Inishbofin Ireland - Irish Island Adventure

Inishbofin is delightful quiet Irish island, reached by a 10-km scenic ferry from Cleggan Harbor in Connemara. Inishbofin is a gem, a less visited island compared to the Aran Islands. To truly relax and explore Ireland’s gorgeous seaside countryside, we love escaping to the West Coast Islands.

Inishbofin has beautiful rolling hillsides, towering cliffs to the west, amiable cows (hence the name Inish-bo-fin: “island of the white cows”) and flocks of fluffy sheep. This outlying island also has sand beaches all around the 8 by 3-kilometer shores.

Explore all three looped walks or bike rides around Inisbofin (we recommend the $10 Euro bike hire at the ferry docks), all the paths and views are awe-inspiring. Bring hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, as some of the paths are rustic, and loaded with stones and sheep poo. Be sure to go out to the far west cliffs, absolutely stunning!

In “Inishbofin town”, there are a couple lively pubs on the south shore near the ferry docks. We recommend Murray’s Pub at The Doonmore Hotel just up the hill from the ferry dock.

Murray’s Doonmore Hotel is the westernmost lodging in Ireland, and serves excellent fare, love the local crab served in rich Irish butter broth. Murray’s has a cozy vibe, a bunch of Irish beers on tap, and popular craic in the evening.

Pack a bag and stay the night on Inishbofin to truly immerse yourself in Inishbofin’s island culture – this small island of 300 is surprisingly vibrant and happening with a summer population of partiers and live music to the wee hours. The evening Craic is “mental” according to our Irish hostess at Murray’s.