Our day trip to Inishbofin was an amazing journey in more ways than one!

During our drive from Letterfrack to Cleggan, we couldn’t help noticing a sign that advertised “The World’s Fastest Ferry To Inishbofin“. We naturally felt that we had to travel on this service. It was only after we purchased tickets that we discovered that there was another company offering the “Largest Ferry To Inishbofin“. It has to be said that the claims of “fastest” and “largest” were marginal at best. However, the trip of some 7 nautical miles offshore from the Connemara was well worthwhile.

We had read some literature that wisely advised us to withstand the human tendency to look ahead once the ferry had departed from Cleggan. If you make this trip, then you should try to spend the first half of the passage at the stern of the boat. The slow disappearance of the hills of Connemara is a truly unforgettable sight. You will be amazed how many shades of greenish-grey actually exist.

The island of Inishbofin -Inis Bo Finne (Island of the White Cow) is approximately five miles by three, and contains five villages. The main industries on the island today are tourism, farming and fishing. Whilst there are indications on early habitation on the island as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C., the first documented history of the island dates from early Christian times.

As our ferry sailed around the tower and signal light into the harbor we first noticed Cromwell’s 16th Century Barracks. This building was used as a prison for catholic priests from all over the country after the English Statute of 1585 declared them to be guilty of high treason.

We decided to take a walk around the island whilst enjoying the mild weather conditions. The walking tracks are fairly clearly defined over all but the western section of the island. In this part of the island, the paths just seem to disappear. Two of us decided to cross the moor section towards a farm we could see in the distance, whilst the other two elected to climb the nearby hill for a panoramic view of the island.

In retrospect, the others made the most astute choice! After discovering that the pathways had completely vanished, we resolutely followed our noses, taking the least damp pathways through the peat bog. It wasn’t until about halfway across the gap that the conditions became more difficult. Shortly later, I found myself bogged in the bog!

I hadn’t realized before that a peat bog could be a bit like quicksand. As I started to sink, I tried to move myself towards the solid crust behind me, but every movement resulted in my sinking a little lower into the mire. If it wasn’t for my wife’s reaching out for my backpack, and pulling me backwards onto the solid ground, I probably wouldn’t be here telling the tale now. Once extricated from the bog, I realised that I would need to find some water for a serious wash – the lower half of me resembled a monster from a B-grade movie.

However, once cleaned off and after a couple of pints of Guinness from the local pub, we were able to continue our explorations.

Inishbofin has a typical Irish charm, and is a great place to visit, or even to stay for a day or two.

There are several hostels and bed and breakfasts on the island, but especially in the high season is worthwhile to make reservations if you are planning to spend the night on Inishbofin. For some comments on the accommodation available on the island, visit the TripAdvisor website.

A warmly remembered and charming highlight of our trip to County Galway!

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com