Inishturk
Island Atlantic island off Mayo with rugged cliffs
Off County Mayo, Inishturk keeps a small resident community, rough Atlantic coastline and marked walking trails; visitors come for fishing, boat trips and island life away from the mainland.
Inishturk is an inhabited island off the coast of County Mayo in the west of Ireland, notable for its rugged coastline and active local community. The island has a small harbour and a handful of buildings clustered in a village area.
Visitors come for coastal walks, birdwatching and a sense of island life rather than large tourist facilities; paths link the harbour to the village and to viewpoints along the coast. Boat services from the mainland operate on a scheduled or seasonal basis and crossings can be affected by weather.
The island has been occupied for centuries by fishing and small-scale farming communities; population levels have fluctuated with economic changes but it remains inhabited year-round. Local services are modest and the island’s character is defined by its community and maritime economy.
Located off the west coast of County Mayo in Connacht, Inishturk is reachable by boat from the Mayo mainland and sits surrounded by exposed Atlantic waters and rocky shorelines.
- Access: Served by scheduled or seasonal boat services from the Mayo mainland; crossings are weather-dependent and can be cancelled in bad sea conditions.
- Community: Maintains a small year-round community with basic local services rather than tourist infrastructure.
What to See #
- Harbour: Small harbour and slipway serving the island's community and landing craft; used for passenger and supply transfers when weather permits.
How to Get to Inishturk #
The regular passenger ferry departs from Roonagh Pier (near Louisburgh, County Mayo) to Inishturk - crossings take around 45-60 minutes depending on conditions. Private boats can also be arranged; check schedules seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Inishturk #
- Use the small passenger ferry from Roonagh Pier (Mayo) when timetabled; schedules vary seasonally.
- Walk the south-east cliffs at golden hour for the best light and to see choughs and fulmars.
- Ask locals about seasonal scallop or lobster catches - island foodways are tied to the sea.
Best Time to Visit Inishturk #
Summertime brings the most reliable boat access and the best weather for hill walks and cliff views.
Weather & Climate near Inishturk #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1267 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.