Bloody Foreland (Cnoc Fola) is a broad headland at the northwest corner of Ireland, between Ballyness Bay to the north and Gweedore to the south. It gets its name from the reddish tinge which the rocky coast takes on at sunset. The sea is then bathed in the same hue, and Tory Island, lying a few miles offshore, becomes a glowing dream island in the dusk.
There is a good road encircling the area. This is one of the parts of Ireland where Irish is still the predominant spoken language, and two well-attended summer schools in the language are held here, at Bunbeg and Cloghaneely.
In the Gweedore area are two power stations, which are still partly fuelled by hand-cut peat. During the early 19th C. Lord George Hill became widely known for the reforms he carried through for the benefit of the poor cottagers of this area.
From Bungeg a boat can be taken to the islands in Gweedore Bay - Innishinny, Gola, etc. - all with superb rock and cliff scenery. There are beautiful beaches on the coast of the mainland, such as Magheraclogher Strand.
From the top of Mount Errigal there are magnificent views - northward towards the wild and lonely Lough Altan, with Aglamore (1,313ft/400m) rising sheer from its waters.
From the north side of the Lough Dunlewy, Mount Errigal (2,429ft/740m) can be climbed. This gleaming white cone of quartzite, with two peaks (30ft/9m) apart linked by a ridge known as One Man's Path, also offers scope for rock-climbers. From the top there are magnificent views.
In Ballyness Bay are Gortahork and Falcarragh, from which Muckish Mountain (2166ft/660m) can be climbed. It is a stiff climb, but the views from the top are magnificent. Gortahork and Falcarragh offer accommodation for those attending summer school in the Irish language in Bunbeg.
Tory Island is the largest island in the Falcarragh area. A religious center from early times, it began to decline during the reign of Elizabeth I. The island still has a population of 200. There are the remains of various ancient structures, including an unusual round tower (National Monument) of undressed stone, 55ft/17m high. The boat service is very much dependent on the weather; but a trip to this outpost of Europe, though something of an adventure in rough weather, is a very rewarding one.
Tips: For a boat to Tory Island, apply at the post office in Meenlaragh, near the pier.
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