The Islands of Erris

No trip to Erris would be complete without a trip to the islands. The remote and isolated islands of Iniskea North and South, Inishglora and Duvillaun More, lie a short distance off the western coastline of the Mullet Peninsula. Inhabited since early Christian times they each hold a wealth of archaeological remains.

St. Brendan the Navigator had strong links with Inis Glora and the remains of the monastic settlement which he founded can still be seen today. According to legend the latter is said to be the final resting place of the children of Lir. A spell was cast on these four children whereby they were turned into swans, and were forced to accept this fate until they regained their human form some 900 years later.

The Iniskeas were home to a thriving fishing community until disaster struck on 28th October 1927. Ten fishermen were lost at sea on that fateful night and were subsequently buried at Faulmore. There were two survivors. The islands were deserted shortly thereafter.

The Iniskeas are internationally important with respect to birdlife. Half of the wintering populations of Barnacle geese make the islands their home. Over 85 types of both resident and migrating birds have been recorded on these islands. The mute swan, the peregrine and the endangered corncrake are just some of the bird species, which benefit from the peace and protection of the islands.