Island Loops

Inishturk, meaning Island of the Wild Boar, soars from the North Atlantic 14.5km off the west coast of Mayo. It is a wild, windswept patch of lush greenness with sheer wall-like cliffs and steep hills. By choosing to spend time here you are helping to sustain a culture that has survived for 4,000 years and whose future is somewhat uncertain. As a visitor you will be greeted at the pier by the islanders and if you spend the night the locals will head down to the community centre bar to keep you company and to find out about events in the outside world. The island measures 5km by 2.5km and includes two great walking trails where you can see colourful seabirds such as fulmars, guillemots, razorbills and puffins. There are also some interesting archaeological sites, an endearingly patchy football pitch rolled out on the only flat bit of land, and a new art installation in the Spirit of Place series.