If local history and landscape are part of your choice of where to stay, Milford offers some specific points of interest: a church dating from 1837, traditions about the Gallowglasses, and Mulroy Bay. The topics range from architecture to historical connections associated with particular places.
Church Architecture and Local Traditions
Milford Reformed Presbyterian Church is an important part of Milford’s social history and belongs to the town’s built heritage. The detached building has a two-storey appearance and four bays; it is a Presbyterian church, or meeting house, dating from 1837. Despite modern alterations, it retains much of its early form and original character. Its construction date, building type, and preserved appearance offer several concrete points of interest if you are interested in church architecture and local history.
The Gallowglasses also feature in local tradition. One of their camps is said to have been located along the ridge at a section of Milford Main Street where cattle and pig markets were later held. Milford’s Irish name is said to derive from the trained soldiers from Scotland known as Gallowglasses.
On Holy Well Hill, the Holy Well is located on the site of an ancient ringfort. Lough Napuckan is the lake where the former IRA disposed of ammunition after a raid on the former RIC barracks in Milford. Milford therefore brings together different historical connections: a traditional link to a ringfort and a specific episode in the history of the former IRA.
Milford on the Mulroy Drive
Milford is the main service centre on the Mulroy Drive and one of the region’s most important population centres. This role may be a factor when choosing a place to stay. Mulroy Bay is one of the points of interest associated with Milford. Donegal Heritage Trails is based in Milford on the shores of Mulroy Bay and offers historical tours in northwest Donegal. If you are planning a tour, check available dates in advance.
The Old Milford Bakery & Flour Mills is another point of interest in Milford. Among the walking and cycling trails on the Mulroy Drive is a route named Milford. The wider area around the Mulroy Drive offers sandy beaches, inland waterways, and hilly mountain trails. These landscape features broaden the picture beyond local history.
More to Explore in County Donegal
County Donegal offers additional cultural and landscape attractions. Donegal Castle in County Donegal was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, the Lord of TĂr Conaill. Guided tours trace its history from the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. The castle offers illustrated treasure hunts for children. Check the availability of a tour before your trip.
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills in County Donegal combines a great age with a striking technical feature: the oldest surviving building is 400 years old, and visitors can see one of Ireland’s largest waterwheels in operation. At Glenveagh National Park and Castle, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys, and native oak forests surround a castle with its original interiors. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles.
County Donegal’s coastal destinations also offer different perspectives. Fanad Lighthouse lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay; the tour lasts 45 minutes. The lighthouse also offers the virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha”; check its availability before your trip. Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland, and a circular route follows the coast there to Banba’s Crown. Comparing a tour with a stated duration and a coastal circular route can help you weigh up different ways to explore County Donegal.
Discover more destinations: Greencastle, Rosnakill, Kindrohid, Convoy, Carrickart, An Charraig, Glendowan, Burt.
For the overview of the wider area: County Donegal.
