Inishmurray Island Visits | Coney Island Sligo
What will it be? See the early 6th century monastic settlement on Inishmurray? Have a look at the seal colonies and rare local wildlife? Explore the fairy forts or cursing stones? Or just throw a fish on the barbie, crack open a picnic, and go for a swim in some of the cleanest water in Sligo and Donegal. Whether you want to see the sights or just relax, Inishmurray and Coney Island have it all.
Inishmurray Island Trips
We regret to inform customers that due to a decision by the Marine Survey Office, Inishmurray island has been closed to visitors. We suggest that customers address any of their concerns appropriately to their governing body, The Department of Transport (Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan) and to Sligo County Council, seeking an urgent resolution. We regret the frustration that this has caused landowners, local people, and the thousands of visitors to this important historical site which has been heralded as a National Monument and one of the top ten most important historical sites in Ireland. The island has a perfect safety record with no recorded accidents in the dock area involving boat passengers since time immemorial, almost 2000 years and feel that this decision is unwarranted due to health and safety concerns.
This mysterious abandoned mythical island is one of Sligo’s top hidden gems and due to its isolation can only be accessed by boat in favourable weather. Enquiring beforehand and coming equipped with a picnic and good walking boots, is a must! Typical trips include the scenic journey out from Rosses Point, past its ancient lighthouses and landmarks, onto the local seal colony followed by the journey to the island (with occasional spottings of dolphins before disembarking). Most of the time there is also the option to catch some fresh fish while the others warm up the barbie!
If you are seeking peace and natural beauty, it is also designated as a Special Protection Area for marine birds shags, kittiwakes, terns, petrels, eider duck, brent geese, one of the largest colonies of barnacle geese in Europe and boasts unique species of flora such as purple loosestrife and a number of other undisturbed varieties.
Beach Bar
We can also arrange charters to view the 17th century bar, “The Beach Bar” which is situated by the Aughris Head cliff top walk, and the local beach. Built over 300 years ago, the Beach Bar is one of Sligo’s most characteristic thatched pubs. There are local facilities for swimmers and surfers, and many people love to bring a barbeque to light in the scenic surroundings whilst enjoying a drink from the pub. The Beach bar also serves food all day from 1pm to 8pm, and a menu is available on board the Sea Star, so clients can order their meal on board and have it waiting for them on arrival to Aughris Head.
For more info on The Beach Bar click here
Coney Island
Please note we do not operate a dedicated ferry service to Coney Island, we only include Coney island visits as part of our charter packages or for large groups
A Coney Island service is only available for larger groups of 12 plus on board the “M.V. Dalemoor”, the smaller of the two charter vessels, or the “M.V. Sarah Marie” (according to group size – hire rate is per hour at charter rates) for the naturalists, campers, hillwalkers, bird watchers, cyclists and secluded beach goers who would like to visit the island. Departing from Rosses Point, just 10 minutes from Sligo town this trip to the picturesque island of Coney is perfect for those who want their activity to suit their time. The island is only a 5 minute journey away, and boats over and back can be booked to suit the times of the group. A favourite activity here is to visit the local pub, take a picnic/bbq, take the scenic walk with views of Blackrock lighthouse around the North side of the island (try to count the rabbits!), explore the famine structures, try to find St Patrick’s Wishing Chair, or the remains of the washed up whale, or, for the more adventurous, take a dip in the secluded beach to the rear of the island. This trip can also be done in conjunction with a sightseeing/ seal watching or fishing trip to top off the evening, maps are provided!
The island is approximately 400 acres and is so named because of the vast quantity of rabbits which can be spotted on the island at any time. In 1862 the island had a population of 124 people, with 45 children attending the local school. The island now has only one family of permanent inhabitants (traceable there back until the 1750s) but houses many other temporary residents, especially in the summer months. Most visitors like to frequent the local pub, spot the faerie, ring and napoleopic star-shaped forts, visit Carty’s strand (the secluded beach to the rear of the island), walk around the island to spot rabbits or the schoolhouse and other famine structures which remain, or just to relax there for a barbeque and a swim. There are also stories of faeries, mermaids and spirits here, and visitors can try to find the elusive St Patrick’s wishing chair, St Patrick’s well, the remains of a washed up whale and some fairy forts in this very relaxing retreat.
For safe tide times for crossing to Coney Island, please use the RNLI’s “Text the Tide” Service by texting “Coney” to 51155 (Rep. of Ireland) or to 81400 from UK mobiles where the RNLI will reply with the best crossing times subject to good weather conditions. Always remember to leave extra time to get back!