Inishturk Island Loop Walks

Inishturk is a small beautiful island, 5km x 2.5km, located 9 miles (14.5km) off the west coast of Mayo, between the islands of Inishbofin and Clare Island .  It rises boldly from the wild North Atlantic in wall like-cliffs to the north-west and steep hills to the north on which stands the ruins of the old Napoleonic signal tower 688 ft above sea level.

Inishturk, meaning ‘the Island of the Wild Boar’ in Irish, has been inhabited on and off since 4,000BCE and in its present phase since at least 1700.  The old settlers seem to have congregated at the southwest corner round the beautiful little harbour of Portdoon , where there is ample archeological evidence of their presence.

Geologically Inishturk dates from the Ordovician period.  Two separate folds of schists and shales rise out of the Atlantic to form Inishturk, which is a continuation of the same folds as Croagh Patrick on the Mayo mainland.

Inishturk has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast – it is a painter’s paradise; ornithology enthusiasts will be enthralled by the number of bird sanctuaries on the island cliffs.  The flora of inishturk is of international importance, The Spotted Rock-Rose (Tuberaria guttata) a rare endangered plant is found here.  The island is ideal for deep sea diving and boat trips to the neighbouring islands can be easily organised; Celtic and early Christian fortified habitations are to be found and many fulachta fiadh have been located on the island.

Inishturk Island Loop Walk Details

Trailhead

Pier on Inishturk Island – parking is at Roonagh Pier approximately 7km from Louisburgh, Co Mayo.  Nearest services like for example accommodation, shops & toilets, etc at Louisburg and on Inishturk Island .

Ferry Services

Inishturk island is serviced daily by 2 ferry companies.  Details relating to times can be obtained by contacting Inishturk Island Community Development Office, Tel 098 45862

Lough Coolaknick Loop

At a Glance

Theme                         Island

Terrain                       Surface roads, sandy tracks

Distance/Difficulty     5km/ Easy

Ascent                         100m / 150m

Duration                      1 hr – 1hr30mins

Minimum Gear            Trekking shoes, raingear, snacks & fluid.

Mountain Common Loop

At a Glance

Theme                         Island

Terrain                       Surface roads, sandy tracks, hillside

Distance/Difficulty     8km/ Moderate

Ascent                         130m / 170m

Duration                      2 hr – 2hr30mins

Minimum Gear            Trekking boots, raingear, snacks & fluid.

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Inisturk Island Loop Walk (Part One)
Inisturk Island Loop Walk (Part Two)