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WE STILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – LIVING WITH COVID-19 in Ireland.-
- At December 31, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
LIVING WITH COVID-19 in Ireland. WE STILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
On 31st December 2020 the entire Ireland moved into LEVEL 5 until 1st February 2021 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 which means WE STILL CANNOT OPEN until further notice and when it will be safe to do so. We obviously cannot take any bookings for 2021 until we know when we will be allowed to do so.
SEAVIEW TAVERN RESTAURANT OPEN AGAIN
- At December 02, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
LIVING WITH COVID-19 in Ireland. WE MUST REMAIN CLOSED until further notice
- At November 27, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
LIVING WITH COVID-19 in Ireland. WE REMAIN CLOSED
From 1st December 2020 the entire Country of Ireland moves to Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 which means WE STILL CANNOT OPEN until further notice…
PREVIOUS COVID- 19 HISTORY SO FAR……
From Thursday 15th October 2020 County Donegal was downgraded to Level 5 and on 21st October 2020 all of Ireland was moved for 6 weeks to Level 5 until 1st December 2020
Since Friday 25 September, the county of Donegal has been on Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19. These restrictions mean we cannot open.
This action is based on a review of the current public health advice and is in response to the deteriorating situation with the virus in Ireland and Northern Ireland
From the 6th October the rest of the country was moved to Level 3.
From 15th October 2020 Donegal was moved to Level 4 and on 21st October 2020 the entire country was moved to Level 5 until 1st December 2020 .
Placing Donegal at Level 3 from 1st December has the following implications for those in Donegal:
• people living in Donegal should remain in the county (that is, they must not leave Donegal to travel either domestically or internationally),
• people living outside of Donegal should not travel to Donegal, with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes. This situation now applies to all counties in Ireland
PREVIOUSLY: (in 2020)
On the 29th June 2020 we reopened after being closed since 9th March 2020 due to Government Direction re Covid-19.
From June 29th we reduced our bed rooms capacity to 6 only to comply with Social Distancing requirements. The dormtiories were drastically reduced in capacity. We had no large group availability unless the small group is a family from the same household. Once we reached the limited capacity the hostel was closed to new guests calling etc.
We comply with all the sanitisation directions for the safety of guests and ourselves.
Remember to check travel arrangements and Government Directions before booking accommodation..
COVID -19 Ireland now in virtual LOCKDOWN Level 5 From 21st October 2020
- At October 24, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
From midnight , Thurday 21st October 2020, All of the Republic of Ireland was placed on Level 5 LOCKDOWN for 6 weeks until 1st December, 2020 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 Northern Ireland has also been restricted. Our Covid path here is indicated in the older posts below. We have to remain CLOSED until further notice.
This action is based on a review of the current public health advice and is in response to the deteriorating situation with the virus in Ireland. See gov.ie/COVID19 for details.
County Donegal will now be on Level 4 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19.
- At September 25, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
From midnight , Thurday 15th October 2020, Counties Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan were placed on Level 4 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 until 10th November. The rest of Ireland were placed at Level 3 and Northern Ireland has also been restricted.
This action is based on a review of the current public health advice and is in response to the deteriorating situation with the virus in Ireland. See gov.ie/COVID19 for details.
From the 6th October the rest of the country was moved to Level 3.
Donegal will be at Level 4 for a period until 10th November, at which point the situation will be reviewed by the government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.
Placing Donegal at Level 4 has the following implications for those in Donegal
• people living in Donegal should remain in the county (that is, they must not leave Donegal to travel either domestically or internationally),
• people living outside of Donegal should not travel to Donegal, with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes. This situation now applies to all counties in Ireland
On the 29th June 2020 we reopened after being closed since 9th March 2020 due to Government Direction re Covid-19. We had to close again on 25th September
From June 29th we reduced our bed rooms capacity to 6 only to comply with Social Distancing requirements. The dormtiories were drastically reduced in capacity. We has no large group availability unless the small group is a family from the same household. Once we reached the limited capacity the hostel closedto new guests calling etc.
We will comply with all the sanitisation directions for the safety of guests and ourselves.
Remember to check travel arrangements and Government Directions before booking accommodation..
From midnight , Friday 25 September, the county of Donegal was placed on Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19.
This action is based on a review of the current public health advice and is in response to the deteriorating situation with the virus in Donegal.
The rest of the country remains at Level 2 apart from Dublin which is also at Level 3.
Donegal will be at Level 3 for a period of 3 weeks, until Friday 16 October, at which point the situation will be reviewed by the government, based on the status of the virus and public health advice.
Placing Donegal at Level 3 and 4 has the following implications for those in Donegal
- people living in Donegal should remain in the county (that is, they must not leave Donegal to travel either domestically or internationally),
- people living outside of Donegal should not travel to Donegal, with the exception of those who must travel for work, education and other essential purposes
- SEE gov.ie/COVID19 for details
HOSTEL RE-OPENING ON 29th June 2020 (Covid-19 Virus Emergency)
- At June 03, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
UPDATE 6th June 2020
On the 29th June 2020 we will reopen after being closed since 9th March 2020 due to Government Direction re Covid-19. Booking direct with hostel is advisable due to the low availability.
From June 29th we are reducing our bed capacity from 20 to 6 to comply with Social Distancing requirements. The dormtiories will be drastically reduced in capacity. We will have no large group availability unless the small group is a family from the same household.
Once we reach the limited capacity the hostel will close to new guests calling etc.
We will comply with all the sanitisation directions for the safety of guests and ourselves.
Remember to check travel arrangements and Government Directions before booking accommodation..
Ireland is still facing strict social-distancing regulations under the Government’ road map for exiting the lock-down.
Reopening of the Hostel cannot take place until the 29 June 2020 at least*and then with only limited capacity to comply with social-distancing. We intend to reduce our capacity from 20 beds to 6 beds maximum and then only where social-distancing can be maintained to allow for the safety of guests and ourselves for the foreseeable future.
Bars/Pubs with restaurants will be open* from 29th June 2020.Social distancing will also apply to bars and restaurants.
*This reopening date will only occur if the virus stays under control.
Keep safe everyone!
Re Covid-19. Precautionary Hostel Closure
- At April 14, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
0
- Coronavirus Latest
Due to the above virus and the medical advice to reduce interaction and social distancing we decided to keep the hostel and facilities closed until the advice changes. We are now in LOCK DOWN until at least the 5th May 2020 and probably for a further period thereafter. We look forward to returning to normal as soon as is safely possible for our guests and ourselves. In the meantime “Take care of yourselves”
Ferries for 2020
- At March 31, 2020
- By rodney
- In News
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WEDDING Tim and Nadine were Married in Sandrock Holiday Hostel on 2-7-2019
- At September 11, 2019
- By rodney
- In News
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Married in Sandrock Holiday Hostel on Tuesday 2nd July 2019 at 3pm
The beautiful Civil Marriage Ceremony of TIM from New Zealand and NADINE from Germany took place in Sandrock Holiday Hostel conducted by Executive Registrar Florence Blackburn.
Tim and Nadine became engaged at Malin Head several years ago and returned to complete the process. All was prearranged from New Zealand by Nadine and Tim.
NEW BUS SERVICE 954 TO Malin Head 4 times a day, 6 Days a week Mon to Sat
- At June 28, 2019
- By rodney
- In News
0
From 1st July 2019 Route 954 (Local Link Donegal) has convienient links with North West Buses between Malin Head, Carndonagh, Derry and Letterkenny.
Route 955 (Local Link Donegal)which is a route from Buncrana to Carndonagh covering Isle of Dough Famine Village, Ballyliffen, Clonmany, Waterfall, Urris and Dunree Fort.
Timetables see www.locallinkdonegal.ie click on Routes 954 and 955 for information
See TRAVEL heading for more info.
German Craftsmen visit Sandrock Holiday Hostel
- At May 02, 2019
- By rodney
- In News
0
German Craftsmen Still Go On Hardcore Medieval Pilgrimages
For three years of training they’re not allowed to go home, drive or use public transportation. The term “jack of all trades” came from them.
These guys were German woodworkers travelling and training to become official masters in their guilds. The medieval journeymen pilgrimage is fairly simple: walk around the world for three years with only a light bundle. Knock on random doors to seek work and accommodation. Before leaving home they must pass an exam and finish an apprenticeship. They must be unmarried, childless and debt-free.
Journeymen built most of Europe’s great cathedrals. The practice fell out of favor in the industrial age, but craftsmen still wandered up til the 1920s. Then the Nazis banned it, and the Berlin Wall made the travelling nearly impossible, but after the 80s, it slowly began to return.
MAY THE FORTH BE WITH YOU Festival Weekend
- At April 15, 2019
- By rodney
- In News
0
Celebrating the film location at Malin Head.
At Malin Head and throughout Inishowen The FORCE BE WITH YOU (MAY THE FORTH BE WITH YOU) Festival Weekend is on the 3rd, 4th and 5th May. The road to Malin Head R242 will be renamed R2D2 for the Festival. Numerous activeties planned.
SEE: www.wildatlanticway.com/may-the-4th
Our organisers website is now live!
Keep up to date with the programme, book tickets for the events and keep up to date with the events and scheduling of the first ever ‘May the 4th by with you’ festival in Malin Head here….
https://
May the 4th Be With You Festival makes an anticipated return to the Wild Atlantic Way with the introduction of Malin Head in County Donegal to the festival offering.
With events happening across the Inishowen Peninsula, there is plenty of family-fun events for all ages.
Star Gazing at the Planetarium
Filmed Orchestra & Fireworks Display
Death Star Footie Skills Target Practice
Blaster Tag & other Intergalactic Fun & Games
Jedi Cadets Academy (under 8yrs)
In addition to family events, there are also a number of immersive galactic adventure experiences available – why not explore Star Wars Film locations through outdoor Tai Chi Qigong or a guided tour and walk with an organic food and cooking demo? If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even observe dramatic film locations from ‘The Last Jedi’, including the site of the Millennium Falcon, from the unique viewpoint of the Atlantic Ocean or embark with Inish Adventures for an exciting half day kayaking trip.
If sitting back and relaxing is what you’re after, take in the breath-taking film locations on a scenic tour or check out the drive-in cinema and watch The Last Jedi, Episode VIII as you have never seen it before with the magnificent northern skies as the backdrop.
Download the Malin Head/Inishowen May the 4th Be With You Festival programme
Farren’s in Malin Head is the best pub in Ireland
- At May 06, 2018
- By rodney
- In News
0
Yoda mural at Farren’s Bar, Malin Head. Yoda mural at Farren’s Bar, Malin Head.
Hugh Farren, who owns and runs the bar, said they were “delighted and shocked” when their name was called out at the glitzy event.
Read more at: https://www.derryjournal.com/news/it-s-official-farren-s-is-the-best-pub-in-ireland-1-8487697
IRISH OPEN GOLF 2018 from the 4th to 8th July
- At March 08, 2018
- By rodney
- In News
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The Irish Open Golf 2018 took place at Ballyliffen Golf Course in the summer from 4th to 8th July which is just a 25 minute drive way!
The event was screened live into 500 million households. Up to 100,000 spectators attended
COOLEST PLACE ON THE PLANET
- At October 09, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
0
- 2017 Donegal was named the COOLEST PLACE ON THE PLANET by National Geographic
- Malin Head was the location for the 8th STAR WARS film THE LAST JEDI released in December 2017
- Northern Lights provide a free light show when conditions are right
- Malin Head and Sandrock Holiday Hostel provide spectacular views and on WILD ATLANTIC WAY
- Only 50 minutes from Derry, 2 hours from Belfast and 3 .5hours from Dublin
- Weekday bus service to from and Sandrock Holiday Hostel (See TRAVEL heading)
- Dolphin sightings extremely likely
- AND MORE see rest of this site!
CROSSROADS INN RE OPENS
- At August 02, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
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KAYAKERS stopping at Sandrock Holiday Hostel
- At June 28, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
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Serious Rock Climbing at Malin Head
- At April 29, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
0
- Serious Rock Climbing at Malin Head 2014
ROCK CLIMBING and Training now available
- At April 29, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
0

Malin Head
Rock Climbing Training, Instructor Courses at Malin Head can be arranged by Brendan of www.donegalclimbing.ie
Email: bren@mountaintraining.ie or Phone: 087 6657790 (ROI) or 00353 (0)74 93 75001 An info pack will be available at the hostel soon!
Photography Workshops Available
- At March 23, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
0
Nigel Cooke Photography offers tuition see http://www.nigelcookephotography.co.uk/workshops/
A Little Bit About My Workshops
You may find my workshops a little different to others that you have been on in regards to the level of tuition that is offered. While of course we look to visit a number of beautiful locations and chase good light, my focus is heavily weighted towards giving you as much tuition as possible during our time together. This is one of the reasons I keep the numbers very small, as this allows me plenty of 1-2-1 time with each participant.
My goal is to ensure when you leave you are more confident and better prepared to make your own beautiful landscape images going forward. Of course hopefully we also catch some great conditions during our time together so that you can also go home with some beautiful images.
All transport is also included in each of my workshops as I believe is it important to keep our group together as quite often, when in the car, we continue on our discussions or indeed road-side stops can allow for impromptu lessons on composition and light.
Bespoke Workshop ?
Please note I can also cater for a more bespoke approach to your workshop requirements including different dates to the above and indeed longer experiences. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Introduction to Landscape Photography Workshop (Half Day or Full day)
This workshop is aimed at those just getting started in Landscape Photography and comes in either a half day (approx 4 hours) or full day (approx 8 hours) option. To ensure you gain most from our time together, prior to the workshop, your own requirements will be discussed, however some of the techniques we can cover include;
- Location Planning
- Basics rules of composition
- Metering a scene and paying attention to your histogram
- Focus techniques and understanding Depth of Field (DoF) to maximise sharpness in your image
- Using filters
- Long Exposure Photography
While conditions cannot be controlled best efforts will be made on both the half and full day workshops to be in position to make the most of any potential
A fantastic opportunity to explore many of the wonderful locations that the spectacular Inishowen Peninsula has to offer in a relaxed small group environment. Staying at the Sandrock Hostel, which is located right on Malin Head, will put us within a 10 minute drive of spectacular (and sometimes wild) locations to make best use of morning and evening light. My knowledge of the area will ensure we not only visit the key photographic locations, but do so at the right time to make best use of tides as well as weather conditions.
Depending on the conditions (and time of year) the Northern Lights may also be visible. We may also look to do some night / milky way photography. Again depending on time of year and conditions. This will be discussed prior to your workshop.
Locations expected to visit include Strove Lighthouse, Dunree Head, Kinnagoe Bay, Tremone Bay, Malin Head, Glenevin Waterfall, Doaghmore Beach and Carrickabraghy Castle.
This workshop is aimed at those getting started in Landscape Photography or those looking to improve specific areas and will cover such topics as;
- Location planning
- Working on your composition for stronger images
- Understanding your histogram
- Depth of Field and achieving sharper images
- Use of Filters (both graduated and full)
- Long exposure techniques
- Night / Aurora photography (weather depending)
- Handheld vs. Tripod workflow
- Getting creative with the camera
- Evening photo editing sessions (Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop)
FOR MORE INFO SEE:
http://www.nigelcookephotography.co.uk/workshops/
NORTHERN LIGHTS frequent
- At March 03, 2017
- By rodney
- In News
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Star Wars crew and Actors arrive in Malin Head’ for filming of Episode VIII
- At April 17, 2016
- By rodney
- In News
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Members of the Star Wars crew and actors have taken over Malin Head from 13th to 16th May for the filming of Episode VIII.
It is believed that some 300 crew members have already landed in Malin Head, where filming is taking place. There is tight security in the area with road closures to vehicles, pedestrians and restricted sea movements. All the bars , restaurant and cafes are open and are very busy!!
Northern Lights often seen from Malin Head
- At April 15, 2016
- By rodney
- In News
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The local Farren Family spotted the Aurora at just after midnight on 17th April 2015 and many times since!
Kayakers Circumnavigating Ireland Stop Off at Hostel
- At June 13, 2015
- By rodney
- In News
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At sea circumnavigating Ireland in two kayaks for last 5 weeks arrived at Port Ronan on 12th June 2015 and rested overnight at Sandrock Holiday Hostel then left at 8am the next morning and rounded Malin Head. Follow their exploits on facebook!
Northern Lights at Malin Head on 10th April 2015
- At April 11, 2015
- By rodney
- In News
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The Northern Lights have been frequently seen at Malin Head. Brendan took this picture at Malin Head at 4am Friday the 10th April 2015.
For more photos see facebook – www.facebook.com/inishowenart or www.adamroryporter.com for further photos.
He Proposed to her whilst at Sandrock
- At January 20, 2013
- By rodney
- In News
0
Tim proposed to Nadine from Christchurch, New Zealand at Wee House of Malin on 3-1-13 after 4th visit to Sandrock Holiday Hostel