Saints to Sailors - Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow

It is estimated that Bofin was inhabited as far back as 8000–4000 B.C. The first documented history of the island dates from Early Christian Times. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour you will notice Cromwell’s 16th Century Barracks which has seen both soldiers and pirates. Read more about the eventful history of the Barrack’s and the late medieval times on Inishbofin Cromwell’s Barracks – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow.

But the origins of the island’s initial colonisation are still obscure. The most common and basic version relates how two fishermen lost in fog, landed on an enchanted island and lit a fire. The flames broke the spell and the mist lifted to reveal an old woman driving a white cow along a shingle beach, which ran between a lake and the sea. She was observed to strike the cow, whereupon it turned to stone. Another tradition has that the old women and the cow emerge from the lake every seven years or alternatively to forewarn of some impending disaster. The lake in question is Loch Bo Finne (Lake of the White Cow) in West Quarter village. Whatever the truth of the legend, it is clear that the islands have drawn fishermen, farmers, monks, soldiers and adventurers for over 6,000 years. Read more about the early history of Inishbofin Legend & Early History – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow.

Close to the tiny harbour in Inishark there are a number of features associated with the monastic site founded by St. Leo. There is a small cashel called Clochan Leo, traces of a medieval Church Foigh Leo and a small holy well, Tobar Leo. With regards to Inishbofin St Colman dominates from as early as the 7th century. Today there remains a ruined stone chapel on the site of the original St Colman’s monastic site, which dates to the 14th century. Read more about the Early Christian time Early Christian Saints of Inishbofin – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow, the monastic sites Monastic Sites – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow and archaeologic sites Archaeologic Findings on Inishbofin – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow on Inishbofin. The present Church Modern Church – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow is the fourth house of worship since the arrival of St Colman in 664 A.D.

Most recent event in history that has greatly impacted life on Inishbofin and Inishark has of course been the death of Inishark Death of Inishark – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow .Visit the Inishbofin Heritage Museum & Gift Shop – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow or book Cultúr na nOileáin Walking Tours: Ecotourism Experiences – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow to hear and experience these stories on Inishbofin. Heritage & Culture – Inishbofin — Island of the White Cow

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