The wild and rugged Irish Islands are a joy to explore.

They offer an adventure, an opportunity to slow down, and a tranquil escape from the mainland.

There are many islands off the coast of Ireland; some are tidal, some are connected by bridges, some are reachable by a cable car or a ferry, and others are so small you need to bring a kayak to grace their shores.

Arranmore Island is Donegal’s largest island, yet it is still very much a hidden gem for visitors to this part of the country.

It is an unspoiled and intensely beautiful place where wind and sea shape the land as much as it shapes the lives of the people who live here.

Read More: A Local’s Guide To The Best Things To See And Do In Bundoran, Ireland’s Surf Capital

While the island’s expansive vistas and experiences can transport you far beyond the landscape, life here isn’t for everyone.

Especially in the winter, when it’s not unusual to be cut off from the mainland for days due to brutal weather, but despite the challenges, the island has a way of rooting itself deeply in your soul.

It’s where you can feel the power and majesty of the natural world, from rolling hills, shorelines, lakes, and streams, and always an abundance of big sky.

The island’s main settlement is Leabgarrow.

It acts as the central hub for the island and serves as the main arrival point via the ferry from the fishing port of Burtonport. 

Here, you’ll find a range of facilities, including pubs, shops, and accommodation options.

Read More: How To Have a Fantastic Time Visiting Delightful Ards Forest Park in Donegal

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History of Arranmore Island

The island has been inhabited since pre-Celtic times. In the past, the reliance on the sea was paramount, but today, remote work and tourism are the main pillars of the economy.

The island’s population is just shy of 500 people, but in the summer months, it more than doubles due to holidaymakers and students who come here to improve their Irish.

Emigration has been part of life on Arranmore Island for hundreds of years. Many who made the journey across the Atlantic settled on Beaver Island in the Great Lakes of the USA.

The Island is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht, and the majority of the island’s residents speak Irish.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to See and Do in County Donegal, Ireland

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A Day Trip to Arranmore Island in County Donegal: An Offbeat Adventure

There are plenty of things to fill up your time on a visit to this captivating Irish Island.

I’ve put together everything you need to know to visit the island, including how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.

The birdwatchers can keep an eye out for fulmars and shags nesting on the rugged cliffs, while wildlife lovers can book summer boat cruises out into the Atlantic to spot grey seals basking on coastal rocks.

If you’d like to explore on foot, you can follow the signposted hike along the headland from the lighthouse for even more spectacular views of the Atlantic.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Insanely Beautiful Wicklow National Park

1 | Stop by Arranmore Lighthouse

Like all other lighthouses in Ireland, Arranmore Lighthouse is unmanned and automated.

While there’s no access to the lighthouse, you can still enjoy amazing views at the tip of the island and enjoy the scenery.

The white-washed lighthouse was used as a World War II post and helped to look out for U-boats.

is located at Rinrawros Point at the northwest corner of the island. It has been in existence since 1859, having replaced the original lighthouse, which was built in 1798 and decommissioned in 1832.

It also holds a significant connection with the USA, as it is where American Wayne Dickinson was found after his incredible journey from Boston to Arranmore in 1982.

Wayne crossed the Atlantic in his 8ft 9in boat, and after 142 days at sea, a storm swept him onto the rocks of Arranmore Island, where he sought refuge at the lighthouse.

Read More: Your Guide to Visiting the Beautiful Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal

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2 | Catch a Glimpse of Old Lighthouse Steps

If you are feeling brave, climb the 151 gravity-defying steps that lead from the lighthouse down to the battering sea below.

The route was originally built so goods could be easily transported to the lighthouse keeper, but today it is a major attraction for tourists visiting the island.

To reach the top of the steps, just follow the wall adjacent to the lighthouse that leads down the hill towards the sea cliffs.

Once you get to the end of the wall, you’ll see the narrow concrete walkway across the top of the cliff rocks.

*Good to know –  the steps can be dangerous and often slippery from their proximity to the water, so extreme care is advised

Read More: 8 Amazing Things To See And Do On A Trip Around Inishowen Peninsula, Donegal

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3 | See the Beaver Island Monument

Beaver Island Monument is located at Lough Thoir and is a poignant reminder of those islanders who were forced to flee the island during the famine.

In the mid-1800s, the people who lived on Arranmore Island were very badly affected by the Irish Potato Famine.

To escape poverty and starvation, a large number of islanders moved across the Atlantic and settled on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan.

Read More: How to visit Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide

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4 | Embark On A Walk

There are very few places that are as untouched as Arranmore Island.

Simply walking around the island and taking in the incredible views across the shimmering waters is worth the trip.

While life on Arranmore has moved with the times, there are many parts of the island where it feels like a step back in time. Take your time, explore the random stops and beautiful views the island has to offer.

Several walks on Arranmore range from grand and handy to long and tough, depending on what you fancy.

If you’d like to explore a good chunk of the island, the Arranmore Island Loop is well worth heading off on. The walk is 14km in length and will take you 4+ hours, so make sure to dress appropriately and bring snacks and water.

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 12 Incredible Things To Do in Beautiful Galway City

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5 | Relax on the Beach

You’ll find many beautiful beaches on Arranmore Island.

They are wild, and largely uncrowded sandy beaches and secluded coves, with Aphort and Leabgarrow being the most popular and accessible.

The islands’ pristine, white-sand beaches are ideal for walking, swimming, and exploring. Keep in mind that in Ireland, the water is often cold, rarely exceeding 15∘𝐶−18∘𝐶 in summer.

While people swim year-round, the main, warmer, and safer season is usually from June to mid-September.

Some of the best beaches on the island worth seeing are:

• Cloughcorr Beach: Another lovely spot for swimming and exploring.

• Leabgarrow Beach: Located near the ferry arrival point, this is a long white-sand beach, easily accessible and popular for families.

• Aphort Beach: Situated on the south side of the island, this is a beautiful, crescent-shaped sandy beach, frequently visited for its scenic beauty.

*Safety Note: Visitors should always be cautious of tidal changes when exploring the shorelines. 

Read More: A Local’s Guide to Exploring Wonderful Caves of Keash in Sligo, Ireland

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Tips for Visiting Arranmore Island – Insider Information

Check opening days and times | before you embark on a drive, walk, or visit an attraction or eatery on the island; it is best to check whether it is open. Businesses don’t always update their info on Google, so I usually check their social media pages or give them a call.

Pack accordingly and plan for varied weather | Ireland has a reputation for ‘four seasons in one day’, and this can apply even more so on the offshore islands. Bring comfortable layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket.

Plan & book in advance | accommodation on the islands can be limited and high in demand, so it’s always wise to get ahead of the game for the best options and prices.

Travel Light | If staying overnight, pack light, as you will likely be carrying luggage on and off ferries and perhaps to accommodation.

Respect the Environment | Stick to paths, keep dogs on leads, and leave no trace.

Where to eat | After a busy day of exploring everything the island has to offer, you can stop for some food and a drink in Early’s Bar. There’s also great traditional music here most weekend evenings.

Consider an overnight stay to enjoy the quiet once day-trippers depart. 

Read More: A Fantastic 3-day Road Trip Around County Mayo For You to Borrow

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How to Get To Arranmore Island

The only way to access Arranmore is by ferry, which leaves from the port town of Burtonport in Northwest Donegal. The ferry takes foot and car passengers on a 5km journey across the Atlantic to the Arranferry ferry terminal.

The ferry journey from Burtonport to Arranmore Island takes around 15 – 20 minutes, and there are several crossings from Burtonport per day.

Ferry services to and from the island are more regular during the summer months, whereas during the winter months, they are less frequent.

When boarding the ferry, car passengers have to reverse their cars down the slipway at the port and onto the small ferry boat.

Burtonport is around an hour’s drive from Letterkenny and only 25 minutes from the beautiful Carrickfinn Airport, which operates flights from Dublin daily, which means it is not isolated.

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 9 Memorable Things To Do In Beautiful County Clare

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Where to stay on Arranmore Island

We only visited Arranmore Island during a day trip, so we did not spend the night there. However, I leave you with some suggestions for accommodation:

• Arranmore Holiday Village | situated one kilometre from the island’s ferry pier, the village features self-catering cottages.

• Arranmore glamping | The double-glazed wooden pods are set in a peaceful setting and offer wonderful views over the coast. Each of the pods is decked out with a comfortable double bed, seating area, and a little kitchen corner with fridge, microwave, and all utensils.

• Arranmore Island Hostel | located right on the beach, the hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms. There is also a good-sized communal area with kitchen facilities and the benches outside to enjoy the wonderful Leabgarrow Beach.

• The Glen Hotel |  Originally built in the mid 1800’s, the Glen Hotel is a family-run hotel, situated just 200 metres from the ferry pier. It features a dining room, a bar and comfortable rooms

Read More: Check Out This Amazing 2-week Road Trip Itinerary Through Ireland’s Southwest

And there you have it

I hope you enjoyed reading about all my favourite things to do on Aaranmore Island and why I love it so much.

If you loved the look and the feel of the island, you can move to Arranmore Island, as it is still actively looking for new residents who would be keen to work remotely from this scenic location.

In 2019, after establishing Ireland’s first offshore shared digital workspace, Arranmore Island wrote letters to Americans and Australians encouraging them to move to Arranmore.

Arranmore Digital Hub provides high-speed broadband, videoconferencing facilities, dedicated meeting spaces and office spaces.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Arranmore Island? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Arranmore Island and have travel-related questions!

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