Malin Head Raised Beach

Below Banba’s Crown to the east lies Ballyhillin Beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific significance. The exceptionally distinctive shorelines illustrate somewhat dramatically the changing connection between the sea and the land from the period 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 100 feet higher than today. The beach is also well known for its semi-precious stones, such as cornelian, chalcedony, jasper, serpentine, agate, etc., all of which can be cultured and set into jewellery. From here the distinctive sight of four different stages of sea level change and glacial activity can be seen.

From here on westward you are on the very last headland before Newfoundland, Greenland and Iceland. It is also a perfect starting point for a ramble along the cliffs to Hell’s Hole, a remarkable subterranean cavern and gorge 250 feet long and 20 feet wide, into which the tide rushes with great force.

West of here you will find the spectacular cliffs at Prockagh Bens and the sea stacks of Scheildrén Mór and Scheildrén Beg. Together these sea stacks comprising an area of 5 acres, house important bird, flora and sea life. This is a haven for professional and amateur painters/photographers alike.