Buncrana (Bun Cranncha) is the largest town in Inishowen and the second largest town in County Donegal in the north west of Ireland. Often called “The Gateway to Inishowen”, Buncrana is a popular tourist resort boasting 5km of sandy beaches. It is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful countryside, the rich cultural heritage and the wide range of attractions that Inishowen has to offer.
Ireland's most northerly point, Malin Head, the museum at Dunree, the ancient ring fort An Grianan Aileach, the Famine Village on Doagh Isle and nearby Derry city are all well worth a visit.
Buncrana's Irish name means foot or base of the Crana (river). Residents and visitors alike enjoy the gentle walk alongside the River Crana under the beech, maple and lime trees of Swan Park. From Castle Bridge, which spans the Crana River, a pathway bears left past Buncrana Castle and leads to a coastal path which runs for several kilometres along the shores of Lough Swilly. Offering stunning views over the ‘Lake of Shadows’, the path is a perfect place to view Lough Swilly and to be inspired by thoughts of John Newton and “Amazing Grace”! This is the place where John Newton came ashore and where he would have left his ship "The Greyhound" for repairs while he visited Derry city.