Donegal's Islands
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Rugged beauty landscapes guaranteed on these unforgettable walking and hiking experiences.

Capture the magic of Donegal and wow your followers with stunning scenery around every corner.

Don’t let a little rain stop your adventure! Discover the magic of Donegal
Donegal’s islands sit off the Atlantic edge like a scattered handful of stories, each with its own rhythm, history and personality. From the inhabited islands of Árainn Mhór (Arranmore) and Toraigh (Tory Island) to the smaller, wilder outposts dotted along the coast, these islands have long been shaped by the sea. Life here has always been resourceful and resilient, rooted in fishing, farming and a deep connection to place. Irish (Gaeilge) is still spoken daily on some islands, traditional music echoes through local gatherings, and customs have been passed down quietly rather than put on show. This is living culture, not a museum piece.
Visiting Donegal’s islands offers a rare chance to slow down and experience that way of life first-hand. Arranmore, the largest inhabited island, is easily reached by regular ferry from Burtonport and is popular for its walking routes, beaches, and vibrant community events. Tory Island, reached by ferry from Magheroarty, is famous for its dramatic cliffs and strong artistic tradition. Both islands offer accommodation, food, and warm Donegal hospitality — with the Atlantic never far from view.
Beyond the inhabited islands lie places that are equally compelling but far less accessible. Inishbofin, Inishfree and several smaller islands are uninhabited today and can only be visited by private boat, weather permitting. Others, such as Gabhla have enjoyed a resurgence as people have started to move back to the island with a number of holiday homes and year round inhabitants. As of the most recent census in 2022, the island boasted a population of 15 – a 200% increase on the previous census in 2016.
Inishtrahull (Ireland’s most northerly island), is generally inaccessible to the public and protected for its natural and historical importance. The lighthouse and the island are both under the ownership of the Commisioners of Irish Lights. Some islands are best admired from the mainland or on coastal boat tours, reminders of Donegal’s raw Atlantic landscape and the generations who once called even the most exposed places home.
Together, Donegal’s islands offer something increasingly rare: authenticity, isolation, and a powerful sense of continuity between land, sea and community.
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Visiting Donegal’s islands offers a rare chance to slow down and experience that way of life first-hand. Arranmore, the largest inhabited island, is easily reached by regular ferry from Burtonport and is popular for its walking routes, beaches, and vibrant community events. Tory Island, reached by ferry from Magheroarty, is famous for its dramatic cliffs and strong artistic tradition. Both islands offer accommodation, food, and warm Donegal hospitality — with the Atlantic never far from view. Beyond the inhabited islands lie places that are equally compelling but far less accessible. Inishbofin, Inishfree and several smaller islands are uninhabited today and can only be visited by private boat, weather permitting. Others, such as Gabhla have enjoyed a resurgence as people have started to move back to the island with a number of holiday homes and year round inhabitants. As of the most recent census in 2022, the island boasted a population of 15 - a 200% increase on the previous census in 2016. Inishtrahull (Ireland’s most northerly island), is generally inaccessible to the public and protected for its natural and historical importance. The lighthouse and the island are both under the ownership of the Commisioners of Irish Lights. Some islands are best admired from the mainland or on coastal boat tours, reminders of Donegal’s raw Atlantic landscape and the generations who once called even the most exposed places home. Together, Donegal’s islands offer something increasingly rare: authenticity, isolation, and a powerful sense of continuity between land, sea and community.' _flexible_blocks_1_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56' flexible_blocks_2_title => 'Discover Donegal\'s Islands' _flexible_blocks_2_title => 'field_68a4674fe84e8' flexible_blocks_2_posts_to_show => '12' _flexible_blocks_2_posts_to_show => 'field_69270bd2d6dd0' flexible_blocks_2_activity_picker => array ( 0 => '4337', 1 => '4339', 2 => '4340', 3 => '4343', 4 => '4341', 5 => '4344', 6 => '4345', 7 => '4338', 8 => '6341', 9 => '4346', 10 => '4342', ) _flexible_blocks_2_activity_picker => 'field_68fa3d1ce31c9' flexible_blocks_2_cta_button_text => '' _flexible_blocks_2_cta_button_text => 'field_68fa3cda2d0ad' flexible_blocks_2_cta_button_link => '' _flexible_blocks_2_cta_button_link => 'field_68fa3cee2d0ae' astra-migrate-meta-layouts => 'set' _elementor_page_assets => array ( )