The Islands

Information on this page kindly supplied by Ancaire, the Co-operative for the Small Donegal Islands.

Island Roy , Downings .
Our island is part of hidden Ulster and better still hidden Ireland. We are recorded very little on most of the maps for the Rosguill area and are on very few maps for Donegal.
Island Roy the name that the island is known today as has had many different names recorded in Donegal History all relating to the island. They are as follows:

Edenbray, Elendebray, Illandeory, Island Roy, Island Wray, and as is is officially registered with the Irish Ordinance Survey Office, Oileán an bhráighe, which when translated is Prisoner's Island which according to local history links the Island with Doe Castle and the Clan Mac Sweeney.

We are nested quietly in the beautiful MulroyBay and protected by Gainne Mhor the FanadMountains , Figart Hill, with MuckishMountain in the distance. We have one lake on the Island called Loch Moss, but sadly no fish, although we do have wild duck nesting and hatching their broods there. Our shores are noted for Whelks, Scallop and Urchin.

Two causeways link our Island to the mainland, one to Carrickaholan Isle and the other from Carrickaholan to Island Roy. The causeways were built between the years of 1927 and 1929.

Island walk see Danders around Downings and Reamles round Rosgoill by Kevin Ward. The walkers Guide is available in the shops in Downings and Carrigart.

Check http://www.dohertyholidayhomes.com/ for accommodation.

Getting there

(1)   The Island is linked to the mainland via two Causeways which are tidal.

(2)   Contact 074 91 55535 for information in relation to the tides on the Causeway.

(3)   When there is low tide you can drive on to the Island.

Tory Island
The boat trip to Toraigh is not just a panoramic sea-trip from An Bun Beag or Machaire Rabhartaigh; it is a journey through time to visit the most remote of Ireland's inhabited islands, where time seems to have stood still.
Toraigh is an island of mystery and antiquity. It had been inhabited since the earliest of times and is rich in archaeological and monastic sitesfrim the Iron Age and Early Christian periods.

Getting there
Ferry (1):
Donegal Coastal Cruises (Turasmara). Access to Tory is by ferry, An Tor Mor which departs from the harbours of An Bun Beag and Machaire Rabhartaigh.
Departs An Bun Beag 9:00am
Machaire Rabhartaigh 11:30am, 1:30pm (Jul/Aug only), 5:00pm.

Contact:
Turasmara for extra sailings during high season.
Turasmara Teo, Baile Lair, Doiri Beaga, Co Dhun na nGall
T: (074) 955 1320 / 1540
T: (074) 915 5061
F: (074) 955 1665
E: eolas@toryislandferry.com
W: http://www.toryislandferry.com/

Ferry (2):
Toraigh na dTonn operates from Machaire Rabhartaigh in summed.

Contact:
T: (074) 915 5920
M: 086-810 8411
Booking advisable.

 Inishbofin

Inis Bo Finne - 'the island of the white cow' - is located four miles from the village of An Fal Carrach (Falcarragh), or just two miles (a 10-minute boat trip) from the pier at Machaire Rabhartaigh (Magheraroarty).
Covering 300 acres, it is a small island of two halves connected by a narrow, sandy col. The southern half of the island is fertile and was cultivated in the past in the traditional 'clachan and rundale' manner, which involved communal usage of scarce arable soil and cattle pasture. The ancient field boundaries are still in place (see photo above), though the fields have now reverted to grassland, providing cornflakes and geese with their essential habitat.
There are two villages on the island, one near the harbour of An Clachan, and the other a short distance away at An Garradh Ban.

Getting there

Ferry: Machaire Rabhartaigh
(Magheraroarty). Contact Micheal O Briain
T: (074) 913 5635 or T: 087-627 9789
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Gola
In the late 1960s all of the island's families left to live on the mainland. This was due largely to the closure of the school in 1967 Fishing and farming at subsistence level had sustained them for centuries but could not compete with the attractions of mainland living or the better opportunities it now afforded.
Many of the islanders now living on the mainland preserve a strong sense of their island identity and culture. They are renowned for their skills as mariners and fishermen and as singers and story-tellers.

Getting there
A ferry sails from Machaire Gathlan (Magheragallan) hourly from 11:00am, seven days a week, in peak season (July-August). Last sailing 6:00pm. Other seasons by booking.
10-minute crossing.

Contact:
Seod Ghabhla
(Gola Island Ferry Service)
Oilean Ghabhla, Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore),
Leitir Ceanbinn, Co Dhun na nGall
M: 087-660 7003

  Note to sailors
There are two piers on Gabhla: one at Traigh na mBlathan on the east side and the other at Port an Chruinn on the south side. Their use is weather dependent, but when one is exposed the other is generally sheltered and provides safe landing conditions. W: http://www.golaisland.ie/

Aranmore Island
Árainn Mhór is an island of seven square mites situated just three miles off the coast of Donegal. The car ferry en route from the mainland port of Ailt an Chorráin (Burtonport) passes between a cluster of smaller islands on its swift twenty-minute crossing.
Some 600 people are resident on the island, though the population rises to 1 ,500 in the summer as migrant workers return and tourists visit. Most of the islanders are native Irish speakers.

Getting there

Ferry:
Three to eight crossings daily depending on season and day of week. The ferry seats 128 passengers and can take vehicles of all sizes. It is necessary to book in advance if you wish to take a vehicle onto the island. The service is free for pensioners with free travel passes.
Aranmore Island Ferry Service Leadhb Gharbh, Árainn Mhór, Co Dhún na nGall
T: (074) 952 0532
F: (074) 952 0750
W: www.arainnmhor.com/ferry/

Oileán Inis Fraoich - Inishfree Island

Approximately one square mile of sandy beaches and beautiful scenery, the island was home to thirty six families in a tightly-knit, caring community. Subsequently deserted, the island has been re-inhabited recently and Inis Fraoich’s new residents are eager to help visitors benefit from the spiritual atmosphere that seems to pervade this unique place. Cultural courses are organised on the island at specific times and cover topics such as music, dancing, arts, crafts, poetry, nature and heritage.

Imagine getting away to an offshore island to sample some real Irish culture and traditions in a truly unique atmosphere. Think about taking a step back in time, enjoy storytelling in front of the hearth in the kitchen, plenty of music and craic, and lots more. No television, no traffic, no distractions.

Add in arts and crafts, outdoor pursuits and gathering -and cooking- periwinkles and you get just a flavour of what is on offer on InishfreeIsland off the west Donegal coast.

Getting there

Ferry arrangements at Burtonport Pier.

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