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.
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Tips from locals
The ferry, the MV Cricket, travels seven days a week from June to September.
