Product Code Database
Gola ( or Oileán Ghabhla) is a small island off the coast of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. It was unpopulated as late as 1996 but more recently people have started to return. A ferry service operates during the summer holiday season and on request for the remainder of the year.
The island terrain is mildly hilly with many bog road and sheep paths. At present, during the winter the only inhabitants on Gola are animals. Sheep and some goats tend to reside along the cliffs. To the back of the island, seabirds are numerous, with great cormorant, common shag, razorbills, common guillemot as well as the odd passing northern gannet and skua. At the southern end of the near Port na Crin and the old school house, many shore species of bird can be admired such as the common eider, oystercatcher, Loon and various species of tern.
Gola is the birthplace of renowned Irish writer, Seán 'ac Fhionnlaoich. The island has also been immortalised in the traditional children's song Báidín Fheilimí ("Phelim's Little Boat"). Báidín Fheilimí The Session. Retrieved: 2023-09-11.
Before 2005, there was no mains electricity available on the island, all dwellings relying on generators, and renewable power sources such as solar and wind.
Raidio na Gaeltachta reported that Donegal County Council has begun a planning investigation into major planning breaches on the island. Mobile homes have been placed illegally on the island along with other building regulation breaches. Those affected were notified of the breaches.
==Gallery==
|
|
