Overview
A lighthouse has stood on Inishgort since 1806, guiding boats into Westport through the maze of drumlin islands that half-fills Clew Bay. The island itself is tiny, just 19.4 acres (7.85 hectares) of low grazing ground, and unlike the cliff-bound islands further out it feels pastoral rather than wild: gentle slopes divided into fields where cattle and sheep roam.
Nobody lives here permanently now, but the lighthouse station and its keeper’s house are kept in good order. There’s no ferry and no shop, and you can only reach the island by private boat or kayak, which is much of the appeal.
The lighthouse
The tower was built in 1806. It’s a compact structure, 8 metres (26 ft) high, showing a long white flash every 10 seconds to a focal height of 11 metres above mean high water and visible for 10 nautical miles. The lighthouse and the adjoining keeper’s house are attributed to George Halpin Senior, Inspector of Works for the Ballast Board, who was responsible for much of Ireland’s early 19th-century coastal building.
The detached keeper’s house is a two-storey, four-bay building with lime-washed, slate-hung walls, dwarf chimney stacks and timber sash windows; a 2008 renovation restored its roof and cast-iron rainwater goods. Resident keepers tended the light for well over a century as the island’s population dwindled, from a peak of 35 in 1871 down to a single resident by 2006.
The light is fully automatic now. It was converted to solar power in July 2000, and the Tideland ML300 lantern runs on four 50-watt panels and a 510 Ah battery.
Exploring the Island
Coastal Walks & Terrain
There are no marked trails on Inishgort, but an informal path circles the shore. It’s a short walk with plenty packed in: a pebble beach that shifts with the tides, a modest farmhouse shelter left from the island’s farming days, and open fields where the livestock often wander over to see who’s arrived.
The terrain is uneven, with a mix of grass, rock, and loose pebbles. Sturdy footwear is essential, especially when the pebble beach is wet, as the stones can become slippery. The walk is best enjoyed slowly, taking time to absorb the panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the distant mainland.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Inishgort is a quiet spot for seabirds. The island provides nesting sites for various species of gulls and terns, particularly in the spring and early summer. On the tidal flats and shallower waters around the island, you can often spot waders such as oystercatchers and curlews probing for food. Early morning visits tend to offer the best birdwatching conditions, when the light is soft and the birds are most active.
Kayaking and boat access
Inishgort is a favourite stop for kayakers exploring Clew Bay. An underwater bar connects it to neighbouring Islandmore, surfacing at low tide to make a natural paddling route between the two. Private charters and organised kayak tours run from Westport, and this is really the best way to see the light, whose scale reads better from the water than from the island. The same Clew Bay cruises often combine Inishgort with a nearby seal colony and John Lennon’s island, the small island in the bay the Beatle bought in the 1960s.
Nearby
Clew Bay is said to hold an island for every day of the year, so Inishgort makes a natural part of a longer day on the water:
- Westport: The mainland gateway, where the boat charters and kayak tours set off and the obvious base for food and a bed.
- Clare Island: The big island guarding the mouth of the bay, with Grace O’Malley’s castle and abbey and a regular ferry from Roonagh Quay.
- Blackrock Island: A remote lighthouse rock offshore that has guided ships into the bay since the 19th century.
Practical Information
- Access: Inishgort is accessible only by water. There is no scheduled ferry service. Visitors must arrange private boat charters, join organised tours, or kayak to the island from Westport.
- Facilities: There are no visitor facilities, shops, or toilets on the island. Bring all necessary supplies, including water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
- Admission: No charge to land; your cost is the boat or kayak. The lighthouse tower and lantern room are closed to the public.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome on Inishgort but must be kept on a short leash at all times. This is crucial to protect nesting birds and ensure the safety of the grazing livestock.
- Safety & Weather: Weather in Clew Bay can change rapidly. Check the forecast and tide tables before departing. The island is exposed to Atlantic winds, so windproof and waterproof layers are recommended even in summer. Keep a safe distance from the lighthouse machinery and do not attempt to climb the tower.
- Best Time to Visit: June to August usually brings the calmest seas for kayaking and boat trips; April and May are best for nesting seabirds. Early morning or late afternoon gives the softest light for photographing the tower.
The tower is closed and there are no facilities, so treat Inishgort as a short stop rather than a destination in its own right: an hour ashore among the grazing fields, then back on the water to see the lighthouse the way it was meant to be seen. Fix your boat or kayak from Westport first, and let the Clew Bay forecast decide the day.