Overview
Inchagoill sits in the north-west arm of Lough Corrib, straddling the border between County Galway and County Mayo. Measuring roughly 1.3 km in length and 600 m at its widest point, the irregularly shaped island is heavily wooded and fringed by quiet bays. Its Irish name, Inis a Ghaill Chraibhthigh, translates to “the island of the devout foreigner,” a traditional reference to an early missionary. Alternatively, locals have long called it Inis an Ghall (“island of the stone”), a nod to the famous Luguaedon Stone that still stands near the monastic ruins. As the most visited of Lough Corrib’s many islands, Inchagoill offers a rare combination of early Christian archaeology, untouched woodland, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The Luguaedon Stone & Teampall Phádraig
Archaeological evidence points to a religious settlement on the island from the 5th century, though the surviving stone structures date largely to the early medieval period. The oldest ruin is Teampall Phádraig (St Patrick’s Church), a simple rectangular oratory built with cyclopean masonry and a trabeate doorway. While tradition credits Saint Patrick and his nephew Lugnad with founding the site, architectural analysis places its construction between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Just 10 metres to the south-west stands the island’s most celebrated artefact: the Luguaedon Stone. Carved from Silurian grit and standing just under a metre tall, the pillar features seven equal-armed crosses distributed across its four faces. Its true significance lies in the inscription carved into the eastern side in Insular half-uncial script: LIE LUGUAEDON MACCI MENUEH, translated as “The stone of Luguaedon, son of Menueh.” Menueh is widely believed to be a variant of Liamain, Saint Patrick’s sister. Dated to the 6th century, this is the oldest surviving Latin-alphabet inscription in Ireland. Originally positioned elsewhere on the island, it was later moved to serve as a grave marker within the monastic enclosure.
Teampall na Naoimh & The Guinness Restoration
A flagged path approximately 79 yards long leads from St Patrick’s Church to Teampall na Naoimh (Church of the Saints). Built in the 12th century, this Hiberno-Romanesque church consists of a nave and a semi-circular chancel. Its defining feature is the ornate Romanesque doorway set into the western wall, carved from coloured sandstone quarried from the Mayo side of the lake. The doorway’s jambs are formed by columnar pilasters crowned with sculpted human heads, from which spring interlaced arches. These carvings are stylistically comparable to the doorways found at Annaghdown Abbey.
The doorway reaches visitors today in its current form thanks to the Guinness family. When the brewing dynasty purchased the nearby Ashford Castle estate, they also acquired Inchagoill. In the early 20th century, they commissioned a careful reconstruction of the ruined façade. Antiquarian George Victor Du Noyer had illustrated the doorway just before the works began, and his drawings reveal how much of the original stonework was missing or rearranged during the restoration. Inside the church, visitors can still see a 10th-century cross slab embedded in the southern wall, alongside three bullaun stones used in early monastic ritual practice.
Graveyard, Holy Wells & Island Life
The monastic enclosure contains an extensive graveyard that served as the final resting place for generations of local families, including the Kinnaveys, Conways, Sullivans, Murphys, Lyddans and Butlers. Among the graves lies the tomb of Muirgheas O’Nioc (d. 1128), coarb of Tuam. Scattered across the island’s interior are additional cross-inscribed pillars, five cross slabs, and the now-dry holy well of Tobar na Naomh, located roughly 250 metres south-east of the Saints’ Church.
The island remained inhabited long after the monastic period. Small farming families lived here until the mid-20th century, with the last resident, caretaker Tommy Nevin, departing in 1938. Today, the ruined cottages blend into the oak and ash woodland, leaving the island to wildlife and quiet visitors. The surrounding waters hold their own historical secrets; marine archaeologists have identified several sunken vessels near the island, including the 11th-century Carrowmoreknock Boat. Discovered with iron battleaxes and a large sandstone slab, the vessel suggests that the lakeshore monasteries were active trading hubs rather than isolated retreats.
Getting There & Practical Information
Inchagoill is accessible only by boat. Commercial operators run regular sailings from March to October, with departures from Oughterard and the Ashford Castle piers near Cong.
Boat Operators & Sailing Times
- Corrib Cruises operates the Corrib Queen, a modern motor vessel that departs from both Oughterard Pier and Ashford Castle Pier. Typical sailings run at 11:00 and 14:45, though schedules vary seasonally.
- Corrib Safari runs the classic wooden vessel Lady Ardilaun from Lisloughrey Pier near Cong, with additional sailings available from Oughterard on request. Cruises typically last around two hours.
Visitor Tips
- Admission: Entry to the island is free. You only pay for the boat crossing, with adult fares varying by operator and season.
- Accessibility: Historic paths are uneven, rocky and include steep sections. The site is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Dogs: Dogs are not permitted on the island to protect the wildlife and fragile archaeology.
- Facilities: There are no shops, toilets or seating on the island. Bring water, snacks and a light jacket, and follow a strict leave-no-trace policy.
- Best time to visit: May and June offer vibrant woodland understoreys and reliable bird sightings, including kingfisher and mute swan. The island also hosts a traditional annual Mass each August, preserving its living spiritual heritage.
Plan your crossing carefully, as boat schedules are weather-dependent and advance booking is recommended during peak summer months. Arrive early at the pier to secure a good viewing spot for the mountain backdrop as you approach the ruins.