Inishturk island, seen from uninhabited neighbouring island, Caher. Pic: Fáilte Ireland
Inishturk – the island of the wild boar
Rich in archaeological sites, Inishturk, which translates as ‘Island of the Wild Boar’, is a beautiful island located off the west coast of Mayo, lying between the islands of Inishbofin and Clare Island.
Rising boldly from the wild north Atlantic, the island has wall-like cliffs to the north west and steep hills to the north. The island is 5km (3.1 miles) long, by 2.5km (1.5 miles) wide.
Inhabited on and off since 4000BC and continuously since at least 1700, the island is rich in archaeological sites, and its rugged pathways and lesser-known trails offer visitors plenty of opportunities to explore. There are two marked walks on the island, which take about 1.5 (moderate terrain) and 2.5 hours (more challenging).
Activities on the island include hillwalking, fishing, walking, swimming and scuba diving.
Historical places of interest include Port an Dún, the Present Graveyard, and the ruins of the old Napoleonic Signal Tower which stand 209m above sea level.
The Inishturk traditional music festival and the Inishturk Regatta take place in July every year.
Ferries to Inishturk leave from Roonagh Quay, 28km (17.5 miles) west of Westport.
Inishturk on the map
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