The Donegal
Islands have a special place in the hearts of many people, both in those that
can trace their roots here and those that have visited from other places. Islanders
that have left will always be connected to them and those that remain keep the
island tradition and culture of the past alive. The Donegal Islands are unique places
on the Wild Atlantic Way where the Irish language still thrives and the
heritage of past island life is preserved. Peace and tranquillity can be felt
the moment you step foot onto any of the Donegal Islands and time stands still.
With 1134km
of coastline, Donegal has a lot of islands and is the ideal destination for an island
hopping adventure break! On North West coast of Ireland in the Irish speaking
Gaeltacht region you will find many of the Donegal Islands including the two
largest islands, Tory and Arranmore. You can also find Gola, Inishbofin, Inishfree,
Island Roy, Rutland, Inishkerragh, Owey and Inishirrer. Inishtrahull Island is
the most Northerly island off the coast of Ireland and Inch Island can be found
in Lough Swilly.
Inishtrahull Island (Inis Trá Tholl) is located off the coast of Malin
Head, Co Donegal, the most northerly point of the country and the last sign of
Ireland that most who emigrated to America from Derry ever saw. The island is
now uninhabited by people but is a haven for wildlife. The rocks on Inishtrahull are 1.7 billion
years old and the geography of the island is more like that of Greenland and
parts of Scandinavia than Ireland.
Only one
mile from mainland Donegal is Gola Island
(Oileán Ghabhla) has been inspiring artists and photographers for many
years. Gola is the perfect place to find sanctuary in the still quietness of
its stunning shores. Breathtaking coastal landscapes and towering cliffs offer
adventure seekers a paradise to explore. With natural habitats, wildlife
watchers delight in the sights of Gola. Rock climbers indulge in some of the
best climbing in the world on Gola and walkers journey along the Bealach na
Gaeltachta trail. Visit Loch Mhachaire na nGall, a small lake that nestles in
the hills and once was filled with wild eels. Get to Gola by ferry, departing
from the pier at Bunbeg (Bun Beag) or Machaire Gathlán.
Inishbofin (Inis Bó Finne) ‘the island of the white cow’ is a
tranquil oasis far removed from the rush of modern life. Located two miles off
the mainland of Donegal, Inishbofin has beautiful white sandy beaches and some
really unique cliffs and caves. It has not been long since electricity and
running water were provided on the island in 2002! Step back in time on
Inishbofin and listen to the spoken Irish of the island community. Inishbofin
is famous amongst bird watchers as the island is home to the rare and elusive
corncrake and barnacle geese who fly here from the Arctic each Autumn to remain
for Winter. Hundreds of wild rabbits can be found frolicking in the fields of
Inishbofin.
Arranmore Island (Árainn Mhór) offers an abundance of activity
holiday options with something for everyone. The island is seven square miles
in size, has approximately 470 resident inhabitants and is just three miles off
mainland Donegal. From Burtonport catch one of the car and passenger ferries to
the island. Arranmore is a particularly popular spot for divers and deep sea
anglers. There are many paths and trails, rugged cliffs and long white sandy
beaches. Flora and fauna thrive on Arranmore Island. Steeped in history, the
island’s music, song and dance traditions keep the heritage and culture of
Arranmore in the hearts of many. In summer the island hosts some fantastic
festivals such as Swell Fest. Enjoy a Sea Safari boat trip to discover the
marine life around the island. You will find a warm welcome on Arranmore Island
and no shortage of things to see and do. Don’t miss it!
Take a trip
to Tory Island (Oileán Thoraí) by
ferry from Magheroarty (Machaire Rabhartaigh), an inhabited craggy island eight
miles off Cnoc Fola (Bloody Foreland) with panoramic coastal views. First
occupied more than 4,500 years ago in Neolithic times, Tory island has a long
and varied history. Said to have been the stronghold of Balor na Súile Nimhe
(Balor of the Evil Eye) a mythical warlord who features in island folklore,
Tory has a fascinating story to tell and Tory Island has no shortage of
storytellers! Ancient customs survive on
Tory. The island even has its own King or Rí Thoraí. Walking, rock climbing,
wildlife watching and cultural activities all make up an adventure on Tory.
Whatever your favourite activity, Tory is a place of adventure.
