Inchagoill Island
Inchagoill: Island of the Devout Foreigner
Inchagoill Island, located midway between Cong (Mayo) and Oughterard (Galway), is one of the largest of many wooded islets along Lough Corrib. The name is derived from “Inis an Ghaill Crabhthigh” meaning the Island of the devout foreigner. Dating back to the 5th century AD, the island served as a site for an early Christian religious settlement.
Legend has it that the “Devout Foreigner” referenced in the island’s name is none other than St. Patrick himself, who is said to have established one of the island’s two churches. According to the tale, St. Patrick, not known for his seafaring skills, was brought to Ireland by his nephew and one of the seven sisters of Ireland’s patron saint.
Largest & most interesting of Lough Corrib’s 365 islands
The island is approximately 1km long and 300m wide, and offers spectacular views of the Maumturk range, Joyce Country and the mountains of Connemara, and it is also home to two ancient venerated sites, set close together in its woods’ St. Patrick’s Church believed to have been erected in the 5th century and the tiny 12th century Church of the Saints. The Lugnaedon Pillar, standing near both churches bears an inscription “Lie Lugnaedon Macc Li Menueh”, which translated means “The stone of Lugnaedon, son of Limenueh”, the sister of St. Patrick and dates from the 6th century. A tomb on the island is also believed to be that of Muirgheas O’Nioc, Archbishop of Tuam, who died here in 1128.
There are secluded beaches and enchanting woods with a variety of walks around the island.
Getting to Inchagoill Island
To get there board the “Corrib Queen” at the Oughterard Pier, Co. Galway or the “Lady Ardilaun” at Lisoughrey Pier, Cong. Co. Mayo. Cruises March to October. with saling times 11am and 2.45 pm and the cruise lasts 90 mins.
See Corrib Cruises for details (www.corribcruises.com)
Tour Inchagoill Island
Take a thrilling two-hour adventure to Inchagoill Island in Lough Corrib where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery as you explore the lake and Inchagoill Island, a place rich in Irish history and ancient ruins.
Inchagoill Island Map
What to expect
Inchagoill Island FAQs
Where is Inchagoill Island located?
Inchagoill Island is situated in Lough Corrib, County Galway, halfway between the towns of Oughterard and Cong, about 5km from each.
How do you get to Inchagoill Island?
The easiest and best way is to board a cruise with Corrib Cruises to Inchagoill Island. Boats depart from both Cong from Oughterard and include a visit to the island and a scenic boat tour of Ashord Castle and Lisloughrey.
What are some of the ancient ruins found on Inchagoill Island?
Ancient ruins on Inchagoill Island include Teampall na Naoimh (Church of the Saints), constructed around 1180 by Augustinian monks from Cong Abbey and St. Patrick’s Church, which was built by St. Patrick and Lugnad in the 5th century.
What notable architectural features can be seen in Teampall na Naoimh?
Teampall na Naoimh showcases intricate sandstone architecture with Romanesque influences. The Romanesque doorway depicts ten saints of Lough Corrib, with carvings reflecting Greek and French inspiration.
What is the significance of the stone of Lugnad on Inchagoill Island?
The stone of Lugnad bears a legible 5th-century Gaelic inscription and is associated with Lugnad, who was St. Patrick’s nephew and navigator. Archaeologists consider the inscription on the stone of Lugnad as one of Europe’s oldest Christian inscriptions, second only to those found in the Catacombs of Rome.
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