeway is steeped in as much myth and legend as actual fact. Certainly, the causeway was known to hunter-gatherer tribes who inhabited these lands for millennia, but its modern discovery is credited to the Bishop of Derry in 1692. In academic circles, the debates ranged from it being built by men with tools, to it being made by natural forces, to even being created by a giant, named Finn McCool. These days, the Giant's Causeway is a National Natural Reserve, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, and is the most popular tourist destination in Northern Ireland.

Price Information:

Retro Rentals
www.retrorentals.ie
(087) 7555888
"Maizy" Camper Van Rental: from €115 per day.

Rose Cottage Riding School
www.malingriding.com
Bay rides: €27 (beginner and novice riders)
Beach rides: €50 (competent riders)
Lessons for all abilities in dressage and jumping.

Discover Ireland
www.discoverireland.ie/northwest
(074) 91 21160