Overview
Inishglora (Irish: Inis Gluaire) lies just a kilometre off the western tip of the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo. At only 0.354 km² (about 0.35 km²) and a 4.1 km coastline, the island is a low‑lying machair covered in 85 % evergreen needle‑leaf forest that shimmers silver‑green from the sea. Though uninhabited since the 1930s, its dramatic monastic landscape, Celtic legends and abundant wildlife make it a magnet for history‑hunters and day‑trippers.
History & Legends
Early Christian foundation
Tradition holds that St Brendan the Navigator founded a sixth‑century monastery on Inishglora. The surviving roofless chapel is a Gallarus‑type dry‑stone structure whose west gable still stands. A wooden statue of the saint once occupied the north‑east corner of the chapel before decaying in the late 19th century.
Later medieval monks added a men’s church (Teampall na bhfear) and a women’s church (Teampall na mBan), the latter possibly serving as an early nunnery. Scattered across the island are several early cross‑slabs, pillar stones and the Seven Stations of the Cross, the final station – the Rock of Prayer (Cloch na h‑Athchuinge) – lying in the western half.
Three beehive‑style oratories survive; the largest, St Brendan’s Cell, is a circular stone chamber about six feet high that is thought to have been the saint’s penitential retreat. Near the cell stands St Brendan’s Well, once roofed in beehive style. Local superstition claimed that water taken by a woman would turn to blood and be full of red worms – a tale perhaps meant to discourage illicit meetings between monks and nuns.
Mythic associations
Inishglora is intimately linked with the tragic Children of Lir legend. After 900 years as swans, the children are said to have been baptized by St Brendan on the island, briefly regaining human form before dying. Their burial sites are reputed to lie east of St Brendan’s chapel, once marked by white stones kept by the Gaughan family.
A further medieval belief, recorded by Gerald of Wales, claimed that bodies left exposed on the island did not decay. Modern science has dismissed the claim, but the story adds an eerie allure to the ruins.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ancient churches | Roofless St Brendan’s chapel (Gallarus type), Teampall na bhfear, Teampall na mBan – early medieval stonework. |
| Beehive cells | Three stone oratories; St Brendan’s Cell is the largest and most visited. |
| Holy well | St Brendan’s Well – clear water, steeped in folklore. |
| Stations of the Cross | Seven stone stations culminating at Cloch na h‑Athchuinge. |
| Cross slabs & pillars | Early Christian stone carvings dotting the landscape. |
| Wildlife | Grey seals bask on the beaches, seabirds nest on the cliffs, and wild sheep roam the machair; a rare blackbird is said to visit only Inishglora and Sceilg Mhicíl. |
| Scenic walks | Short trails link the churches, cells and coastal viewpoints, offering panoramic Atlantic vistas. |
Wildlife Watching
Grey seals are a regular sight on the island’s sandy bays, especially in the early morning. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and the occasional puffin can be observed nesting on the cliffs during the summer months. The machair supports a modest population of wild sheep, adding to the sense of isolation. The island forms part of an Important Bird Area, recognised for its breeding seabird colonies.
Seasonal & Weather Considerations
The Atlantic climate means the island can be windy and wet at any time of year. The most reliable conditions for walking and wildlife spotting are from late May to early September, when daylight is longest and seabird colonies are active. Spring can bring sudden squalls, so visitors should check the local weather forecast and be prepared with waterproof clothing.
Getting There
- Boat transport: The island has no pier or regular ferry service. Local operators run a traditional currach from the Mullet Peninsula (usually from the harbour at Belmullet) during the summer months and on calm days in spring and autumn.
- Timing: Landings are safest with a north‑westerly wind; operators will advise on the day’s conditions.
- Tides: Check tide tables before departure – the surrounding waters can become swift and the landing area may be submerged at high tide.
- What to bring: No facilities exist on Inishglora. Pack water, food, sturdy footwear, a wind‑proof jacket and a waterproof bag for any electronics.
Visiting Tips
- No official website – information about currach schedules is typically provided by local tourism offices in Belmullet or by the operators themselves. Ask at the Belmullet harbour office for the latest departure times.
- Tide awareness – the island’s landing strip is a small sandy beach that can disappear at high tide. Use a reliable tide table (e.g., Met Éireann) and aim to arrive at low or mid‑tide.
- Weather preparedness – the Atlantic can change quickly; a waterproof jacket, hat and warm layers are essential even in summer.
- Footwear – sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip are recommended for the uneven stone paths and slippery rocks.
- Leave no trace – there are no waste facilities; take all litter back to the mainland.
Practical Information
- Access: Reachable only by private currach; no public transport.
- Opening times: Open year‑round, but access is weather‑dependent.
- Facilities: None on the island.
- Safety: Observe tide times, heed the currach operator’s advice, and stay on marked paths.
- Nearby amenities: The village of Belmullet offers parking, cafés and accommodation.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballycroy (Wild Nephin) National Park – a short drive from Belmullet, offering extensive walking trails, bogland scenery and wildlife watching. See the Ballycroy National Park page for more details.
- Clare Island Abbey – the ruins of a 12th‑century Cistercian abbey on nearby Clare Island, reachable by ferry from the Mullet Peninsula. (Consider a combined island‑hopping day trip.)
Nearby Islands
- Clare Island – home to the historic abbey mentioned above.
- Bartragh Island – another small island off the Mullet Peninsula, accessible by private boat; good for a quick coastal walk. (Bartragh Island)
Further reading
- Detailed description on the Irish Islands website: Inishglora – Irish Islands.
Inishglora remains a place where stone, sea and story intertwine, offering a palpable sense of Ireland’s early Christian spirit and its enduring myths.