Gola Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Oileán Ghabhla
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 Gola
Location in island of Ireland
A view of Gola Island from Gaoth Dobhair
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| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 55°05′30″N 8°22′00″W / 55.09167°N 8.36667°W |
| Administration | |
| Province | Ulster |
| County | Donegal |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 15 (2011) |
Gola (also known as Oileán Ghabhla in Irish) is a small island. It is located off the coast of Gweedore in County Donegal, Ireland.
The island was once empty of people in 1996. However, in recent years, some people have started to move back. During the holiday season, a ferry service helps visitors get to and from the island. It also runs at other times if you ask for it.
Contents
About Gola Island
Gola Island is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the coast of Gweedore. Many beautiful beaches and quiet bays can be found here. These spots attract visitors all year round.
The island had people living on it until the mid-1960s. Today, most of the buildings on Gola are old and empty. But some have been fixed up to be holiday homes. This means the island now has people living on it for most of the year.
Island Landscape and Wildlife
Gola Island has gentle hills. You will find many old bog roads and paths made by sheep. In winter, the only residents on Gola are animals. Sheep and some shy goats often stay near the cliffs.
On the back of the island, many seabirds live. You can see cormorants, shags, razorbills, and guillemots. Sometimes, you might even spot a gannet or a skua flying by.
Near Port na Crin and the old school house, at the southern end of the island, many shore birds can be seen. These include the eider, oystercatcher, divers, and different types of tern.
Gola's History and People
Gola is the birthplace of a famous Irish writer, Seán 'ac Fhionnlaoich. The island is also mentioned in a well-known children's song called Báidín Fheilimí ("Feilimí's Little Boat"). You can find out more about the song here.
Before 2005, Gola Island did not have electricity from the main power grid. Homes used generators, oil lamps, and power from the sun or wind.
Gola's Population Changes
The table below shows how Gola's population has changed over many years. This information comes from a book called Discover the Islands of Ireland and the official Census of Ireland.
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Island News and Rules
Sometimes, news about Gola Island is shared on the radio. Radio na Gaeltachta reported that the Donegal County Council has started looking into building rules on the island. This is because some mobile homes and other buildings might have been put on the island without proper permission. The council has told the people involved about these issues.
Gallery
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A view of Gola Island from Go Island.
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The popular Twin Cave area of the Gola sea-cliffs, on a windy day. Twin Cave Buttress, on the right, is about 20 meters (66 feet) high and has six climbing routes.
