COVID -19 Ireland now in virtual LOCKDOWN Level 5 From 21st October 2020

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.

Our only Covid guests

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)

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

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”

Summer Malin Head PHOTOS

Northern Lights As seen at Malin Head 1-3-17. More predicted!

28-6-17 Travelling round Ireland anti clockwise

The author of this book said he was inspired to write whilst sitting here in 2014

Ferries for 2020

The Scenic Lough Foyle Ferry 2020

Linking the Wild Atlantic Way with the Causeway Coast.

We are delighted to announce that daily sailings will begin *3rd July 2020*. Our sailing times are 9am to 8:15pm daily operating a shuttle service throughout the day.

No bookings required, social distancing on board at all times and where possible payments should be contact less. Full details on our website loughfoyleferry.com

We cant wait to welcome our customers on board

#summerishere #wildaltanticway #causewaycoastalroute #staycation #daytrips

FERRY OPERATING 2020 —- EASTER NOW CLOSED NOT OPERATING DUE TO COVID 19

Then from May Bank Holiday weekend only 4th May.

THEN daily from 1st June until Mid September 2020

Summer Sailings 2020 from 1st JUNE until mid September

PREVIOUSLY

We were delighted to announce the Foyle Ferry was officially opened reopened in 2018!between Greencastle and Magilligan Point. Operating a continuous shuttle service between 9am and 8:15pm #takethescenicroute #foyleferry #loughfoyle Details for Summer 20120 above

Important information regarding sailings – http://loughfoyleferry.com

LOUGH SWILLY FERRY 2020

Lough Swilly Ferry Summer Schedule

The Lough Swilly Ferry service delayed due to Covid-19 may be operating from the 20th July 2020 to Mid September

COMMENCES AGAIN Summer 2020 from 20th July 2020 to Mid September

telephone +353 (0)87 211 2331 or www.swillyferry.com

Operating between Rathmullen and Buncrana

WEDDING Tim and Nadine were Married in Sandrock Holiday Hostel on 2-7-2019

At September 11, 2019
By rodney
In News
0

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

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

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

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://www.maythefourthbewithyoufestival.com/

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 4^th Be With You Festival programme

Farren’s in Malin Head is the best pub in Ireland

It’s official: , Farren’s is the best pub in Ireland Email Published: 14:36 Friday 04 May 2018

There were celebrations in Malin Head this week as the iconic Farren’s Pub was named the ‘Best Bar in Ireland.’

The well-known pub, which is not only popular with Inishowen locals but also visitors from Derry and beyond, won the prestigious accolade at the Irish Hospitality Awards 2018 in Dublin on Tuesday night.

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

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

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

Crossroads Inn ( 200 years old but closed 4 years ago) has now reopened on 1-8-17 !!

KAYAKERS stopping at Sandrock Holiday Hostel

Julian Haines 22-6-17 travelling around Ireland clockwise!

28-6-17 Gundi Pau Viktorsson from Iceland, Lee Taylor (See Lee at Sea) from England and Eoin Fitzgibbon from UK and IR about to leave after a night in the hostel!

Gundi, Lee and Eoin leaving Sandrock Holiday Hostel Port Ronan 28-6-17

28-6-17 Travelling round Ireland anti clockwise

Serious Rock Climbing at Malin Head

: Serious Rock Climbing at Malin Head 2014

ROCK CLIMBING and Training now available

Malin Head

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!

Malin Head

Training in Malin Head

Rock Climbing

Photography Workshops Available

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

As seen at Malin Head 1-3-17. More predicted!

Star Wars crew and Actors arrive in Malin Head’ for filming of Episode VIII

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

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

12th June 2015 two kayakers stop for the night at Hostel

Landed at Port Ronan see log on facebook ‘Going Round 2015 IE’

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!