20 Attractions to Explore Near Gola Island

Bád Eddie or Eddie’s boat are the names given to the old wreck at Magherclogher beach, Bunbeg Donegal. Cara Na Mara is the official title of the abandoned fishing vessel ran into trouble during stormy seas in the early 1970s. The boat featured in the 1985 Clanad and Bono video. Eddie’s boat was the reason for the one hour journey from where we were staying and it was certainly worth the effort.

Owey Island is a 300 acre island off the coast of west County Donegal, Ireland.The island's highest hill, Moylemore, is at 102 m.The buildings of the island are located on its southern part, being the northern one rocky and exposed to winds. On Owey there is no mains electricity or public water supply. It is one of the iconic attraction in this area and also it offers beautiful views too.

Cruit Island is one of the main islands of the Rosses, now joined to the mainland near Kincasslagh. The island resembles a harp just enough to allow the more poetically minded to opt for that derviation. Cruit is one of only two inhabited islands in the Rosses, the other being Arranmore, a big change from the time, just a generation ago, when most of the islands of any size were populated.

Leo’s Tavern is one of Donegal’s most famous pubs. It is named after Leo Brennan, an extremely popular and accomplished musician in his own right but also the father of Enya and 3 members of the renowned Clannad band – Moya, Ciaran and Paul Brennan. The proprietor Bartley Brennan is Leo Brennan’s youngest son and Leo himself continues to entertain the locals and tourists regularly.

Inishbofin is an island off the coast of Machaire Uí Rabhartaigh, County Donegal, Ireland. The island is a 120-hectare land mass, with an economy traditionally based on fishing and farming. Irish is spoken routinely. There are no pubs or shops on the island. There is a boat service to and from it but no regular ferry.

This is a small rural community in the Donegal Gaeltacht which lies in unique scenery at the foot of Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in the County. Ionad Cois Locha is situated on the shores of Dunlewey Lough in the shadow of the haunting and mysterious Poison Glen. Attractions include a restaurant & tea room; craft shop; adventure play area and so more.

Errigal is a 751-metre mountain near Gweedore in County Donegal, Ireland. It is the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains and the tallest peak in County Donegal. Errigal is also the most southern and the highest of the mountain chain called the "Seven Sisters" by locals. Errigal is known for the pinkish glow of its quartzite in the setting sun. It is a good trekking destination and also there are so many things to explore here.

The small island, about 12 km off the coast of Ireland, is a real unique place and stronghold of Irish tradition. This is lived intensively by the islanders who have chosen their own king. Sights of the island are a T-shaped cross, remains of a round tower and monastery, as well as a lighthouse.

A beautiful mountain which forms the backdrop to the village of Dunfanaghy and the surrounding area. It's distinctive flat topped shape gave it its name - an Mhucais, meaning "the pig's back".Muckish is also the most northern and second highest of the mountain chain called the "Seven Sisters" by locals. The Seven Sisters are Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght, and Errigal.

A hidden gem of a beach that is easy to miss travelling from Glenties to Dungloe in Co Donegal. Long sandy beach with sand dunes. There is a surf school here called Wild Atlantic Surf School.A blue flag beach at the heart of Donegal. Nearly 2km of golden sand, sand dunes of special significance, safe for swimming, surfing and bathing.

Lough Beagh is located in the heart of Glenveagh National Park in the northwest of County Donegal. It holds a good stock of small brown trout, occasional salmon and can hold a moderate stock of sea trout in August. It is fed mainly by the Owenbeagh River entering at its southern end. The lake drains northwards into the Owencarrow River. The Owencarrow connects the lake with its similar northern neighbour, Glen Lough.

Glenveagh Castle is a 19th century castellated mansion and was built between 1867 and 1873. Its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. It is built in the Scottish baronial architectural style and consists of a four-story rectangular keep, surrounded by a garden, and a backdrop of some 165.4 km2 of mountains, lakes, glens and woods complete with a herd of red deer.

The Glenveagh Castle Gardens are part of Glenveagh National Park in the north west of County Donegal. The site occupied by the castle and gardens was formerly wild mountain moorland, with construction of the castle beginning in 1869 and the gardens in the mid 1880s. Tree rhododendrons and magnolias grace the woods with under-plantings of azaleas, hostas, astilbes and rodgersias.

The Art House is a small art gallery located in a terrace building on the main street of Dunfanaghy, Donegal. It’s owner is the friendly and informative Brian O Doherty. Visitors to the gallery appreciate that Brian takes time takes to share his joy and love of art with them individually. And they love our mix of landscapes, cityscapes, block prints, prints and original artwork. The Art House also offers framing services, private commissions and a range of workshops also.

Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north west of County Donegal. The Park, over 16,000 hectares in extent consists of three areas. The largest of these is the former Glenveagh Estate, including most of the Derryveagh Mountains.

Inishkeel is a small tidal island and a townland off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland. The closest village on the mainland is Narin. The island is located in Gweebarra Bay around 250 m from the coast. A sandy tidal bank connects, with low tide, the island with the mainland.

This beautiful peninsula was located in the north of Donegal and is by far less touristic than its neighbouring peninsulas of Fanad or Inishowen. Nevertheless, this peninsula is a must see. Especially the northern cape “Horn Head” is worth a visit and surprises visitors with its 180 metres high steep cliffs. It is designated as an Irish Natural Heritage Area and as a refuge for fauna specifically seabirds.

The Fintown Railway is the only operational railway in Co. Donegal. Set amidst spectacular highland scenery overlooking Lough Finn. It is the only operational narrow guage railway in County Donegal. The railway nestled deep in the heart of spectacular mountainous scenery steeped in tradition, myth and folklore, and running along the crystal clear waters of Loch Finn is a million miles from the constant rush of every day life.

The Kilclooney Dolmen is a portal-tome or dolmen, prominent on the skyline north-north-west of Ardara. It well displays the classic features from which this type of monument derives its name. The monument comprises a huge capstone approximately four by six meters, supported by two 1.8 meter uprights, known as portals and a back stone on which the capstone rests. A notable feature of the back stone is the chocking stone.

The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among them sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. In the forest, you will find a range of archeological features and national monuments, and these are all documented in the guide booklet produced by Coillte, and available at most tourist information centres.