Inishark

Inishark (Inis Airc) is a small, now-uninhabited island off the coast of County Galway in the Connemara region of western Ireland. The island was inhabited until the mid-20th century and retains visible ruins of that community.

Today the island’s features include a compact ruined village, a small chapel and a graveyard, together with steep rocky shores and seabird colonies. The remains illustrate traditional island settlement patterns in the region.

The island was permanently evacuated in the 1940s and has remained uninhabited since; its ruins and landscape draw interest from visitors and researchers interested in island life and historical rural settlement.

Inishark lies off the northwest Irish coast near the better-known island of Inishbofin and is reached by private or charter boat from local harbours on the mainland or from Inishbofin when sea conditions allow.

• Boat access: Landing is weather-dependent and can be difficult; boats generally go from Inishbofin or Cleggan and visits are possible only in suitable sea conditions.

What to See #

• Ruined village: A small ruined village consisting of abandoned stone cottages and house foundations that remain visible across the island; these are the remains of the community that lived there until the mid-20th century.
• Chapel and graveyard: A ruined chapel and small graveyard containing vernacular tombstones and markers, situated close to the village remains and visible to visitors who land on the island.