Great blog past about Inisturk

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I was looking for information about what's happening on Inishturk (Inisturk in Irish) when I came across a blog post that tells the island's story quite well. The reason I am searching for info about the island is because we are thinking of taking a group of Irish Cruising Club members for a day trip there next spring, when the ICC Annual Dinner weekend comes to Westport. We've already booked the new Grace Hotel on the grounds of Westport House for the event. 

I have to see if they have golf carts on the island to transport our older members to the Community Centre, which is way up the hill with the most spectacular views of any bar and restaurant on earth (the one thing the blog post did not mention).  In fact, there are multiple articles about visiting Inishturk, which used to be a well-kept secret with no tourism. Now it has its small share of ecotourism. Ferries depart from Roonagh Pier near Louisburg and take about 1 hour to arrive at the island. 




Things to do on Inishturk Island...
  • Walking: There are two looped walk options, Lough Coolaknick loop and the Mountain Common loop. The first is easy, the second a bit more challenging. Find maps here. 
  • Bird-watching: Ornithology enthusiasts will be enthralled by the number of nesting birds on Inishturk’s impressive sea cliffs. There is a colony of endangered corncrakes nesting in its hills. Its flora is also of international importance, and the likes of the Spotted Rock-Rose (Tuberaria guttata) are a rare endangered species.
  • Beaches: On the protected eastern side of the island are 'Tranaun' and 'Curraun', white sandy beaches with the clearest blue waters reminiscent of the Caribbean and some of the best views toward the mainland in Europe. Completely sheltered by coves, they are ideal for young and old alike.
  • Diving: Inishturk is well known for Scuba diving, and wreck dives are organised throughout the summer months, which are some of the best on the west coast of Ireland.
  • Seafood: Fishing for 'Inishturk lobster' and the Island’s huge crabs are the main commercial fishing activity on the island. Enjoy the very freshest of fish, lobster, and crab in the beautiful Caher View restaurant at the top of the hill. You can even book a trip out with one of the charming local fishermen. 



You can even book an island-hopping adventure that covers Inishturk and Clare Island in a two-day excursion. Along my search path, I came across an ad for the Clare Island whiskey tour and café. Not that they make whiskey there, they just age it in barrels aboard a boat anchored in the harbour. We haven't been to Clare Island in a few years either. Time for a spin out there again. 

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