Short days and long evenings, wild seas and very calm ones. There's time to work, walk and get to know people.
The most dramatic of the island's waymarked walks. It passes blowholes, a sea arch and sea stacks, the Dún Mór cliffs with the ruins of an Iron Age promontory fort, Trá Gheal beach and an old famine road.
8.1 km · about 2 hours · moderate · starts at the pier · purple arrows
Two more waymarked loops give panoramic views of the Connemara mountains, the island's cliffs and seal colonies. Short enough for a lunchtime walk between calls.
Waymarked loops · maps available at the Community Centre
Much of the island is a Special Area of Conservation because of its seals and birds. In winter you share the shore with seals, and the storms and sudden bright spells are a show in themselves.
Bring binoculars and waterproofs
The island's public sauna is open for group bookings in winter. Pair it with a cold dip in the Atlantic, if you're brave.
Group bookings
Saint Colmán, formerly Bishop of Lindisfarne, founded a monastery on Inishbofin in 668. The site is still a quiet place of ruins and old graves.
Within walking distance of the harbour
The star-shaped fort guarding the harbour mouth dates from the Cromwellian period, when the island was used as a prison.
Only accessible at low tide. Check the tide times and keep an eye on the tide while you're out.
The Community Centre is the island's living room. There is a library, a sports hall, the grocery shop, and a radio studio where the Inishbofin programme on Connemara Radio is made.
Library open Monday and Thursday, 15:30–18:30
Bingo night on Wednesdays is one of the fixtures of the island winter, and an easy way for newcomers to meet people.
Wednesdays · ask at the Community Centre for details
The pub stays open all year and is the best place to get to know locals. The Beach on the waterfront is also the only restaurant open in winter.
The Beach · Middlequarter · 095 45829
The sports hall in the Community Centre can be booked for evening badminton and other indoor sports. Get a group together, or ask about regular sessions.
Book through the Community Centre