Inishbofin (or "Boffin"- in Irish, “Inis Bo Finne”- Island of the White Cow) is a magical little 3 x 5km islet with a population of about 180 just off the coast of Cleggan. It was inhabited as far back as 8000-4000 B.C. It is said that Grace O’Malley the famous Pirate Queen (aka Granuaile, aka Gráinne O'Malley, aka Gráinne Mhaol, aka etc., more on her later), had a castle on the island. In fact a
16th century decorated stone was discovered supporting a stone wall outside an island pub that may have came from her castle, according to a Connemara archeologist. It’s said she and a pirate friend would run a chain across the harbor to trap and loot ships holding valuable cargo. In the 18th century the island economy was supplemented by the time-honored traditions of ship wrecking and smuggling. By the 19th century the island was crowded with fishermen (over 1600 people!), with Irish still being spoken until the 1900s. These days it’s home to B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, sheep farms, music sessions, arts festivals, yoga retreats, writing workshops and charity fundraising events. It has beaches with crystal (and very cold) water, lovely wildflowers, a seal colony and rare birdwatching opportunities.
