8 Islands to Explore in County Donegal

Checkout places to visit in County Donegal

County Donegal

County Donegal is a county of Ireland in the province of Ulster. From the hills of Donegal to the Wild Atlantic Way Coastline. You will be spoiled for choice of Adventure, good food and much more. The vast Derryveagh Mountains rule the raw landscape, explore its walking trails and visit the shores of Lough Eske. Find some of Ireland's best beaches here and make time for the white sand of Portsalon Beach.

Activities Around

Islands to Explore in County Donegal

Cruit Island

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.

Gola Island

The Gola Island covers about one square mile (500 acres) and is situated about one mile from the pier at Machaire Gathlán. It is hilly on its west side, rising to 238 feet at Cnoc an Choillín and 212 feet at An Mhaol Mhór, and these hills shelter the houses that stretch in a ribbon along the east side. Gola islanders are renowned for their skills as mariners and fishermen and story-tellers.

Inch Island

A small and beautiful island within Lough Swilly, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Between the island and the mainland lies the Inch Wildfowl Reserve – a birdwatchers paradise. The site includes two car parks, seating, viewpoints and a number of bird hides open to the public. This scenic pathway follows around the lake edge and offers panoramic views of the surrounding agricultural landscape and wetlands.

Inishbofin

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.

Inishkeel

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.

Isle of Doagh

The Isle of Doagh is situated between Trawbreaga and Pollan Bay. The island offers beautiful beaches with dunes and is home to the impressive Carrikabraghy Castle in the far north-east of Doagh. The Doagh Famine Village is located here. This open-air museum contains examples of thatched buildings and traditional lifestyles. Attractions include recreations of an Irish wake, Orange Hall, Presbyterian Meeting House, mass rock, hedge school, eviction scene and Republican Safe House.

Owey Island

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.

Tory Island

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.

Map of Islands to explore in County Donegal