Rusheen Island

Overview

Rusheen Island (Irish: Roisín) lies just off the south‑eastern tip of Inishkea South in County Mayo. It is a tidal island, meaning it is connected to the larger Inishkea landmass at low tide and becomes an isolated rock when the tide comes in. The island’s coordinates are 54° 7′ 9″ N, 10° 12′ 8″ W (≈ 54.1192° N, ‑10.2022° W). Administratively it falls within the electoral division of An Geata Mór Theas, the civil parish of Kilmore, and the barony of Erris. The townland is listed as the 3 336th largest in County Mayo.

History

The most striking chapter of Rusheen’s story began in the early 1900s when a Norwegian company erected a whaling station on the islet. Construction started in 1907 and the pier, two small dams and a cluster of corrugated‑iron buildings were completed by the following year. The station operated until 1922, during which time roughly fifty whales were harvested each season, primarily Finn whales but also Humpies and Sperm whales. The whaling operation left a tangible legacy – the stone pier, rust‑stained foundations and the faint outlines of the former processing sheds are still visible at low tide.

Local folklore adds another layer to the island’s character. In the early nineteenth century islanders revered a stone known as the “Godstone” or Naomhóg, reputed to be St Columba’s pillow. Legend claimed the stone could calm weather, hasten potato growth and even extinguish fires. The rivalry between the Inishkea islands over the stone culminated in the priest Fr O’Reilly ordering its destruction and casting the fragments into the sea.

The island’s human presence ended after the tragic storm of 27 October 1927, which claimed ten fishermen from the neighbouring Inishkea community. The remaining residents were finally evacuated in 1932, and Rusheen has remained uninhabited ever since.

What to See & Do

Visiting Rusheen Island is essentially a walk‑about adventure for the intrepid. When the tide is out, a short, flat walk from the south‑eastern shore of Inishkea South leads you across the sand and mudflats to the island’s edge. Here you can:

• Explore the whaling ruins – the stone pier and the skeletal remains of the processing buildings are best examined at low tide when the seabed is exposed. The layout gives a vivid impression of early‑20th‑century industrial activity on a remote Atlantic outpost.
• Observe wildlife – the surrounding waters are a hotspot for Atlantic grey seals, and the low‑lying coasts often host large numbers of them, especially during the winter moult. Seabirds such as gulls, terns and occasional peregrine falcons patrol the cliffs.
• Take in the scenery – the island offers panoramic 360° views of the Inishkea archipelago, the Mullet Peninsula and the rugged Atlantic horizon. Photographers will appreciate the contrast of weathered stone against the ever‑changing sea.

Because there are no facilities on Rusheen, the experience is wholly natural and unmediated – a perfect spot for those who enjoy solitary coastal exploration.

Visiting tips

• Tide tables – access is tide‑dependent. Check the Irish Marine Institute tide predictions for Blacksod or Inishkea South and aim to arrive a short while before low tide.
• Safety – the walk across sand and mudflats can become slippery as the tide returns. Wear sturdy, non‑slip footwear and keep an eye on the water level. The site is not wheelchair‑accessible.
• No facilities – bring water, snacks and any waste with you; there are no toilets, cafés or shelters on the island.

Practical Information

Getting there – Most visitors reach the Inishkea Islands via boat tours departing from Blacksod pier. Operators include Black Sod Sea Safari, Wild West Boat Tours (formerly Geraghty Charters) and Belmullet Boat Charters. The crossing takes roughly 35 minutes. Parking at Blacksod pier is free of charge.

Timing the visit – Access to Rusheen is tide‑dependent. Check a local tide table and aim to arrive at Inishkea South a short while before low tide so you have enough time to cross, explore the ruins and return before the water rises. The island has no opening hours, admission fee or visitor facilities.

Safety notes – The walk is on firm sand and mudflats but can become slippery as the tide returns. The site is not wheelchair‑accessible and is best suited to visitors comfortable with short coastal walks.

Nearby islands

• Bartragh Island – another tidal island off the Erris coast, popular for bird‑watching and walking.
• Inishkea South – the larger island that provides the launch point for Rusheen.

Coordinates

For further research, the official placename record is available on Logainm.ie. Historical maps and additional geographic data can be found on the townlands.ie page linked above.

Rusheen Island offers a rare blend of industrial archaeology, folklore and raw Atlantic beauty – a hidden gem for the curious traveller exploring Mayo’s western seascape.