MOVILLE

Moville, a pretty seaside resort, and previous to the second world war a port of call for American liners, is located about twenty miles from Londonderry and four miles from the entrance to Lough Foyle, (population 1,064.) Favourably situated on the western shores of the Lough, it commands a panorama of charming and varied scenic beauty. A convenient service of motor omnibuses runs between Derry and Moville with extensions to Shrove and Greencastle.

The whole district is noted for its peace and serenity. Press reports quote the late District Justice Walsh as stating at Moville Court that few districts had such a record of good order as Moville, but this, he said, was characteristic of Inishowen, "the most peaceful place in Ireland, perhaps in the world". An energetic Development Association has effected many useful improvements. Along the beach runs a fine promenade over half a mile in length. Six new shelters have been provided. The town also possesses fine public baths (in which hot sea water baths are provided) owned by the Board of Health .The town is lighted by electricity and has an ample water supply.

Its fine shore gives Moville a charm for those who are in search of health and rest. The summer regatta is always an interesting event. Boating and sea-fishing can be indulged in, and there are putting greens and hard tennis courts. A spacious recreation park, covering some ten acres sloping down from the main road to the shore was given by the late Right Rev. Bishop Montgomery to the County Council for the use of the public on condition that it shall never be built upon.

The property on which the town of Moville now stands was purchased by Samuel Montgomery, A Derry merchant, who was Sheriff of the City in 1754. He built "New Park" in 1776 - the family residence ever since.

The town consists of a square and four principal streets, in addition to which there are numerous attractive villas. According to a Statistical Account of the Parish of Culdaff written by the Rev. Edward Chichester in 1914, a great whisky fair was held weekly at Bunnafoible (Moville). Here the once famous Inishowen whiskey found a market.

On the right-hand side of the road at Carnagarve, between Moville and Greencastle, is a small but well-preserved earthen rath, covered with grass. These old circular forts are found in every part of Ireland but this is one of the best examples to be found in Inishowen.

Extract from "'Twixt Foyle & Swilly"

Back