Kinnagoe Bay facts for kids
Kinnagoe Bay (which means Bá Chionn an Ghabha in Irish) is a quiet beach located in Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland. It is famous for a very old shipwreck. On September 16, 1588, a ship from the Spanish Armada called La Trinidad Valencera sank here. A special plaque is placed at the beach to remember this event.
You can reach the beach by driving down a winding road from the top of a hill. There is a small car park at the beach. It can get very busy, especially during the summer months. Kinnagoe Bay is also one of the interesting stops along the Inishowen 100, which is a famous scenic driving route.
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The Shipwreck of La Trinidad Valencera
The La Trinidad Valencera was a large ship from the Spanish Armada. The Armada was a huge fleet of ships sent by Spain to invade England in 1588. After a big battle, many Spanish ships were damaged. They tried to sail home around Ireland. However, many ships were caught in bad storms and sank off the Irish coast.
What Was the Spanish Armada?
The Spanish Armada was a powerful navy assembled by King Philip II of Spain. Its main goal was to invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth I. The Armada consisted of about 130 ships. It carried thousands of soldiers and cannons.
The Fate of La Trinidad Valencera
The La Trinidad Valencera was one of the largest ships in the Armada. It was a transport ship, carrying soldiers and supplies. After the Armada's defeat, the ship was badly damaged. It tried to find shelter along the Irish coast but was hit by a severe storm. The ship eventually sank in Kinnagoe Bay. Most of the people on board survived the initial sinking. They made it to shore but faced many challenges afterward.
Discovering the Wreck
The wreck of La Trinidad Valencera was discovered many years later. In 1971, a team of divers found the remains of the ship. They brought up many interesting items from the seabed. These items included cannons, coins, and personal belongings of the sailors. These discoveries helped historians learn more about the Spanish Armada and life on board these old ships. Some of these items are now displayed in museums.
Fishing at Kinnagoe Bay
Kinnagoe Bay is a popular spot for people who love to fish. Fishermen come from all over Ireland to cast their lines here. The old shipwreck of La Trinidad Valencera acts like a home for many different types of fish. This makes it a great place to catch them.
Types of Fish You Can Catch
You can catch fish by spinning from the rocks or by casting your line from the sandy beach. Some of the fish commonly found here include:
- Pollack
- Wrasse
- Coalfish
- Dogfish
- Bass
- Flounder
- And many other kinds of fish!
