THIS quiet Irish Island with stunning views and beaches steeped in Irish culture is perfect for a tranquil get away. Tory Island or Toraigh off the coast of Co Donegal is Ireland's most northerly inhabited island with a population of less than 200 people. It sits around 12km off the coast of Donegal and will take 45 minutes to reach by boat.
The island is small in area stretching for about five kilometres in length and is only around a kilometre wide. Despite its size the island boasts deep rooted traditions and a strong sense of culture among the few locals and Irish is the main language in use. To reach the island you will need to catch a ferry from Magheroarty Pier.
Journeys depart from the mainland pier and the island multiple times a day starting from 8.30am right up until 5.30pm.
Tickets from Tory Ferry are just €28 for adults and €10 for children. Once on the isle you can stay in a handful of B&Bs, camp or opt to relax in the Tory Island Hotel, where you will be met with a cultural treat. The hotel offer group Irish dancing lessons, group Irish language language classes and runs a late night "Tory Disco.
" From Thursdays to Sundays throughout the holiday season the hotel have live traditional music. Music lovers travelling to Tory Island can even bring an instrument and join in. The island boasts a loop walk around the island with breathtaking views of the cliffs at the edge of the island.
The Sli Thora walk is the best way to explore the island and it takes just under two hours to complete the 8.4km trail. It starts from the pier in the town and will guide you across the Island.
On the walk you will see The Anvil one of the Island's most breathtaking features. The 400 metre long ridge juts out from the Island into the Atlantic Ocean. It is likely you'll spot some seals swimming in the sea near the cliffs as you make your way around the loop.
Dolphin sightings are also a regular occurrence on Tory Island. The remote island also has a is a protected area for puffins and has a large corncrake population that will excite bird watchers. The island has a rich history and even had a King until 2018.
The tradition saw locals elect the King of Tory, the most recent of which was King Patsy Dan Rogers. A new King has yet to be elected after he passed away following a cancer battle. Across the island historical sites draw visitors and history buffs in.
There is the St Colmcille’s monastery, a viking round tower and the Tau Cross. The monastery dates back to the sixth century while the eight feet tall Tau Cross carved into a boulder is believed to have guided fishermen to shore in local folklore. A lighthouse also sits on the island built in the 1800s.
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