Inishmurray Island

Inis Muirbhigh

An uninhabited offshore island featuring remarkably well-preserved early Christian monastic remains, including churches, beehive huts, and stone altars dating back over 1,400 years. Boat tours from Sligo offer a unique opportunity to explore one of Ireland's most atmospheric archaeological sites.

Things to do

• Explore the Monastic Settlement — Walk among the exceptionally preserved ruins of the early Christian monastery, including the central cashel wall and multiple stone churches dating to the 6th century.
• Visit the Beehive Huts (Clochán) — Examine the distinctive corbelled stone huts that once housed monks, showcasing remarkable dry-stone construction techniques from over 1,400 years ago.
• Study the Stone Altars and Crosses — Discover the weathered stone altars and Celtic crosses scattered throughout the island, which reveal details of early monastic religious life and artistic expression.
• Photograph the Coastal Landscape — Capture the dramatic Atlantic cliffsides and windswept terrain that surround the monastery, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for images of the ruins.
• Observe the Cursing Stones — View the unique collection of small stones said to have been used in ritual curses by locals, reflecting pre-Christian and Christian folk practices intertwined on the island.
• Attend Guided Archaeological Tour — Join a knowledgeable boat guide from Sligo who provides historical context and interpretation of the monastic site during the crossing and on-island visit.

Food to try

• Fresh Atlantic Fish and Seafood — Sample locally caught fish such as mackerel or sea bass, typically prepared simply and served at Sligo restaurants catering to island visitors.
• Traditional Irish Soda Bread — Enjoy warm soda bread made with wholemeal flour and buttermilk, commonly offered on boat tours or at Sligo departure points.
• Boxty (Potato Pancakes) — Try this traditional Sligo dish of grated potato mixed with flour and cooked on a griddle, often served with butter or jam.
• Seafood Chowder — Warm yourself with creamy chowder loaded with local white fish, mussels, and prawns, widely available at Sligo restaurants before or after your island visit.
• Colcannon — Sample this comfort dish of mashed potatoes combined with cabbage or kale, representing authentic northwest Irish home cooking.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Site — Treat Inishmurray as a place of spiritual significance and archaeological importance; speak quietly, stay on defined paths, and avoid removing any stones or artifacts.
• Check Weather and Tide Conditions — Boat tours operate only in calm conditions, so flexibility with scheduling is essential—the Atlantic weather can change rapidly and visits may be cancelled or rescheduled.
• Bring Sturdy Footwear — The island terrain is rocky, uneven, and often wet; proper hiking boots or waterproof shoes are essential for safe navigation across the monastic grounds.
• Learn the Island's Folklore — Familiarize yourself with local legends and the island's history of monastic life before visiting to deepen your appreciation of the atmospheric ruins and their cultural significance.