| Browse by Categories |
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Accommodation ~
Hotels ~
B&B ~
Self Catering ~
Hostels ~
Restaurants
Property ~
Business Listings ~
Attractions ~
Activities
~
Maps |
Inishbofin ~
Clifden
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inishbfin (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Galway's coast. The
island is five miles by three. It is estimated that Bofin was inhabited as far
back as 8000 - 4000 B.C. The first documented history of the
island dates from early Christian times. As you sail around
the tower and signal light into the harbour you will notice
Cromwell's 16th Century Barracks.
Click for
Travel Details |
 |
It was used as a prison for catholic priests from all over
the country after the English Statute of 1585 declared them
guilty of high treason. The first reference of Bofin comes
from the seventh century. Again, it has often been related how St. Colman,
himself of Connacht origin, defended the Celtic custom of the dating of Easter
at the Synod of Whitby in 664. Several safe sandy beaches strewn with shells and
with crystal clear water make swimming, snorkelling and diving a joy. For the
more adventurous, crystal clear water makes for spectacular diving.
|
 |
Walking ; Although
Inishbofin is just 5.5 km long by 3 km wide, it contains
four peninsular, each of which is a spectacular costal walk.
Interesting coves, sea stacks and blow holes as well as bird
and seal colonies are among the attractions here. The
internal walks along Bofin's 10km of road are varied and
interesting, with a number of lakes providing an added
attraction. Remember to leave gates as you found them and
avoid damaging dry-stone walls. |
St. Colman's Monastic Ruin
Inishbofin is first mentioned in the ancient annals when a
monastic centre was founded here by St. Colman, bishop of
Lindisfarne in the 17th centuary. All traces of this
settlement have now disappeared, but the ruins of St.
Colman's Abbey, a medieval church, is said to mark the site.
Cromwellian Fort
Built in 1657, the fort was used as a prison for bishops,
priests and monks before they were transported to the
American colonies. The fort is situated at the entrance to
Inishbofin's beautiful natural harbour, now very popular
with international sailing enthusiasts.
Natural attractions
The island has a great variety of interesting sea, bird and
plant life. It is a breeding ground for both the grey and
the common seal. It is also one of the few places in Ireland
where the corncrake can still be heard. As Inishbofin is
surrounded by the best fishing waters in Europe it is
popular with anglers. Its exceptional underwater visibility
and depths make it particularly attractive for scuba divers.
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
Wildlife
Inishbofin is a breeding area for many species of birds. The rarest or most
threatened species breeding on the island at present are the Corncrake. The
Corncrake have been nesting and breeding on Inishbofin for many years. The
island was farm machinery free up until the beginning of the eighties, which
suited the nesting habits of the Corncrake. Implements used at that time would
include hand driven hay machines and many farmers would have used the Scythe,
which was a slow process and gave the Corncrake ample time to move into the next
meadow. Nowadays farmers when cutting their crop tend to mow from the outer
borders of the fields to the inner. As the Corncrake is a very shy bird it stays
in centre of the meadow and sometimes farm machinery can destroy the bird and
its siblings. A change in farming practise on the island during the 1990s and a
greater understanding of the nesting habits of the Corncrake has seen the
reinvigoration of the bird on Inishbofin. Other species of bird found breeding
of Inishbofin include Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Fulmers, Shags, Guillemots,
Common Gulls, greater and lesser Black Backed Gulls, Manx Shearwaters, Herring
Gulls and Choughs. There are some very scenic breeding areas on the island,
which can be viewed from a distance without causing distress to the breeding.
Heritage Museum
If you would like to find out more about life on the island in bygone days, why
not visit the Inishbofin Heritage Museum? There are many interesting items on
display, such as the contents of a traditional cottage, old farming and fishing
implements, old photographs and writings, accounts of local tragedies such as
drownings and famine - and much more. There is an interesting array of items on
sale in the souvenir shop including the following:
a detailed map of the island outlining all that the facilities and attractions
that are on offer to the discerning tourist; chronicles of the island including:
"Inishbofin through time and tide" written by local people and the most
comprehensive study of Inishbofin to date; framed photographs of the island -
including some fantastic scenery shots; customised accessories such as biros and
key rings;
Seal Colony
Seal colonies can be found in two areas on and around Inishbofin Island. The
first one is based on the island near the Stags Rock. This colony, while still
viewable, is in serious decline over the past ten to fifteen years. It has not
been well researched or documented why this is the case. The decline in fish
stocks could be one reason for the decrease of the seal population in this area.
A second colony can be seen near the island of Inishgort that is situated
approximately one mile West of Inishbofin Harbour. This colony can be accessed
only by boat and this may be the reason that seals congregate in this area. The
only visitors they receive are the fishermen setting and hauling their lobster
pots. |
|
|
|
Travel To Inishbofin
Inishbofin Island
Ferry ; Inishbofin Island, County Galway
Tel: +353 ((0)95 45903 Email:
inishbofinferry@eircom.net
Super Ferry "M.V. Galway Bay" - The largest ferry service to Inishbofin.
Inishbofin Island Discovery ; Cloonamore, Inishbofin Island, Co.
Galway,
Tel: +353 (0)95 45819 Email:
info@inishbofinislanddiscovery.com
The "Island Discovery" sails all year. Cleggan is the point of departure for
ferry service to the island.It is only a 30 minute crossing from Cleggan to
Inishbofin aboard the fast, comfortable ferry - "The Island Discovery". |
| |
|
|
|
