Discover the history of Inishbofin in the company of native island historian and archaeologist, Tommy Burke. Cultúr na nOileáin Walking Tours provide the most environmentally friendly way of exploring the islands and  Tommy is a member of the Inishbofin Leave No Trace network. We have a policy limiting our maximum group size at 25 people per guide but for larger groups we employ a secondary guide to lead a walk on a different route.

Eco Experience #1 – Inishbofin Exploration

The first of our Ecotourism Experiences offers a choice of guided walks on Inishbofin. These walks can be tailored to suit the interests of a particular group, fitness levels, time constraints, and tides. All walks take between 2 and 3 hours to complete. Below are some of the main themes:

Pirates and Parliamentarians

Learn about the tactics used by the famous pirate queen Granuaile to wield control over Inishbofin harbour and how the forces of Oliver Cromwell subsequently fortified the site which remains to this day. Explore this stunning 17^th century castle and learn of its dark history.

Monks and Mythology

Inishbofin and Inishark were home to several saints down through their history. You will learn all about the monastic sites of St. Scaithín, St. Leo, and St. Colman, the patron saint of Inishbofin.

Discover the mythology of “The Island of the White Cow” along with a wealth of island folklore.

Fishermen and Farmers

Gain an insight in to the culture and heritage of the island’s more recent history. Trace the path from the rich fishing industry of the 19^th century and the height of island population, to the early 20^th century fishing/farming communities, right up to the modern phenomenon of tourism and the influx of holiday-makers.

Prehistoric Inishbofin

Take in the remains of the Bronze Age island landscape, its field systems and house sites. You will visit the Iron Age promontory fort sites, including the dramatic cliff-top site of Dún Mór.

Guided trips to Inishark

Trips to Shark will have to be booked in advance and there are additional costs for ferry transfer to the island.

All tours can be arranged by contacting Tommy on 087 9789588 or tommybofin@gmail.com.

You can listen to an interview with Tommy here.