The village of Muff is an ideal starting point for an exploration of Inishowen’s heritage.
Near the village on the Moville Road is the most notable “Gallan” (standing stone) in Inishowen in the townland of Ardmore. Standing 7ft tall and inscribed with cryptic Celtic motifs, this important megalith suggests a history extending right back to the Bronze Age.
About two miles from Muff and just past the village of Iskaheen is the obscurely names “Morton God” dolmen. This postal tomb (now partially collapsed) mythically was constructed by giants in Druidic time and now sits in bogland on a barren hillside overlooking Derry and Lough Foyle. Nearby is the early Christian foundation in Iskaheen itself (the burial place of Eoghan).
Returning to the main road and continuing along the banks of the Foyle, we come to the monastery at Cooley just outside Moville. Founded by Patrick (c.5th century AD) there is an unusual stone cross and a little building called “The Skull House” which still contains human remains, dating from this era.
Travelling in a north-eastern direction is the village of Greencastle, with the much ruined but still impressive structure “Northburg Castle”. Commanding a majestic view of Lough Foyle and the beautiful Causeway Coast, this is the oldest and largest castle in the area and should not be missed.
Kinnagoe Bay nearby is the site of the sinking of the “Trinidad de Valencera”, one of the ships from the Spanish Armada.
In Lecamy is the perfectly intact example of a “Sweat House”.
