The world famous Gili Islands are situated off the north-west coast of Lombok.  Tir Na Nog is located on Gili Trawangan, which was the first of the three islands to really embrace tourism.  The other two islands are called Gili Air and Gili Meno, and over the years have also started to attract more tourists.  Gili T, as it is more affectionately known, is still the most visited of Lombok’s Gili Islands, but manages to retain its charm of a tropical island paradise.  Tourists first started arriving on the shores of the Gili Islands in the early 1980's.  Before this, the islands were primarily used for farming purposes, growing rice, coconuts, corn and cassava.

Local law prohibits the use of motorized vehicles on the islands.  The only forms of transport are by foot, bicycle or Cidomo (a traditional horse and cart).  This comes as a very welcome change from the fast-pace of Bali’s Kuta area.  Of course spending lazy days on the white sandy beaches is a popular past-time for visitors to Gili T, but there is a lot to be said for the water-based activities on the island such as Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Freediving.  During the evening there is a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from and three weekly parties on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The local population of approximately 900 is made up primarily of Sasak people (who originate from Lombok) and Bugis people (who originate from Sulawesi), with the vast majority of the locals being Muslim.  There are two mosques on the island, performing five daily calls to prayer.   Local children are educated up to Junior High level on the island itself, with education past that having to be continued on the Lombok mainland.

View Tir Na nOg, or the Irish Bar as it is more commonly known on Gili Trawangan. Tir Na nOg is at the very heart of Gili Trawangan. Tir Na nOg’s prime position overlooks Lombok’s Mount Rinjani and the inviting blue waters of the Lombok Strait. in a larger map

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