Inchagoill

Overview

Inchagoill sits in the north‑west arm of Lough Corrib, roughly halfway between the towns of Oughterard (Co Galway) and Cong (Co Mayo). At about 1 km long and 300 m wide, the island is heavily wooded, fringed by secluded bays and offers panoramic views of the Maumturk range, Joyce Country and the Connemara mountains. Its Irish name – Inis an Ghaill or Inis a Ghaill Chraibhthigh – translates as “Island of the devout foreigner”, a reference traditionally linked to Saint Patrick and his nephew Lugnad.

The island is a National Monument and a living piece of early Irish Christianity. While the island has been uninhabited since the 1930s, the ruins, graveyard and the famous Luguaedon Stone give visitors a palpable sense of the monastic life that once thrived here.

Inchagoill is the fourth‑largest island on Lough Corrib and the most visited of the lake’s many islets.

History

Archaeological evidence suggests a religious settlement existed on Inchagoill from the 5th century onward. Local legend records that Saint Patrick himself founded one of the island’s churches, aided by his nephew Lugnad, who is said to have navigated the saint to the island. The earliest surviving structure, Teampall Phádraig (St Patrick’s Church), is a simple rectangular stone building whose later chancel addition points to a construction period between the 9th and 11th centuries.

The second church, Teampall na Naoimh (Church of the Saints), dates to the 12th century. Its most striking feature is a richly carved Romanesque doorway of coloured sandstone, adorned with ten sculpted heads and a series of interlaced arches – a masterpiece comparable to the doorways at Annaghdown Abbey. The doorway was restored in the early 20th century by the Guinness family, who owned the Ashford Castle estate and undertook a careful reconstruction of the ruined façade.

The island’s most celebrated artefact is the Luguaedon Stone (also called the Lugnaedon Pillar). Standing just under a metre tall, the stone bears the inscription LIE LUGUAEDON MACCI MENUEH – “Stone of Luguaedon, son of Menueh”, the latter being St Patrick’s sister Liamain. Dated to the 6th century, it is the oldest known Latin‑alphabet inscription in Ireland and, according to the EMILI project, the second‑oldest Christian inscription in Europe after the Roman catacombs.

A medieval graveyard surrounds the churches, containing the tomb of Muirgheas O’Nioc (d. 1128), coarb of Tuam, and the graves of several prominent local families (Kinnaveys, Conways, Sullivans, Murphys, Lyddans, Butlers). Scattered across the island are three bullaun stones, two additional cross‑inscribed pillars, five cross slabs and a now‑dry holy well known as Tobar na Naomh.

The last permanent residents left in 1938; the caretaker for the Guinness family, Tommy Nevin, was the final islander. Today the island is silent apart from birdsong and the occasional boatload of visitors.

Underwater archaeology in Lough Corrib has identified a number of historic vessels near Inchagoill, including the 11th‑century Carrowmoreknock Boat, which carried iron battle‑axes and a sandstone slab that may once have been destined for the island’s monastic workshop.

What to See & Do

A short, flagged path (about 79 yards) links the two churches, allowing a leisurely walk through the wooded interior. The island’s shoreline offers several quiet bays ideal for a picnic or a brief swim, while the surrounding lake is a hotspot for trout and salmon fishing.

Wildlife & Nature

The island’s mixed oak‑ash woodland provides habitat for a variety of birds, including mute swan, mallard, kingfisher and occasional golden‑eyed wren. In summer the understorey is carpeted with bluebells and primroses, making the walk especially fragrant. Anglers can cast from the shore for brown trout and salmon that migrate through Lough Corrib.

Activities

• Walking – The marked trail between the two churches is suitable for most ages; the full island circuit takes about 45 minutes.
• Picnicking – Secluded bays such as the north‑west cove are perfect for a packed lunch.
• Swimming – The lake’s clear waters are safe for a quick dip in the summer months.
• Kayaking & Canoeing – Rental outfits in Oughterard offer kayaks that can be launched from the pier; paddling around the island gives a different perspective on the ruins.
• School & Heritage Tours – Many local schools organise guided visits to explore early Christian archaeology.

Getting there

The island is reachable only by boat. The most popular operators are Corrib Cruises and Corrib Safari.

Both operators run daily sailings from March to October; each round‑trip lasts about 90 minutes and includes a brief stop at the island for disembarkation.

Practical Information

• Admission – Free entry to the island; visitors only pay for the boat service.
• Accessibility – The historic paths are uneven and include steep sections; wheelchair access is not available.
• Facilities – No permanent visitor facilities on the island. Bring food, water and take all waste with you – a strict “leave‑no‑trace” policy is enforced.
• Dog policy – Dogs are not permitted on the island.
• Seasonal tip – Late spring (May‑June) offers the most vibrant woodland colours and the highest chance of spotting migratory birds.
• Annual Mass – A traditional Mass is celebrated on the island each year, usually in early August, reflecting its continuing spiritual significance.

Useful links

• Corrib Cruises – sailing times & tickets
• Corrib Safari – Inchagoill Safari booking
• Tuatha.ie – detailed history and images
• Google Maps location

Nearby Attractions

While you are on the lake, consider a short stop at Ashford Castle, whose estate includes historic gardens and a visitor centre. The town of Cong, just a kilometre from the opposite shore, hosts the well‑preserved ruins of Cong Abbey and the famous [Quiet Man] Museum.