- Horn Head
Horn Head (Corran Binne, "Hollow in the Hills" in Irish) is a peninsula in
Donegal , North WestIreland , close toDunfanaghy . It forms part ofSheephaven Bay .Archeological Significance
Horn Head has many remains of
Neolithic stone circle s, court tombs and passage tombs and prehistoric field boundaries.Natural Heritage Area
Horn Head cliffs rise straight out of the water to a height of about 600ft/180m on the ocean side of the peninsula. They are an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds. Species include the
European Shag and theRazorbill . It is designated as an IrishNatural Heritage Area and as aRefuge for Fauna specifically sea birds. Horn Head cliffs are also designated aSpecial Protection Area and aSpecial Area of Conservation by the Irish government.McSwyne's Gun
McSwyne's gun is a blow hole on the West side of the peninsula. Previously, during storms, water could be forced through it to a height of 200-300 feet, with a noise that could be heard ten miles away. Although still functional, it is not as spectacular any more. Several people have been killed after getting too close and falling in.
Horn Head House
Horn Head house stands on the Sheephaven Bay side of Horn Head. It was built in the 18th century and was the largest house in the Dunfanaghy area. It was the seat of the Stewarts of Horn Head from the 1700's until 1935. It has been derelict since then.
Lookout Towers
Horn Head has remains of two lookout towers, one from Napoleonic times and one from
World War II . Both give views of theAtlantic Ocean andTory Island .References
*
External links
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html?action=SitHTMDetails.asp&sid=549&m=0 Birdlife on Horn Head]
* [http://www.megalithomania.com/show/site/1429 Court Tomb at Claggan, Horn Head]
* [http://www.megalithomania.com/show/site/1430 Portal Tomb at Claggan, Horn Head]
* [http://www.megalithomania.com/show/site/1428 Portal Tomb at Muntermellan, Horn Head]
* [http://members.aol.com/bromnichol/stewart.htm Description of Horn Head House]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
