Dunaff Hill is also a headland and has impressive views of Urris. From the summit you can see across to Malin Head, Ireland’s most northernly point and across Lough Swilly you can see Fanad Head and it’s famous lighthouse.
Location: Dunaff, Clonmany , Co. Donegal, Ireland
GPS Co-ordinates: 55.285470, -7.513630
Ringfort: 55.276370, -7.5097960
Neolithic Campsite: 55.271127, -7.5081280
Length & Difficulty: Dunaff Hill is a relatively easy hike as the hills summit is a mere 230m. Allow 2 – 3 hours.
Safety & Gear: Like any hike you should let someone know in advance you are going and your estimated return time. Fully charged mobile phone. Hiking boots, preferably waterproof the terrain is mostly heather clad and bog track. Drinking water is essential and a light lunch or snack if desired.
Ringfort: The remnants of a bronze age ringfort can be found at the South East base of the hill. All that is visible from above is a low ditch that has been intersected by the walls of the surrounding fields. It may be from this fort that the townland of Dunaff originates. The townland of Dunaff translates to fort of the oxen. Dún meaning fort and Damh oxen.
Neolithic Campsite: Ireland’s oldest Neolithic campsite is located in Dunaff Bay. It is located between the cliffs of Dunaff Head and Lenan Head. The site contained many early Irish Mesolithic artifacts, including unabraded flints comprising a few leaf-shaped flakes, blade-like flakes and a large amount of related Neolithic waste material. The location is regarded as an “industrial site” producing material associated with the so-called Early Larnian tradition. There is no evidence of a permanent settlement at the site.
Theobald Wolfe Tone: Leader of the 1798 Irish rebellion was captured by the royal navy off Dunaff head on November 1798.
Dunaff Hill
The hill has a summit of 230m and some of the most breath taking views in Urris. Dunaff hill is also a headland with impressive sea cliffs on the other side. Like most hill tops in Inishowen there are an abundance of cairns and Dunaff hill is no exception. From the cairns on top of the hill you can see Malin Head, Ireland’s most northernly point. Across the Swilly you can see Fanad head and the famous lighthouse situated there.
