Irish Islands

Until the 16th century, Colmcille's monastery defined the island. In Toraigh, the most remote of all the inhabited Irish isles, tradition and high spirits abound. A Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region), this island is fiercely proud of its folklore, music and dance. A haven for artists, the beauty of this small island has inspired the imagination for generations. Other landmarks of note include the Lighthouse, the Wishing Stone, and Balor's Fort. An interesting fact is that this island traditionally elects its own king - the only place in Ireland to do so.

Gabhla is one of the lesser-known islands. Long uninhabited, interest was revived recently, particularly among rock climbers and birdwatchers. An off the beaten track walk brings visitors to a lake with abundant bird life; cormorants, razorbills, guillemots as well as gannets and kittiwakes. Somewhere this peaceful, you may feel as though you've been transported to another world - but the island is in fact only 2km from Gweedore, with ferries departing from Magheragallan (Machaire Gathlan). Note: during low season, booking is required.

Arranmore is the biggest inhabited island in County Donegal. A Gaeltacht region, many mainlanders cherish memories of visiting this island to participate in Irish-language summer schools as teenagers. Outdoor and aquatic activities are popular here, such as birdwatching, rock climbing, diving, sailing, kayaking, but most of all angling, as the sea and freshwater lakes here are rich in fish. This is the perfect place to get acquainted with the Islander spirit.

Inishfree (or Inis Fraoigh) is a small island 5km off the coast of Donegal. In the 4th and 5th century, this remote island was the domain of Niall of the Nine Hostages, future king of Ireland. Today, pristine nature and the tranquility of a simpler time await those visitors who wander off the beaten path. The island's few inhabitants organise activities for visitors involving local culture, music, art, crafts, poetry, angling, boating and more.

Island Roy is a 90-acre little-known island with few inhabitants, mostly farmers. Its Irish name, Oileán Ruaidh, means "red island" and refers to the vibrant red hue of the vegetation in winter - the island has even been symbolically "twinned" with the Red Planet, Mars! A calm place of retreat, explore the sand dunes and hills at your leisure. The island is accessible from the mainland by road - but only during low tide.