Explore Donegal Islands

Lying off the coast of Donegal are a number of islands which can be explored from Breac.House on a daytrip - or you can stay a little longer if you have the time before or after your stay with us. Islands such as Aranmore, Tory, Gola. Cruit and Inisbofin can all be visited to get a deeper sense of island life here, past and present. A local guide can be arranged to show you round if needed (subject to availability / advance booking required)

• Arranmore : The largest and most accessible is Arranmore Island which is approx. 20 minutes by ferry from Burtonport. There are 2 ferry services and they are very frequent. On the very picturesque journey you will pass a number of smaller islands, some with very interesting histories such as Rutland Island where you can see the remains of an 18^th century fish processing factory and workers houses. Once on Arranmore, we suggest walking to either the spectacular lighthouse and / or to the lovely little harbour at Aphort. There are a few spots to enjoy a bite to eat, drink or coffee including Earlys Hotel or Hughie Mickey Dans. Back in Burtonport, don’t miss the Lobster Pot – a famous local hostelry serving great lobster, crab and other fish.
• Tory The most dramatic island is Tory, Ireland’s furthest offshore inhabited island situated 14.5km from land. Boats depart Magheraroarty and it takes approx. 50 minutes. The journey can be rough at times so be prepared. There are many places of interest on this unique, historic Irish speaking community of approx. 150 permanent residents including the Tau Cross, the lighthouse and the other-worldly cliffs at Dun Balor on the south eastern tip of the island. You can also follow in the footsteps of the Derek Hill inspired “Tory School of Painting” which developed into a movement of painters including James Dixon, Ruairdhri Rodgers, Antoin Meenan and Patsy Dan Rodgers (former “King” of the island). To see more of the work of Derek Hill and the Tory Island painters while back onshore, visit The Glebe Gallery in Churchill, his former home and now a beautifully curated. eclectic gallery and exhibition space.
• Gola : The island of Gola is located just 1km off the coast from Gweedore and can be accessed by small boat from Bunbeg / Maghergallon harbours (on request outside of Summer months). It is small but beautiful – and a place where you can see how previous generations may have lived at a time when this was a bustling fishing and agricultural community. It is now a haven for seabirds and some intrepid humans who have made Gola their home or holiday-home location.
• Cruit Island : The only island accessible by bridge (vehicle and pedestrian) it is a gem which has some of the most beautiful little beaches and coves with white sand and clear turquoise water. The little harbour at the tip of the island is a perfect picnic spot where you can look across the water to Owey Island. You can also play golf here at one of Ireland’s most dramatic golf courses – with views of the sea all around (bring plenty of golf balls!). If you fancy staying a few days, the Donegal Thatch Cottages are pretty iconic.
• Inisbofin : Meaning “the island of the fair haired cow” in Irish, the island was traditionally a grazing location for cattle. It is located just off the tip of Magheraroarty beach – across a very narrow strip of water which in the past was crossed with cattle periodically at very low tide. Safer bet is to take the new Inisboffin ferry service (summer service) which only takes a few minutes each way – and includes a tour and some great local insights on the history, ecology and demographics of the island