This tiny undiscovered island is surprisingly easy to reach. As long as you don't arrive at high tide, you can drive across to this unique retreat. Before the causeway to the mainland was built, children used to wade through the water on stilts at low tide to get to school.

It was formerly known as Oileran na Bhreighe, meaning 'island of the prisoners,' and had links with Doe Castle on Rosapenna.

The present name, Oilean Ruaidh, means 'red island,' so called for the vibrant rusty colour of the vegetation in winter. The English name, 'Island Roy' is just a phonetic rendering penned hastily by surveyors in the 19th century.

The rocky shores and green fields of Oilean Ruaidh provide ideal nesting for birds and an abundance of wildlife. It's the perfect place to spend a day walking and breathing in the stunning views across to the sand dunes at Machaire Loiscthe, the Fanad Mountains and An Mhucais.