In September 1939, Ireland established the Marine and Coast Watching Service to monitor its coastal waters during World War II. This service had five main divisions: the Patrol Service, Coastwatching Service, Port Examination Service, Mining Service, and Maritime Inscription. Local men from Inishowen served in the Patrol, Port Control, and Coastwatching divisions.

Throughout the war, a network of 83 lookout posts was set up along the Irish coast, including the Inishowen Peninsula, to monitor shipping and ensure Ireland’s neutrality. Despite Donegal’s proximity to belligerent states and trans-Atlantic convoy routes, no mines were laid in its harbours, and there was no Maritime Inscription organisation in the county.

After the war, the service was gradually disbanded. The Coast Watching Service was officially stood down on 9 October 1945, while the Patrol Service evolved into today’s Irish Naval Service.

For visitors exploring Inishowen’s wartime history, you can also read our article on the historic EIRE signs that once guided Allied aircraft along the coast.

This article draws from the archives of the Inishowen Maritime Museum, Greencastle, Co. Donegal; it’s well worth a visit!

Photo Courtesy of Martin Fleming