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Waves at Mullaghmore, Co Sligo, photographed by Ian Mitchinson Ian Mitchinson
my favourite places
'Donegal has a special magic to it': Surf photographer Ian Mitchinson shares his favourite Irish places
From a secret waterfall to a jaw-dropping hike – the highlights of a life well travelled.
Each week, we ask someone who really knows Ireland’s twists and turns to share their favourite places. Today: Surf photographer Ian Mitchinson on the spots that keep him coming back – from the best waves and hikes to a secret restaurant in Sligo.
My background: I was born in Canada. When I was 18 I decided to go travel the world with a backpack and a camera and ever since then I have been roaming from place to place living a life as a bit of a self employed photographer/ nomadic entrepreneur. I’ve visited over 60 countries in my life so far.
When I met my wife and we had kids we decided that we would need to raise them in a stable environment and not move around so much. One night I saw films online about surfing in Ireland and that planted a seed in my mind. Within six months of that night we arrived with two babies, backpacks and surfboards.
My most memorable Irish destination: The Donegal coast
The place I was drawn to again and again was the coastline of Donegal. Donegal has a special magic to it, and if you get out of the towns and villages (which are very quiet and small to begin with) and explore the coastline and the islands, you just feel like you are in a whole other world, kind of like you are exploring the edge of Earth.
My favourite town or village: Tory Island
If you want to get away and explore old world culture, I would suggest to visit Tory Island. It is the most northerly island of Ireland and you need to catch a boat to get there. When you get there you can easily walk around the island in a day, and you will see the most incredible sites, from sea stacks to seals.
The ancient village of Tory island is very historically important, it is well deserving of a visit. Ultimately, you’ll be off the tourist trail and you might have bits and pieces of it all to yourself.
The best place I’ve ever eaten an ice cream: Little Mamma’s
There is a lovely little shop that opened recently in Donegal Town called Little Mamma’s. Love the ice cream there and my kids refer to it as Ice Cream Land.
The best breakfast I’ve ever had: Shells, Strandhill, Co Sligo
Well Dublin, is incredible with endless options. Every time we go there we are blown away by the variety and quality of the cafes and restaurants. It really is hard to beat what’s there.
However the favourites along the wild Atlantic way would be breakfast at Shells in Strandhill, and a new favourite is the Hardy Baker in Bundoran.
My favourite place for a hike: Keeloges, Leitrim
I love the hills and peaks of the Dartry mountains. I’ve hiked and walked to the top of many of them. There are all kinds of treasures, from ancient megalithic tombs at the top of Knocknarea, mythical caves, old mine shafts and the cliffs of Benbulben and Kings Mountain, amazing waterfalls like Devils Chimney.
My favourite of all would be to seek out Tin Whistle Lake, at the top of the Keeloges mountain and then to stand on the edge of the Keeloges ridge which is in Co Leitrim. You can see all of Donegal Bay to Slieve League, and all of Sligo. You need to follow the Arroo Trail to find it.
My hidden gem that not many people know about: A secret waterfall at Malin Beg
If you are exploring in Donegal, you must visit Silver Strand Beach, also known as Malin Beg. The place is mind blowing. Not only is it like a secret beach with unmatched beauty, but if you are prepared for the adventure you can swim along the shoreline to the secret waterfall and cave tunnel that goes in and out the cliff. You can swim into darkness and eventually come out the other side. But be careful. Maybe hire a guide – I’m one!
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