Gola Island is an Irish island located off the coast of Gweedore in County Donegal, Ireland. Inhabited until 1960 and then deserted, it is still home to a handful of residents, who have been returning since the early 2000s. A beautiful, rather touristy island!
The island of Gola was inhabited until the mid-1960s. Today, most of the island’s buildings are derelict, but some have been renovated as vacation homes and the island is now inhabited most of the year. However, there is no electricity on the island, and most homes run on solar, wind or generator power.
Accessible by shuttle (via the villages of Bunbeg or Derrybeg), the island boasts magnificent, gently undulating landscapes bordered by numerous bays and wild beaches. But Gola Island also boasts peat bogs, steep cliffs, and hiking trails that are sure to please any stroller!
The island is renowned for its climbing, surfing and breathtaking ocean views.
At the back of the island, seabirds abound, and you’ll come across numerous cormorants, razorbills, guillemots and gannets.