Overview
Dorinish (Irish: Deoirinis) is a small, uninhabited island perched among the famed drumlin islands of Clew Bay in County Mayo. Its rugged boulder‑clay cliffs slope west‑to‑east, a legacy of the last glacial retreat some 12,000 years ago. From its highest points you can sweep your gaze across a tableau of Irish landmarks: the dramatic silhouette of Clare Island and the Atlantic beyond to the west, Inishgort Lighthouse and the Nephin Mountains to the north, Westport Quay shimmering on the eastern horizon, and the iconic Croagh Patrick rising to the south. The island’s isolation and raw beauty have earned it the nickname “Beatle Island”, a nod to its most famous former owner.
History
Early settlement
In the 1800s Dorinish was used by the Westport Harbour Board to house marine pilots who guided ships into Westport harbour. Census records show that up to fifteen people lived on the island in 1871, but by the 1891 census the last permanent residents had left. The island’s strategic position made it a natural base for those navigating the treacherous waters of Clew Bay.
John Lennon and the Beatle connection
In 1967 Lennon bought Dorinish at auction for £1,700 after spotting an advertisement that simply read “an island off Ireland”. He obtained planning permission from Mayo County Council to build a holiday cottage, and even had a psychedelic‑painted caravan shipped from London as a temporary dwelling, but the house was never constructed. Lennon visited the island a few times, taking photographs and noting the erosion risk.
The hippie commune (1970‑72)
Lennon invited Sid “King of the Hippies” Rawle to establish a commune on Dorinish. Roughly 25 adults, a baby and a handful of children arrived in 1970, calling themselves “The Diggers”. They lived in tents, grew vegetables on cleared patches and relied on local oyster fishermen for supplies. A fire in 1972 destroyed the main supply tent, prompting the group’s departure.
Later years
Yoko Ono sold the island in 1984 for about £30,000, donating the proceeds to an Irish orphanage. Local farmers Michael and John‑Joe Gavin purchased the land and have since used it for grazing sheep and cattle. The island occasionally hosts artistic events, such as the “Aerial Blue” summer school in July 2011, and remains a pilgrimage site for Beatles enthusiasts.
Geology & Landscape
Dorinish is one of the most westerly of Clew Bay’s drumlin islands. The drumlins – small, rounded hills formed by glacial movement – were submerged as sea levels rose after the last ice age, leaving the islands we see today. The island covers roughly 19 acres (about 7.7 ha) and is characterised by low‑lying grassland, scattered boulder‑clay outcrops and sheer sea‑cliffs that drop into the Atlantic.
Flora & Fauna
The island’s grasslands support a modest herd of sheep and cattle, offering a glimpse of traditional Irish pastoral life. Seabirds such as gulls, razorbills and occasional puffins nest on the cliffs, while the surrounding waters are rich in mussels and oysters – a legacy of the island’s historic ties to local oyster fishermen.
What to See & Do
- Panoramic viewpoints – Walk to the island’s highest knoll for 360° vistas of Clare Island, Croagh Patrick, the Nephin range and Westport Quay. Sunrise and sunset are especially photogenic.
- Historical traces – While no structures survive, cleared patches where the Diggers grew vegetables and faint outlines of makeshift shelters hint at the island’s past.
- Wildlife spotting – Look for grazing livestock, nesting seabirds and, on a calm day, the occasional dolphin off the western coast.
- Water‑based activities – The surrounding bay is popular for kayaking, sea‑kayak tours and sport fishing (especially for mackerel and pollock). Local operators often combine a short paddle with a guided walk on the island.
- Cultural resonance – Beatles fans can stand where John Lennon once set foot; the island also features in local folklore about Grace O’Malley, the 16th‑century pirate queen.
Visiting Tips
- Getting there – The most common way to reach Dorinish is via a private charter or a local fishing boat from Westport Marina. The crossing takes 15‑20 minutes in calm conditions. Kayak rentals are also available in Westport for the more adventurous.
- Parking & facilities – There is no on‑site parking, toilets or shelter. Visitors should park at Westport Marina (free public parking) and bring water, food and waste bags. The terrain is uneven and the cliffs are steep; the island is not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Tides – Low tide reveals a small sand‑gravel bar that connects Dorinish to a neighbouring islet, making it easier to explore the shoreline. Checking tide tables before you go can improve beach access.
- Best time to visit – Late spring to early autumn offers the calmest seas and the longest daylight hours. Summer also provides the best conditions for kayaking and bird‑watching.
- Photography – The island’s west‑facing cliffs catch the golden light of late afternoon; a tripod is useful for low‑light sunset shots.
Nearby Attractions
- Clare Island Abbey – The ruined medieval abbey on neighbouring Clare Island is a short boat ride away and makes a great follow‑up stop. Clare Island Abbey (see image in our catalog).
- Bartragh Island – Another drumlin island with historic ruins, reachable from Westport harbour. Bartragh Island.
- Westport Town – Explore the Georgian streets, the historic Westport House and the vibrant waterfront before or after your island visit.
Practical Information
Dorinish is privately owned but open to visitors who arrange a landing by sea. There is no admission fee. Because the island has no built facilities, visitors should bring their own water, food and waste bags. The island is not wheelchair‑accessible.
Contact – For up‑to‑date information on boat operators or to arrange a private landing, refer to the island’s official website: dorinish.com.
Dorinish Island offers a rare blend of natural splendour and pop‑culture history. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of a Beatle, seeking solitude amid dramatic seascapes, or simply craving a different perspective on Clew Bay, the island rewards the curious traveller with an unforgettable slice of Irish heritage.