Overview
Off the western tip of the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo, the twin Inishkea Islands (Inis Cé) sit 3–5 km out into the Atlantic. Their low‑lying machair, fine white sand and striking silver‑green schist ridges give the impression of a hidden tropical oasis. The islands are privately owned but welcome visitors via a handful of locally run boat operators, offering a rare sense of isolation that feels almost otherworldly.
History & Background
Archaeological evidence shows human activity on the Inishkeas for at least 5 000 years, from Neolithic burial mounds (the Baileys) on Inishkea North to a flourishing early‑Christian monastic settlement between the 6th and 10th centuries. Notable monastic remains include beehive huts, richly carved cross‑slabs and a small church dedicated to St Colmcille, with a rare crucifixion scene dating to the late 7th century.
In the 19th century a tight‑knit Gaelic‑speaking fishing community of up to 380 people lived on both islands, complete with a school, shop, shebeen and the distinctive “King’s House”. The community also maintained a purple‑dye workshop using dog‑whelk shells, and a terracotta “Godstone” (Naomhóg) believed to calm weather and aid potato growth.
A brief industrial interlude arrived in the early 20th century when a Norwegian company built a whaling station on the tidal islet of Rusheen (1908‑1914). The pier and corrugated‑iron buildings remain visible at low tide, a reminder of the islands’ short‑lived role in the global whaling trade.
Tragedy struck in October 1927 when a sudden Atlantic storm claimed ten young fishermen, a loss that precipitated the evacuation of the islands in the early 1930s. Today only a handful of part‑time residents stay during the summer months; the abandoned stone cottages stand as silent testimonies to a once‑vibrant community.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Beaches | Powder‑white sands on both islands, perfect for picnics, swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and stand‑up‑paddling. |
| Wildlife | Grey seals (about one‑third of Ireland’s population), barnacle geese, peregrine falcons, dunlin, little tern, lapwings and, in summer, dolphins, porpoises and occasional whales. Seal pupping peaks in May‑June; bird migration is strongest in April‑May and August‑September. |
| Historical Sites | • Stone cottages (late 1800s) on North & South islands • King’s House, old two‑storey shop and school ruins on South • St Colmcille’s Church (7th‑century) on North • Whaling station remains on Rusheen Island • Bailey Mór, Bailey Beag and Bailey Dóighte mounds with beehive huts and cross‑slabs, including the stylised crucifixion slab |
| Scenic Walks | • Alt Mór hill on South – panoramic views of surrounding islands and mainland • Bailey Mór mound on North – sweeping vistas of the Atlantic and Erris coastline |
| Sea Safaris | Small‑group RIB tours combine a 35‑minute crossing with on‑island exploration, wildlife spotting and optional swimming stops. |
| Guided Walks | Descendant‑led tours bring the lost village to life, pointing out the school, dye workshop, beehive huts and sharing stories of St Kea and St Colmcille. |
Boat operators
The islands are served by several locally owned operators. The most frequent services are:
- Blacksod Sea Safari – offers a 35‑minute RIB crossing with optional guided walk; prices €40 adult, €25 child.
- Belmullet Boat Charters – runs a seasonal timetable from Belmullet harbour; fares vary, check the operator’s website for the latest schedule.
- Mullet Peninsula Boat Service – departs from Glengad during the peak summer months.
All operators provide safety briefings, life‑jackets and, in most cases, a brief stop for swimming or seal watching. It is advisable to book in advance, especially on weekends.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Ferries leave from the villages of Belmullet and Glengad. No private car access is possible; visitors must travel on foot once ashore.
- Opening times: There is no formal opening hour; islands are open year‑round, but most boat services operate from May to September, with limited runs in April and October depending on weather.
- Facilities: There are no shops, toilets or accommodation on the islands. Visitors should bring water, food, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes. Weather can change rapidly; a waterproof jacket is advisable.
- Accommodation: For those wishing to stay overnight, the nearest options are B&Bs and guesthouses in Belmullet. Some part‑time residents may offer basic accommodation by arrangement.
- Safety: Tides can be strong around Rusheen Island; the whaling pier is only visible at low tide. Swimming is safest in designated bays and under supervision of the boat crew.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the warmest weather, longest daylight and the richest wildlife activity, especially for seal watching and birdwatching.
- What to bring: Binoculars for bird and seal spotting, a camera for the dramatic landscapes, and a reusable bag for any litter – the islands are a protected natural site.
Nearby attractions
A day on Inishkea Islands pairs well with other Mayo highlights:
- Ballycroy (Wild Nephin) National Park – just a short drive from Belmullet, offering rugged bogland walks and the famous Bangor Trail.
- Glencastle – historic ruins and a scenic coastal drive.
- The Mullet Peninsula – scenic drives, beaches and the Gaeltacht village of An Rinn.
- Belmullet town centre – craft shops, cafés and the local heritage centre.
These sites are easily reachable by car and make for a varied coastal itinerary.
Enjoy a day of pristine beaches, ancient stonework and abundant wildlife on the Inishkea Islands – a true hidden gem of Ireland’s Atlantic coast.