The Northern Lights of Inishowen

Photo: Michael Gill                                                                                                                                                                                                   Aurora Borealis viewed at Malin Head, Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal, Ireland

​With very little light pollution, the Inishowen Peninsula has become one of Europe's best vantage points in which to view the Aurora Borealis.  Depending on Solar Wind strength, the "lights" can be seen in the northern horizon and on some occasions, directly overhead as they would at the North Pole.

The Northern Lights are one of the most striking and awe inspiring displays found in nature.  The mystical dancing of multi-coloured lights are caused by charged particles eddying and swirling around the night skies and colliding with the Earth's magnetosphere. 

The best time of the year to capture the Aurora Borealis is between November and February, between 9pm and 1am usually.  Obviously conditions have to be just right and you need to keep an eye on the Kp levels for the area.  This can be done on this website (click for information)...the higher the Kp value the better the solar storm.  The Kp levels have numbers from 0 to 9, a 4 or above means a good sign of seeing the "lights".  

If you'd like to experience the Northern Lights in Inishowen when you are here, please ask us if there is a chance of this occurring during your vacation.  We can take you to the best spots and arrange for meeting with Aurora Borealis experts and photographers.  Another great experience to tick off the Bucket List!