Donegal’s island, fifteen minutes from the mainland
Most people heading for the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal have never heard of Arranmore (Árainn Mhór), which is exactly why it’s such a good find. A quarter of an hour by ferry from Burtonport, it’s the largest inhabited island in Donegal, with cliffs, a lighthouse, sandy coves, lakes in the hills and a warm welcome in Irish and English. Around 500 people live here all year, and the island has a proper community feel, with pubs, music and a strong local culture.
The ferry
The Arranmore ferry leaves Burtonport pier all year, weather permitting, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes, weaving past the small islands of the Rosses. Unlike many Irish islands, you can bring your car on the car ferry, but the island is small enough to explore on foot or by bike, so you don’t need to.
The Arranmore Way
The Arranmore Way is a waymarked loop of about 14 km around the island. It climbs from the harbour past small lakes and bog to the wild western cliffs, where the lighthouse stands high above the Atlantic, then returns past old villages and coves. Allow four to five hours, take boots and waterproofs, and check the weather, as it’s exposed on the cliffs. Shorter loops are also marked if you’d rather do part of it.
Bring binoculars. From the western cliffs you’ll often see gannets diving, seals hauled out on the rocks below, and on a clear day the mountains of the Donegal coast stretching away to the north and south. Late spring brings wild flowers to the bog, and autumn evenings are wild and beautiful.
What else to see
- Arranmore Lighthouse: on the north-west tip of the island, with huge views of the ocean and the Donegal coast.
- The beaches: sheltered sandy coves on the island’s eastern side, near the harbour, ideal for a swim on a calm day.
- The hill lakes: small, peaceful lakes in the bog at the centre of the island, passed on the walk.
- Island sea safaris: in summer, boat trips run around the island’s cliffs and caves, with seals, dolphins and seabirds.
Music and the Irish language
Arranmore is a Gaeltacht island, and Irish is part of everyday life. Its pubs are known for traditional music, especially in summer and during island festivals, and an evening in an island pub, with locals, music and the last ferry long gone, is the best part of a visit. Many teenagers from all over Ireland come here in summer to learn Irish at the island’s language colleges.
The mainland: the Rosses
Across the water, the Rosses is a rugged, rocky corner of Donegal dotted with lakes and inlets. Dungloe is its main town, home to the Mary from Dungloe festival each summer. Burtonport is a busy fishing port, and the coastal drive north towards Gweedore and Mount Errigal is one of the most beautiful in the county.
Nearby, Cruit Island, joined to the mainland by a bridge, has some of the most beautiful small beaches in Donegal, and Carrickfinn Beach, beside Donegal Airport, is a huge sweep of white sand. Both are perfect on the way to or from the ferry.
When it rains
On a wet day, the island’s pubs and café come into their own. On the mainland, Dungloe has shops and cafés, and Glenveagh National Park’s castle, about 40 minutes away, is a good indoor stop.
Where to eat and drink
Arranmore has several pubs and a café near the harbour, serving seafood and pub food, with music most weekends in summer. Burtonport and Dungloe on the mainland have more choice, and fresh fish from Burtonport’s boats is the thing to order.
Good to know before you go
- The ferry runs all year from Burtonport, about 15 minutes each way, but always check the weather.
- The Arranmore Way is exposed on the western cliffs. Bring boots, layers and waterproofs.
- The island has limited shops, so bring what you need for a long walk.
- Summer brings Irish college students and festivals, so book accommodation early in July and August.
Which area to stay in
Stay on Arranmore itself to enjoy the island’s evenings, in a guesthouse, a B&B or a self-catering cottage. On the mainland, Dungloe and Burtonport are the handiest bases for the ferry.
A two-night plan
Friday: arrive in Dungloe or Burtonport and have dinner on the mainland.
Saturday: the morning ferry to Arranmore, the Arranmore Way to the lighthouse, and an evening of music in an island pub.
Sunday: a swim at the island coves or a sea safari, then the ferry back and the coast road home past Errigal.
Arranmore is at its best from the June bank holiday to late summer. Combine it with the rest of Donegal or Inishowen.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry to Arranmore Island?
About 15 minutes from Burtonport pier in Donegal. The ferry runs all year, weather permitting.
Can you bring a car to Arranmore?
Yes. The Arranmore ferry carries cars and passengers, though the island is small enough to explore on foot or by bike.
How long is the Arranmore Way?
About 14 km in a loop around the island, taking four to five hours. Shorter loops are also marked.
Is Arranmore an Irish-speaking island?
Yes, it’s in the Donegal Gaeltacht, and Irish is spoken in daily life, alongside English.
Where we’d stay
A modern hotel on the waterfront in Dungloe, about ten minutes from the ferry.
Search Arranmore's guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering cottages.
Search B&Bs near the ferry pier in Burtonport.
We may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Getting there
About four hours from Dublin to Burtonport, then a 15-minute ferry.
- By car: about four hours from Dublin via Monaghan and Letterkenny, or an hour from Letterkenny.
- By public transport: coaches run from Dublin to Letterkenny, with local buses to Dungloe and Burtonport. Check times, as services are limited.
- The ferry: car and passenger ferries run from Burtonport pier all year, weather permitting.
Timetables change, especially on bank holidays, so check with the operator before you travel.
