Nature spot · County Donegal
Inis Bó Finne (Inishbofin Island) - Donegal
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.
The 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.
Take a ferry from Magheroarty to explore this 300-acre island. Bring your binoculars and spot bird life such as the endangered corncrake, migratory Arctic terns, peregrine falcons, barnacle geese and choughs.
A small cluster of village houses sit on the south east of the island that were last home to a permanent island community in the 1970s. Nowadays, very few spend all year on the island. From March to October, however, many of the former inhabitants return to fish for lobster, crab and Atlantic salmon, or to gather shellfish and pick edible seaweeds such as cairrigin (carrageen) and creathnach (dulse) from the rocks.
Inishbofin is renowned for its water sports with surfing, kayaking and rock fishing growing in reputation annually. It also offers spectacular views — take in mountains such as the unique white face of An tEaragail Mountain (Mount Errigal) and seascapes from Cnoc Fola (Bloody Foreland) to distant Toraigh (Tory Island) and the tip of Horn Head.
There is a ferry charge to get to Inishbofin 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
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 11 km awayToraigh (Tory Island)IslandLying 12km off north Donegal, Toraigh (Tory Island) is the most remote of Ireland’s inhabited islands, with enduring local traditions, unique historical sites and rare bird life.
Nature spot · 15 km awayGabhla (Gola Island)BeachLess than 2km from the Donegal mainland, the 326 hectare Gabhla Island (Gola Island) is a haven for artists, birdwatchers, photographers, walkers and rock climbers.
Nature spot · 20 km awayGlenveagh Castle GardensGardenWith all year round access and free entry, the Glenveagh Castle Gardens are a wonderful day out. Situated in Glenveagh National Park in north west County Donegal, the gardens date back to the 1880s. They still feature their original Victorian layout.