Inchagoill Island.

Inchagoill Island is situated amongst the 365 islands that comprise Lough Corrib in the West of Ireland.The name means "Island of Strangers" (Inis na Ghaill) and is about 4 miles from Oughterard,Co Galway and Cong,Co Mayo.This enchanted island was once owned by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness but now is owned by The Irish State and all its monuments are protected by The Dept of the Environment.

A leisurely walk around the island takes about an hour to cover the 100 acres and one can see native Irish Oak,Ash,Birch,Willow,Yew and Pine growing in the tropical like landscape.

Among its many ancient ruins is "Tempall na Naoimh" and "St Patricks Church"."Tempall na Naoimh" is believed to have been built by The Augustinian Monks as a place of rest,relaxation and meditation.Just inside the doorway of "Tempall na Naoimh",on the righthand side, is a Byzantine Cross embedded in the stonework.This Key Cross was to be inspiration for the well known and popular "Celtic Cross".It is at least 200 years older than the church itself and is thought to have been brought to the island for safety.The altar in the church is at the eastern end because when Ireland was a pagan country,early Christians who were trying to convert these pagans,discovered that they worshipped the rising sun to the East.To this day baptisms and weddings are carried out in this lovely church.

Further along the pathway,one can find "The Stone of Lugnad" and "St Patricks Church".The 5th Century inscription on this standing stone translates into "The Standing Stone of Lugnad,Son of Limanin".It is widely believed that Limanin was the sister of St Patrick and that Lugnad,her son and St Patricks nephew was also his navigator.It is also believed that Lugnad and St Patrick sought refuge in Inchagoill for 3 years in the 5th Century.Archeologists claim that the inscription on this stone is the oldest Christian inscription found except for one other in The Catacombs of Rome.

There is a magical and mystical beauty to this enchanted island and well worth a visit.Ferries travel to and from the island daily from Ashford Castle,Cong,Co Mayo and from Oughterard Pier,Oughterard,Co Galway from May to October.Also please remember to remove any personal litter with you on leaving to preserve the environment of this charming part of the world.

Why not suggest this page to your friends?Also feel free to post any of your favourite photos and share your memories of Inchagoill if you have ever visited this wonderful place.