Award-winning guide to lead Malin and Moville heritage walks

Guided walks are taking place in Moville and Malin Head as part of National Heritage Week 2024.

William McElhinny of Wild Strands Limited will lead the  guided walks on August 24 and 25, the final weekend of National Heritage Week.

The Moville walk is a celebration of the town's rich maritime heritage and is on Saturday August 24 at 3pm, meeting at The Fid Sculpture on the Old Pier. 

This relaxed guided tour walking to the Green, will explore the rich maritime heritage town of Moville, covering traditional boats, historical voyages, ancient settlements, and the role of the sea in shaping the town’s history and culture. It will include a “Seashore Safari” that will give a chance for participants to explore the shore and discover the rich biodiversity of the intertidal area focusing on seaweeds. Wearing wellies or old runners will add to the enjoyment and is recommended.

The Malin Head walk is on Sunday, August 25 at 3pm, meeting at Banba’s Crown. The walk will  commence at Malin Head car park, at Banba’s Crown, continuing to Hell’s Hole and back to the tower. It will be on a rough, uneven gravel pathway, requiring moderate fitness with steep coastal incline on the pathway on the return journey. Suitable clothing for the weather is strongly advised and sturdy footwear is recommended.

William will provide an entertaining, personal and insightful dialogue exploring how water has shaped the lives, traditions, natural and cultural environment of Malin Head over centuries and how we continue to be influenced by water. Water has been a defining element in the historical and cultural development of Malin Head. From the ancient practice of turf cutting and the mesmerising Northern Lights, to the formation of Inishtrahull’s ancient rock formation, to the rich marine biodiversity and traditional fishing methods, water's influence is pervasive. Understanding this connection enhances our appreciation of Malin Head’s heritage and underscores the importance of preserving this unique environment for future generations.

William is known as the Seaweed Man, a marine officer and a marine and countryside guide. He is the director of the award winning marine educational company Wild Strands Ltd whose many accolades include National Heritage Communities Award Winner 2017.

Both walks are organised by the Donegal Local Association of An Taisce and are grant-aided by the Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO). Each walk will last about two hours, they are free, everyone is welcome. There is no need to book. No dogs except service dogs please.