Protected sectors

How to get in?

The 'Slyne Head to Erris Head' coastal description provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the south should select the northbound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the north should select the southbound sequence; western approaches may use either description.

Inishturk, Irish : Inis Toirc which literally means Wild Boar Island, is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, midway between the islands of Inishbofin and Clare, located 9 miles off the coast of County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland.

It is a small beautiful tranquil island measuring only 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide and sits atop wall-like cliffs to the northwest, and steep hills to the north on which stands the prominent ruins of an old signal tower and then drops down to the Atlantic. The permanent population of around 70 live by a little fishing, especially lobsters and large crabs for which the island is renown, some sheep farming and particularly tourism during the summer months. The island is served by regular daily ferry sailings from the pier at Roonagh Head near Louisburgh on the mainland.

Inishturk is one of the most rugged and remote of all the inhabited islands off Ireland's west coast, with fantastic cliffs at the back of the island to the more peaceful surroundings of secluded white sandy beaches at Carraun and Tranaun on the east side. If circumnavigating, the western side of the island can cut up very rough and care should be taken to avoid breakers up to 100 metres west of the cliffs. In mirror calm conditions or offshore westerly winds these cliffs are a delight to explore, and on the northeast tip there is a blowhole which gives a great opportunity for some scuba diving.

On the east side of the island at Garranty which is the main village, there is a landing place at the small harbour which is well sheltered but dries at low water, and it is also possible to make a landing at the beaches just south of the main harbour if necessary. The harbour also has a convenient slipway for a dinghy landing adjacent to the quay. Anchorage can be taken in 5 metre depth in the bay off the harbour where some visitors moorings have been laid and which are protected from the westerly winds. There is also a narrow cut in the rocks along the shoreline of the south coast which leads into a superbly sheltered natural harbour at the Dun at Portdoon, where the remains of a 9th century Dun, or fort, overlooks the natural lagoon.

Why visit here?

Though small in size the island of Inishturk has much to offer the visitor, from secluded sandy beaches to mountains and spectacular cliffs that are hosts to a variety of sea birds. The panoramic view of the coastline and mountains from Slyne Head to Achill Head viewed from Inishturk is breathtaking and unequalled around any part of the coast of Ireland.

Since the famine, traditionally Islanders have emigrated to America and England and as a result English is now the spoken language on the island. The island people are very friendly and welcoming to visitors and frequently provide traditional Irish music and song as entertainment in the bars and pubs. Inishturk has a lovely small harbour with a new improved pier, superb small beaches, many interesting archaeological sites, and its rugged pathways and trails offer hill walkers plenty of opportunities to explore. There is a splendid circular roadway to walk which goes up the valley from the harbour and back anti-clockwise by the southern side which takes in the ruined 16th century church, the ruins of the 9th century fort, and the ruins of a 19th century Napoleonic signal tower.

Legend has it that the Dun at Portdoon, a 9th century fort, was built by pirates who harboured their galleons in the lagoon below, which were screened by the rocks from those sailing past. This pirate crew were the last Danes in Ireland who knew how to make bier lochlannach, a priceless drink made from the heather bloom. The fort was surprised by the Irish who slaughtered the inmates except for one old Dane captain and his son, offering to spare the two of them if they told the secret of the bier, or as others said the hiding place of their vast treasures, the plunder of many years. The old pirate fearing the boy might be tempted or tortured into betrayal offered to tell if his son was put to death first, so none of his kin might see his treachery. This done the Pirate Captain tore himself from his captors and ran to the deep chasm, jumping over the cliff and carrying his secret to Odin.

Lying halfway between Inishturk and Roonagh pier is the mystical Caheer Island, Irish : Cathair Phadraig or Cathair na Naomh. On this striking wedge shaped little island there is an early Christian monastery with the remains of a chapel in an enclosure adorned with the original 7th century carved crosses. The island also seems to have contained the hermitage sites of 7th century monks possibly followers of St. Columbia. On the 15th of August each year there is a pilgrimage to Caheer island, and to many people this visit is an important part of the annual pilgrimage to climb Croagh Patrick on the last sunday in July.

There are limited facilities on this delightfully unspoilt and friendly small island but it does have a shop that stocks basic provisions, a post office, B & B guest houses, a pub and a tourist information office.

What facilities are available?

The island has a shop that stocks basic provisions, a post office, a pub, a tourist information office and several B & B guest houses.

With thanks to:

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