Port Ghost Village

Port Ghost Village

Port Ghost Village - © Lukassek

Visiter Port Ghost Village.

More than just an abandoned village. It's a place where nature and history merge, offering a memorable experience for those looking to escape and connect with Ireland's past.

Ireland, rich in tales and legends, also has mysterious, silent corners where time seems to stand still. One such place is Port Ghost Village, located in picturesque County Donegal between Ardara and Glencolmcille. Magnificent, this is an abandoned village whose houses, left in ruins, face the ocean magnificently. A unique place to discover for lovers of mysterious stones!

History of Port Ghost Village

An abandoned fishing village

Port Ghost Village - © Lukassek

Port Ghost Village – © Lukassek

Port Ghost Village, also known as “An Port”, is an old Irish fishing village. Located in County Donegal, Ireland, it was abandoned en masse at the end of the 19th century. Its original inhabitants left, leaving behind houses and cottages that today stand in ruins facing the Atlantic.

Reasons for giving up

There are several theories as to the reason for this sudden abandonment. Some believe that a maritime tragedy claimed the lives of several of the village’s fishermen, prompting the bereaved families to leave the area.

Others suggest that harsh living conditions and infertile land encouraged migration to more clement regions.

Visit An Port

An abandoned village in the middle of nowhere, facing the ocean

If you love places frozen in time, then Port Ghost Village is a must-see in Ireland. The site offers the perfect fusion of Irish history and wilderness. It’s the perfect combination, and it’s one of the country’s great charms!

And let’s face it: Port Ghost Village, in the far west of County Donegal, offers breathtaking views. Steep cliffs, pebble beaches and the deep blue of the ocean create a backdrop of raw beauty.

The abandoned houses, some still standing, others collapsed, are the silent testimony of a bygone era. Wandering among these remains, you can almost hear the echoes of the voices, laughter and songs of yesteryear.

The beauty and ruggedness of the place becomes clear. The beauty of the ocean, the fury of the waves, the humidity and the cold… all of which must have made daily life particularly difficult for the fishermen of yesteryear!


Port Ghost Village
Practical information

Adresse Adresse :
Port, Kiltyfanned, Glencolmcille, (County Donegal) - Republic of Ireland

Coordonnées GPSGPS :
54.74797755971553, -8.699847584076172

Durée de la visite Tour duration :
1 heure
TarifsRates :

free of charge

Horaires d'ouvertureOpening hours :

every day



Good to know

  • Port is fairly isolated, so bring provisions if you plan to spend the day there.
  • Wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground.
  • Respect the site: don’t leave garbage and avoid disturbing fragile structures.


Port Ghost Village on a map



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