Trail · County Donegal

Slí Ghabhla (Gola Island) - Sli Dhun na nGall

2.7 km1 hr 30 minEasyLoop40 m climbNo dogs

Route shape, north at the top · start (filled) and finish (ring) · Sport Ireland

This walk follows the gently undulating sandy roadways on the eastern half and up the centre of the island, passing amongst the now mostly deserted houses and by the lake. There is superb oceanic, coastal and island scenery with an abundance of birdlife.

Maps and more

Hiiker Online Map

Outdoors in County Donegal this week

Best day outdoors: Sun, 1 Nov — dry by day, light winds, up to 11°C

Thu, 29 Oct14° / 11°Scattered cloudsGreat day outdoors
Fri, 30 Oct15° / 11°Medium rain showersGood day outdoors
Sat, 31 Oct13° / 5°DrizzleGood day outdoors
Sun, 1 Nov11° / 5°Sun with grey cloudGreat day outdoors

Forecast: Met Éireann · outdoor rating by Winsome Planet

Make a day of it

The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.

Trails & walks

Trail · 7.7 km awaySiúlóid Cois an Ghaoth0.8 km20 minModerateLinearThis walk is a short but attractive path along the tree-lined banks of the Gweedore River estuary.

Trail · 8.3 km awaySiúlóid an Chlocháin Bhig6.3 km2 hrModerateLoopThis trail has several historical points with breath-taking views. Seating and picnic benches can be found along the way to allow you to appreciate this scenic walk.

Trail · 8.9 km awaySiúlóid Loch na Caillí10.1 km2 hr 45 minModerateLoopThis is a very pleasant walk circling the village of Crolly on track and minor road and extending on bog road to Loch na Cailligh in the hills. It has a short but attractive optional spur along the tree-lined banks of…

Beaches & bathing waters

Beach · 3.5 km awayPortarthur, DerrybegWater quality: Excellent (2025)ParkingWheelchair accessDogs on a leadPortarthur beach is a north facing, long sandy beach; confined by a rocky outcrop east of Inishmeane Island to the North and a small estuary to the south. Fixed dunes are frequent throughout the site. They support a…

Beach · 4.6 km awayCarrickfinnWater quality: Excellent (2025)Blue FlagLifeguards in seasonToiletsCarrickfinn is an extensive sandy beach with a good dune system. The beach is situated in Gweedore Bay which is a Natural Heritage Area that supports many varied coastal habitats and a wide variety of plant species and…

Parks, gardens & islands

Nature spot · 800 m 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 · 15 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.