Malin Well is in Ballygorman, close to the Old Church and the House of Malin. Their coastal setting and folklore give the places described here a shared theme: alongside the church by the shore, a small cave is a focal point, associated with folklore and history.

Malin Well Old Church by the shore

Malin Well Old Church was built by the shore and stands practically on the beach, at the foot of a cliff on the north side of the Malin Head peninsula. At spring tides, it was almost completely surrounded by water. The relationship between the church, the shore and the tides is therefore an integral part of the description of its location.

The Malin Well Old Church Conservation Group has taken over the monument. The group aims to preserve it and research its history in depth. Malin Well itself is near the church and the House of Malin; this helps distinguish the named places from one another.

Folklore surrounding the Wee House of Malin

The Wee House of Malin is a small cave by the shore near Malin Head, closely associated with folklore and history. It is connected to an adjoining holy well and the remains of a monastic foundation. According to tradition, the foundation is said to have been built to drive evil out of the area. At this specific coastal location, physical remains meet a traditional interpretation of its history.

The traditional feast day of the Wee House of Malin is 15 August, with Masses, community events and pilgrimages. Check current event dates before planning your trip around this occasion.

More attractions in the wider destination of County Donegal

The wider destination of County Donegal also offers a range of historic sites. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Tours trace its history from the Gaelic Lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration; check tour availability before your trip. Doe Castle is a medieval stronghold of the MacSweeneys. Grianán of Aileach is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. At Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, the oldest surviving building is 400 years old; visitors can see one of Ireland’s largest waterwheels in operation.

The landscape and wildlife also shape the range of things to see in County Donegal. Glenveagh National Park and Castle combines mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys, native oak forests and a castle with its original interior. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland and is in County Donegal; a coastal path leads to Banba’s Crown. For a different coastal perspective, visitors can hike to the Sliabh Liag cliffs on the southwest coast of County Donegal.

The tour at Fanad Lighthouse in County Donegal lasts 45 minutes; the virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha” is also available there. Check availability before your trip. A boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour goes to the foot of the Sliabh Liag sea cliffs and is seasonal; check in advance to see whether it is operating. The weekly Dunfanaghy Country Market is also seasonal and offers local food and fresh produce. In Glenveagh, a Trail Walker Bus takes visitors to some of the best starting points for the walking trails; check before your trip to see whether the bus is operating.

Discover more destinations: Killybegs, Manorcunningham, Rosnakill, Bunbeg, Falcarragh, Ballintra, Termon, Downings.

Back to the wider travel guide: County Donegal.