Ireland.com

Previous page

Inishbofin Island

Inishbofin Island translates as ‘ the island of the white cow’. Long favoured by fishermen, farmers, exiled monks and fugitive pirates, the island has been inhabited for over 6,000 years. Inishbofin is renowned for its unrestricted and panoramic "Loop Walks". Angling and diving are popular, as are windsurfing, swimming and just relaxing on the calm rolling hills of this magnificent isle. There are also numerous safe white sandy "Green Coast Award" beaches, rare flora and fauna and magnificent scenery. Inishbofin is a relaxing and inspirational haven for artists and photographers. Today, Inishbofin has become an important centre for traditional Irish music and song, boasting it's own Ceilí band and local contemporary musicians. The island plays host to many visiting musicians and artists who come to Inishbofin for its renowned ‘music sessions’. The island is a breeding ground for the rare Corncrake which has been nesting here for many years. Two seal colonies can also be found, one near Stags Rock and the other on the island of Inishgort, just west of Inishbofin Harbour. Iron Age promontory forts dot the cliffs, early Christian and medieval monastic remains tell the tale of St. Colman and St. Leo, 16th Century strongholds whisper of pirates Don Bosco and Granuaile and the remains of a 17th Century barracks cry out for the Catholic clergy once imprisoned here. The Heritage Museum sheds light on local history with accounts of island life in times past and information on the many archaeological sites. For those tracing ancestral roots, visitors can also access a genealogical database of the people of the island. See www.inishbofin.eu for further details on the island.

Directions:

Situated 8.8 km off the coast of Connemara. The nearest port on the mainland is Cleggan Village, 11km north of Clifden.

Access:

Ferry services operate year - round to the islands from Cleggan. Crossing takes 30 minutes Inishbofin Island Discovery Ltd Daily, year-round. 100 passengers Tel: +353(0)95 45819 Tel. +353(0)95 45894 www.inishbofinIslanddiscovery.com
Inishbofin Island Ferry Daily mid June to mid Sept. Capacity: 99 passengers Tel: +353(0)95 45903 www.inishbofinferry.com

Descriptions:

• Accommodation
• Activities
• Did you know?
• Population
• Size
• When to visit

Highlights:

Inishbofin Arts Festival, island market; seals; rare flora; beaches; heritage museum, archaeological remains, iron age coastal premontory forts,

Powered by: