Inchagoill

Connemara


The largest island on Lough Corrib, Inchagoill lies about 5km offshore from the lake's edge, some 8km north of Oughterard. The island is a lonely place dotted with ancient remains. In the summer Corrib Cruises runs day cruises. Alternatively, rent your own boat from Molloy's Boats.

Inchagoill's most fascinating sight is a 6th-century obelisk called Lia Luguaedon Mac Menueh (Stone of Luguaedon, Son of Menueh), which identifies a burial site. It stands about 75cm tall, near the Saints' Church.

It's claimed that the Latin writing on the stone is the second-oldest Christian inscription in Europe, after those in the catacombs in Rome.

The prettiest church is the Romanesque Teampall na Naoimh (Saints' Church), probably built in the 9th or 10th century, with carvings around its arched doorway. Teampall Phádraig (St Patrick's Church) is a small oratory of a very early design, with some later additions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Connemara attractions

1. Ashford Castle Estate

3.77 MILES

Just beyond Cong Abbey, the village abruptly ends and the woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle begin. First built in 1228 as the seat of the de Burgo…

2. Monk's Fishing House

3.79 MILES

This small and roofless 16th-century monk's fishing house juts out into the River Cong just south of the bridge, designed so monks could haul their catch…

3. Captain Webb's Hole

3.79 MILES

Just west of the village is the water-filled Captain Webb's Hole. Two centuries ago, a local villain, nicknamed Captain Webb for the deformity of his…

4. Pigeonhole Cave

3.81 MILES

This cave, in a pine forest about 1.5km west of Cong, can be reached via a signposted walking loop from the abbey. Steep, slippery stone steps lead down…

5. Cong Abbey

3.85 MILES

The evocatively weathered shell of Cong's 12th-century Augustinian abbey is scored by a cross-hatch of lines from centuries of exposure to the elements…

6. Quiet Man Museum

3.87 MILES

Modelled on Sean Thornton's White O' Morn' Cottage from The Quiet Man film, the museum offers a location tour – good for film fanatics and those with a…

7. Aughnanure Castle

4.94 MILES

The 'Fighting O'Flahertys' were based at this superbly preserved 16th-century fortress 4km east of Oughterard. The clan controlled the region for hundreds…

8. Glengowla Mines

5.38 MILES

These 19th-century mines 3km west of Oughterard yielded silver, lead and glistening quartz. As well as marvelling at some of the treasures unearthed,…

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