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Inishtrahull

The beautiful, now uninhabited, island of Inishtrahull, 10 kilometres off Ireland’s most northerly coast, is a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. Once, it was home to a thriving fishing community but a forced evacuation in 1928 resettled all its residents. Today, a ruined stone-cottage settlement, schoolhouse and two graveyards provide the only evidence of their lives.

Inishtrahull is now an important wildlife reserve. Its location and fully automated lighthouse attract many birds including eiders, fulmars, skuas, black guillemots and lesser black-backed gulls. Its winter population includes barnacle geese and Arctic tern.

The island’s 90-metre deep tidal sound attracts many basking sharks and cetaceans and, on clear days, minke whales may be spotted feeding off the coast. Grey seals are regular visitors.

Portmore, an inlet on its north coast, offers anchorage to the most adventurous sailors, in rugged scenic surroundings. Scuba-divers use the quay for a break while surveying the wrecks and reef-diving sites nearby but strong tides and exposed seas mean diving is only recommended for the highly experienced. Access to Inishtrahull is limited by dangerous tides and currents.

In the summer, charter boat trips are available from Bunagee Harbour, subject to booking.  Visitors are requested to take particular care during the bird breeding period, May – July. Please note, there are NO facilities apart from the small quay.

 

 


Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

21 April 1926 to 8 September 2022