Inch Island offers something increasingly rare in Ireland: affordable property in a beautiful, accessible location. Connected to the mainland by causeway and just 20 minutes from Derry city, the island combines rural tranquility with practical convenience.
Property on Inch Island ranges from building sites starting around €160,000 to period houses with historical significance. The market is small—the island has a population of around 400—but properties do come up regularly.
Current Market Overview
Inch Island sits within the broader Inishowen property market, which offers some of the most affordable prices in Ireland. According to recent Property Price Register data, sales on Inch Island have ranged from €165,000 to €265,000 for residential properties in recent years.
Recent sales on Inch Island:
| Date | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | Moress | €225,000 |
| February 2024 | Baylett | €165,000 |
| August 2021 | Baylett | €265,000 |
These prices compare favourably to the national average and particularly to urban centres. Donegal consistently ranks among Ireland's most affordable counties for property.
Types of Property Available
Family Homes
Traditional houses on Inch Island typically feature 2-4 bedrooms with gardens. Many properties have views over Lough Swilly or the surrounding countryside. Expect to pay €200,000-€300,000 for a well-maintained family home.
Building Sites
Sites with planning permission are the most common listings on Inch Island. These typically range from €150,000-€200,000 depending on size, views, and existing services. Sites at Castlequarter and other parts of the island come up periodically.
Important note on planning: Donegal County Council handles all planning applications. The county has specific requirements for rural housing, and you'll need to demonstrate a local connection or rural housing need in many cases. Check Donegal County Council's planning portal for current policies.
Historic Properties
Inch Island has several properties of historical significance. The most notable is Inch House, an 18th-century listed building that was previously used as a hunting lodge, thread factory, and genealogy research centre. When last on the market (2020), it was listed at €750,000 and included over 6,000 square feet across the main house, coach house, and cottage.
The island also has the ruins of Inch Castle, the former seat of The O'Doherty, Lord of Inishowen. While the castle itself is in ruins, properties near historical sites sometimes come with additional character and history.
Where to Search for Property
Property Portals
- Daft.ie — Ireland's largest property portal, regularly updated
- MyHome.ie — Good coverage of Donegal properties
- Proper.ie — Useful for checking recent sale prices from the Property Price Register
Estate Agents Covering Inch Island
Several estate agents serve the Inishowen area and regularly list Inch Island properties:
McCauley Properties Market Square, Moville Tel: +353 74 93 82110 mccauleyproperties.com
A third-generation family business established in 1925, McCauley Properties is well-established in Inishowen with deep local knowledge.
Other agents covering the area:
- Franklins
- Premier Properties
- Savills (for higher-value properties)
- Sean Furey Auctioneers
For properties on or near Inch Island, local agents with Inishowen expertise will typically have better coverage than national firms.
Building on Inch Island
Planning Considerations
Donegal County Council's Development Plan governs what can be built and where. Key considerations for Inch Island include:
- Rural housing policy — You may need to demonstrate a genuine housing need or local connection
- Environmental designations — Parts of the island are within or adjacent to protected areas including the Inch Wildfowl Reserve
- Septic systems — Most properties require private wastewater treatment (package treatment systems)
- Water supply — Check whether mains water is available or if a private well is needed
The Mica Issue
Some properties in Donegal have been affected by defective concrete blocks containing mica. This has led to significant structural problems in affected homes. When buying in Donegal:
- Request a structural survey before purchasing
- Ask specifically about block testing
- Check if the property has been rebuilt under the mica redress scheme
- Some recent planning applications on Inch Island relate to mica-related rebuilds
The Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme provides support for affected homeowners.
Why Buy on Inch Island?
Affordability
Property prices on Inch Island are significantly lower than Dublin, Cork, or Galway. Your budget stretches further here—a family home that might cost €500,000+ in Dublin could be €200,000-€250,000 on Inch Island.
Location
Despite feeling remote, Inch Island is remarkably accessible:
- 20 minutes to Derry city centre
- 15 minutes to Buncrana
- 30 minutes to Letterkenny
- Connected by permanent causeway — no ferry or tide restrictions
See our guide to getting here for detailed directions.
Quality of Life
Donegal consistently ranks among Ireland's most liveable counties. Inch Island specifically offers:
- Peace and quiet — A small, close-knit community of around 400 residents
- Nature on your doorstep — The Inch Wildfowl Reserve is home to diverse birdlife
- Outdoor activities — Walking, birdwatching, fishing, and water sports
- Strong community — Local events centred around Inch Hall
- Low commute times — Minimal traffic compared to urban areas
Remote Working
With good broadband coverage improving across rural Donegal and remote working now established, Inch Island is increasingly viable for professionals who don't need to be in an office daily. Derry, Letterkenny, and even Belfast are within reasonable commuting distance if occasional office visits are needed.
Things to Consider
Services
Inch Island is rural, so consider:
- No shops on the island — The nearest are in Burt, Buncrana, or Fahan
- No petrol station — Fill up before arriving (nearest at Burt)
- Schools — Primary schools in Fahan and Burt; secondary schools in Buncrana
- Healthcare — GP services in Buncrana and Fahan
Weather
Donegal's Atlantic coast experiences more rainfall than eastern Ireland. Properties should be well-insulated and weather-resistant. Views of Lough Swilly are spectacular, but coastal exposure means wind and rain are part of life.
Community
Inch Island has a small, established community. This is a benefit for many—neighbours look out for each other, and there's a genuine sense of belonging. But it also means you'll stand out as a newcomer initially. Getting involved with local activities (the community centre at Inch Hall is a good starting point) helps you integrate.
Buying Process Tips
- Get local advice — Use a solicitor familiar with Donegal conveyancing and a surveyor who knows local building issues
- Check boundaries carefully — Rural properties sometimes have complex land boundaries
- Verify planning history — Ensure any extensions or outbuildings have proper planning permission
- Consider access — Some properties have shared access roads or rights of way
- Ask about mica — Get the property tested if there's any concern about concrete block quality
Renting on Inch Island
Rental properties on Inch Island are rare due to the small housing stock. Most residents are owner-occupiers. If you're considering renting before buying, you may need to look at nearby areas like Fahan, Buncrana, or Burnfoot.
For short-term stays while house-hunting, see our accommodation guide which includes Airbnbs on and near the island.
Considering a move to Inch Island? Explore our walking guide to discover the island's natural beauty, check tide times for coastal activities, or see how to get here from Derry, Dublin, or Belfast.