Nature spot · County Donegal
Gabhla (Gola Island)
The EPA does not monitor this beach for bathing water, so there is no water-quality record. Check locally and follow the signs before you swim.
Less than 2km from the Donegal mainland, the 326 hectare Gabhla Island (Gola Island) is a haven for artists, birdwatchers, photographers, walkers and rock climbers.
With long sandy beaches, gorgeous oceanic scenery and plenty of peace and quiet, Gabhla is the ideal destination for walkers looking to go off the beaten track. It's been uninhabited since the 1960s, but evidence of the island's heritage remains in the form of stone cottages.
Near the island's lake, bird life abounds; visitors can admire cormorants, razorbills, guillemots as well as gannets and kittiwakes. Gabhla's cliffs, with immaculate granite and amazing friction, provide some of Europe's finest challenges for rock climbers.
Hop aboard a ferry from Magheragallan (Machaire Gathlan) and spend a few hours exploring the island.
Outdoors in County Donegal this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Donegal
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct12° / 10°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 9°Medium rain showers
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 11°Sun with grey cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 15 km awayInis Bó Finne (Inishbofin Island) - DonegalBeachInishbofinThe sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and hidden caves of Inis Bó Finne (Inishbofin Island), 3km off the coast of Donegal, is a haven for a myriad of bird life and a popular spot for water sports.
Nature spot · 16 km awayÁrainn Mhór (Arranmore Island)IslandThe largest of County Donegal's off shore Islands, Árainn Mhór is a wild and rugged place with fantastic cliff scenery, dramatic sea caves and golden sandy beaches.
Nature spot · 16 km awayInis Fraoigh (Inishfree Island)IslandJust 5km off the coast of Donegal, Inis Fraoigh (Inishfree) is a unique 640 hectare island of sandy beaches, flowering plants and peaceful scenery.