Downings

Template:Infobox Place Ireland Na Dúnaibh (anglicised as Downings or Downies) is a Gaeltacht townland and village on the Rosguill peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland.

Name

The name is ambiguous and could refer to either the wealth of Hill forts in the area , or as a hibernicisation of the English to describe the sandy dunes connecting the peninsula to the mainland. Downings is in one of the most eastern of the Gaeltachtaí.

Economy

Downings used to be a significant fishing port with a substantial Herring fleet. Today however, the local economy survives on tourism, and only three Crab boats make a traditional living from the sea. Situated as it is, in one of the safest anchorages on the North west coast, Sheephaven Bay (whose name is derived from Ship-Haven), Downings has started to cater for International game fishermen, the North west of Ireland being on the migration route of the Bluefin Tuna and other game species.

History

In 2007 local Downings divers recovered a bow gun from the SS Laurentic (1908). This gun is now mounted beside Downings pier.

Recreation

The dunes that connect the Rosguill peninsula to the mainland are also home to the Rosapenna Links course designed by Old Tom Morris, and although the original hotel and clubhouse that was patronised by the likes of John Wayne and Errol Flynn burnt down in the sixties, the new buildings seek to emulate the charm.

Downings is the start and finish of the world famous Atlantic Drive, one of the most dramatic and glorious scenic routes in Ireland.

People

• Most Reverend Philip Boyce, Bishop of Raphoe

See also

• List of towns and villages in Ireland

External links

• Fishing from Downings
• CLG na nDunaibh/Downings GAA
• HMS Laurentic
• 360 Views from Downings