Overview
Inishgort (Irish: Inis Goirt) is a modest 19.4‑acre drumlin island in the centre of Clew Bay, County Mayo. Its most striking feature is the red‑brick Inishgort Lighthouse, a sentinel that has guided vessels into Westport Harbour for more than two centuries. The island’s low‑lying fields are dotted with a few cattle and sheep, creating a tranquil tableau that feels untouched by modern bustle. Though the last permanent resident, postmaster‑keeper Sean Jeffers, died in 2006, the lighthouse and its adjoining keeper’s house remain impeccably maintained, offering a rare glimpse of Ireland’s maritime heritage.
History
The lighthouse’s origins are a little tangled. Official Irish Lights records list an opening date of 1806, but contemporary notices to mariners and lighthouse historian Bill Long point to a more plausible construction year of 1827, when a fixed white light was installed at a cost of £3,460 7s 6d. An early‑19th‑century fire destroyed the original stone column, prompting the 1827 rebuild.
The present red‑brick tower was designed by George Halpin Senior, Inspector of Works for the Ballast Board, and erected around 1827‑28. The keeper’s house – a detached four‑bay, two‑storey building – also dates from this period and retains its lime‑washed slate‑hung walls, dwarf chimney stacks and original timber sash windows. A 2008 renovation restored the roof with artificial slate and repaired the cast‑iron rain‑water goods.
For more than a century the Jeffers family tended the light, a tradition that ended when the station became unmanned in 1933. Sean Jeffers, the last resident, also acted as postmaster for the tiny Clew Bay community until his death in 2006.
Lighthouse Details
- Year built: 1827 (rebuilt after fire)
- Tower height: 8 m (26 ft)
- Focal height: 11 m (36 ft) above mean high water
- Light characteristic: Long white flash every 10 seconds (LFl W 10s)
- Range: 10 nautical miles (19 km)
- Power source: Solar (four 50 W panels, 510 Ah battery) – conversion completed in July 2000
- Managing authority: Commissioners of Irish Lights
- Access: Tower is closed to the public; the surrounding compound can be explored on foot.
What to See & Do
- Lighthouse and Keeper’s House – While the lantern room is off‑limits, the red‑brick tower and the nearby keeper’s house make excellent photographic subjects, especially at sunrise or dusk.
- Scenic Walks – A short informal trail circles the island’s perimeter, passing a curlicued pebble beach, a modest farmhouse shelter and the grazing fields. The walk is easy but uneven; sturdy shoes are recommended.
- Wildlife & Birdwatching – The island is a nesting site for gulls and terns, and waders such as oystercatchers are often seen on the tidal flats. Early spring offers the best chances to see breeding birds.
- Kayaking & Boat Trips – The underwater bar that links Inishgort to neighbouring Islandmore is a favourite route for kayakers. Private charters and organised day‑trip tours depart from Westport harbour, providing close‑up views of the lighthouse and the dramatic cliffs that drop into the bay.
- Photography & Painting – The island’s position at the mouth of Westport Harbour creates striking vistas. The lighthouse’s flashing lantern is visible on clear evenings, offering a timeless subject for photographers and painters.
Nearby Islands & Day Trips
Inishgort sits among a cluster of small islands that are worth a quick look while you’re in Clew Bay:
- Islandmore – Just a short paddle away; its higher cliffs give panoramic views of the bay.
- Bartragh Island – Accessible by boat; known for its historic house ruins.
- Clare Island – Home to the well‑preserved Clare Island Abbey, a 12th‑century monastic site that can be visited on a separate boat trip from Westport. Combining a visit to Inishgort with any of these islands makes for a satisfying day of island‑hopping.
Practical Information
- Access – Inishgort is reachable only by water. No scheduled ferry serves the island; private charters, kayak rentals and organised tours depart from Westport harbour.
- Facilities – There are no visitor facilities on the island; bring water, snacks and appropriate clothing for changing weather.
- Opening Times – The lighthouse tower remains closed to the public year‑round. The island itself is open at all times, subject to safe weather conditions.
- Safety – The terrain is uneven and the pebble beach can be slippery when wet. Wear sturdy footwear and keep a safe distance from the lantern.
- Best Visiting Times – Early morning and late afternoon provide the most striking light for photography. Summer months (June‑August) offer calmer seas for kayaking, while spring (April‑May) is ideal for birdwatching.
- Visiting Tips – Pack a wind‑proof jacket and waterproof shoes. A small daypack with a water bottle, sun protection and a binoculars pair will enhance the experience. Dogs are allowed on the island but must be kept on a leash to protect nesting birds.
Inishgort Island offers a quiet, authentic slice of Irish maritime history combined with natural beauty—perfect for a day of exploration, wildlife spotting and unforgettable coastal scenery.