Overview
Inishnee (Irish: Inis Ní) is a low, thin island in Roundstone Bay, off the south Connemara coast. A narrow bridge joins it to the mainland near the village of Roundstone. The island’s low hills and stone walls frame views over the bay towards the Connemara mountains, and it is part of the Conamara Theas Gaeltacht, where Irish is still spoken. The island’s population fell sharply after the Famine, a small-scale version of the story of emigration from the west of Ireland.
The reason to come is the loop walk. Be honest with yourself about what it is: a quiet walk on minor roads, with no shops or cafés to rely on, and on a grey day it can feel genuinely bleak. Come on a bright morning with a flask and it is a fine, quiet couple of hours, with hares in many of the fields.
Follow the loop
The Inis Nee Loop starts near the bridge. Follow the purple arrows along this 4.9 km loop on minor roads and old lanes, which Sport Ireland grades easy. Watch for traffic and keep dogs on leads. Stay on the route, keep out of fields and leave residential gates clear.
The loop winds past grazing fields and rocky shoreline, and past traditional stone quays left from the island’s nineteenth-century kelp and fishing trade. The grassland supports a good number of Irish hares, often seen alongside sheep, and the shoreline is a good place to look for gulls, terns and seasonal waders.
History & Heritage
Inishnee’s history is tied to the sea. The southern part of the island was once a separate tidal island, now joined by a causeway. The ruined Chapel of St Matthew and an old graveyard lie on the island, with holy wells marked on the Ordnance Survey maps, evidence that people lived and worshipped here long before the current road. Admire these from the public road and do not cross fields to reach them.
The nineteenth century brought harbour facilities and a busy kelp and fishing trade. The stone quays and slipways built then still line the shoreline, slowly being reclaimed by the sea and vegetation.
Practical Tips
- Footwear: wear sturdy, waterproof walking shoes, as minor roads and lanes can be wet and slippery after rain.
- Supplies: there are no shops or cafés on the island, so bring water and snacks from Roundstone.
- Weather: Atlantic conditions change rapidly. Pack a windproof layer and check the forecast, especially in winter when daylight hours are short.
- Dogs: keep dogs on leads, and keep them under control around livestock and hares.
- Etiquette: the island is farmland dotted with residential homes. Stay on the marked route, close any gates you pass through, and respect the quiet character of the community.
Nearby Attractions
Inishnee works well as part of a broader County Galway itinerary. Just across the bridge, Roundstone has a working harbour, craft studios and pubs serving local seafood. For more demanding hikes, Connemara proper lies a short drive north, with the Maumturk mountains and the Twelve Bens. With extra time, you can also take a ferry to the Aran Islands for a full day of ancient stone forts and rugged Atlantic coastline.