Turbot Island – A Quiet Retreat on Galway’s Wild Atlantic Way

Overview

Turbot Island (Irish: Inis Toirbirt or Tairbeart) sits just off the north‑west coast of Connemara in County Galway. The low‑lying island is positioned between the Aird Mhór Peninsula and Inishturk, offering uninterrupted panoramas of Clifden Bay, Streamstown Bay and the distant silhouette of Inishturk. Its north‑facing landing strip is where the few remaining stone cottages cluster, and a single road runs east‑to‑west across the island, linking the modest pier to the inland fields.

History

A small, self‑sufficient community inhabited Turbot until the late 1970s. In 1978 the last permanent residents were resettled on the mainland, and the island entered a period of abandonment. During the following decades several of the original stone houses were refurbished as holiday homes, attracting owners from the Netherlands, Germany and the surrounding Irish countryside. The island’s quiet revival is a testament to the resilience of its simple, vernacular architecture.

Getting There & Parking

Reaching Turbot Island requires a short boat transfer from the mainland. Local fishermen operate informal services from Fahy Bay, a sheltered anchorage on the Connemara coast. The crossing typically takes about ten minutes, and the island’s pier provides a safe point for disembarkation. There is no scheduled ferry, so visitors should arrange transport in advance, especially during the summer months when demand rises. Parking is generally available at the slip‑way in Fahy Bay where the boat departs.

Accommodation

Over the years a number of the original stone cottages have been restored as private holiday homes. Overnight stays are only possible in these privately let properties. Those interested in renting should contact the agents listed on the Connemara Properties website, which provides details of availability and rates.

Wildlife

Turbot lies within the Inishbofin‑Omey‑Turbot catch‑area, a region noted for a growing corncrake (Crex crex) population. Early‑morning visits increase the chance of hearing the distinctive “crex‑crex” call. The surrounding waters and cliffs also attract a variety of seabirds, making the island a rewarding spot for birdwatchers.

What to See & Do

• Scenic viewpoints – From the north‑side landing you can gaze across the Atlantic to the dramatic cliffs of Clifden and the turquoise waters of Streamstown Bay. The island’s modest elevation provides a 360° outlook that is especially striking at sunrise.
• Historic cottages – Wander along the east‑west track and explore the restored stone homes that dot the landscape. Their whitewashed walls and thatched‑style roofs evoke a bygone era of island life.
• Coastal walks – The public road gives easy access to the shoreline where sandy beaches meet rugged rock pools. The beach adjacent to the pier is a pleasant spot for a quiet picnic.
• Birdwatching – Turbot lies within the Inishbofin‑Omey‑Turbot catch‑area, a region noted for a growing corncrake (Crex crex) population. Early‑morning visits increase the chance of hearing the distinctive “crex‑crex” call.
• Nearby heritage – While Turbot itself has no standing stones, the surrounding Sky Road Peninsula is littered with megalithic tombs, standing stones and promontory forts that can be explored on a short boat trip to the neighbouring islands.

Practical Information

Reaching Turbot requires a short boat transfer from the mainland. Local fishermen operate informal services from Fahy Bay, a sheltered anchorage on the Connemara coast. The crossing typically takes about ten minutes, and the island’s pier provides a safe point for disembarkation. No scheduled ferry runs, so visitors should arrange transport in advance, especially during the summer months when demand rises.

There is no admission charge and no visitor centre on the island. Facilities are limited to the historic cottages and a small septic field; visitors should bring any required supplies. The island’s single road is suitable for walking and for small vehicles such as a 4×4, but the terrain can be uneven near the old houses.

Because the island is privately owned in part, overnight stays are only possible in the holiday homes that have been let out by their owners. Those interested in renting should contact the property agents listed on Connemara Properties’ website.

Turbot Island remains a hidden jewel for travellers seeking solitude, sweeping Atlantic vistas and a glimpse of Connemara’s island heritage away from the crowds.