CROUGHALOUGH aka "The Golf Ball"
Croughalough is a mountain in the Inishowen area of Donegal and at 282 metres, 925 feet, it is the most northerly summit in Ireland.
Seen from below this huge ball at the top of it resembles a golf ball, hence it’s local nickname “The Golf Ball”. What it actually is is one of 9 such places owned by the Irish Aviation Authority which provides Air Traffic management service.
(Incidentally, close-up the ball is more like a soccer ball than a golf ball).
The hill up to it is quite rough and best walked rather than driven and it should be noted that the area around it is a restricted area so people are not permitted near it – as the loud recorded voice will tell you if you get within a certain distance of the fencing!
Seen from below this huge ball at the top of it resembles a golf ball, hence it’s local nickname “The Golf Ball”. What it actually is is one of 9 such places owned by the Irish Aviation Authority which provides Air Traffic management service.
(Incidentally, close-up the ball is more like a soccer ball than a golf ball).
The hill up to it is quite rough and best walked rather than driven and it should be noted that the area around it is a restricted area so people are not permitted near it – as the loud recorded voice will tell you if you get within a certain distance of the fencing!
The view down to Malin Head (you can see the tower to the right)
The views from the hill over Malin Head and the surrounds is breathtaking but it can be very windy so care must be taken.
South of the Golf Ball there is a lough (lake) called Crocalough Lake and in earlier times it was a place of pilgrimage where school children would visit and do circles of the lake whilst saying prayers.
About the station from the IAA (Irish Aviation Authority):
“IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY (IAA)
The IAA is responsible for Air Traffic Management (ATM). The ATM Operations & Strategy Directorate of the Irish
Aviation Authority provides Air Traffic management services in airspace controlled by Ireland.
Air traffic management services include:
• Air traffic control
• Air Traffic Control flight information
• Search & Rescue service alerting
• Aeronautical information
• North Atlantic Communications
The IAA Safety Regulation Division ensures that Irish civil aviation operates to safety standards set internationally. The regulatory functions include aircraft airworthiness certification and registration; the licensing of personnel and organisations involved in the maintenance of aircraft; the licensing of pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, radio officers and aerodromes; the approval and surveillance of airlines operating standards and of general aviation.”
“IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY (IAA)
The IAA is responsible for Air Traffic Management (ATM). The ATM Operations & Strategy Directorate of the Irish
Aviation Authority provides Air Traffic management services in airspace controlled by Ireland.
Air traffic management services include:
• Air traffic control
• Air Traffic Control flight information
• Search & Rescue service alerting
• Aeronautical information
• North Atlantic Communications
The IAA Safety Regulation Division ensures that Irish civil aviation operates to safety standards set internationally. The regulatory functions include aircraft airworthiness certification and registration; the licensing of personnel and organisations involved in the maintenance of aircraft; the licensing of pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, radio officers and aerodromes; the approval and surveillance of airlines operating standards and of general aviation.”