 It is estimated that Inishbofin was inhabited as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C.
The first documented history of the island, however, dates from early Christian times when St. Colman founded a monastery on the island in 668 A.D. During Colman's brief episcopacy as Bishop of Lindisfarne in Northumbria, the Synod of Whitby was held in 664 A.D. Owing to the decision of King Oswy in favor of the Roman Church and against the Celtic Church, Colman resigned his see. Between the years 665 and 667 A.D., Colman founded several churches in Scotland, and, at length, accompanied by thirty Irish and English disciples, sailed for Ireland, settling down at Innisboffin. Later, he erected an abbey exclusively for the English monks in Mayo, subsequently known as "Mayo of the Saxons." His last days were spent on the island of Innisboffin. He died in ca. 676 A.D.
The ruins of the 14th Century St. Colman's Abbey on Inishbofin are on the site of the 7th Century monastery founded by St. Colman. The graveyard surrounding the roofless ruin, overgrown with stinging nettles, is filled with ancient headstones and Celtic crosses.
About Inishbofin (Inis Bo Finne)
Inishbofin
Oileain-Ireland's Islands: Inishbofin-Inis Bó Finne
Wikipedia: Inishbofin, County Galway
Wikipedia: Colman of Lindisfarne
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Colman of Mayo
Journey to Inishbofin (Inis Bo Finne)
Inishbofin lies seven miles off the coast of County Galway and is visited by boat leaving from Cleggan on the mainland.
Map Reference: L5365
Visitors Information
Visitors and general tourist information may be found at the Inishbofin website.
Additional Photos of Inishbofin (Inis Bo Finne)
Boat from Cleggan to Inishbofin
Approaching Inishbofin
Welcome to Inishbofin
14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Another View of 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Close-Up of 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Close-Up of 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Altar in 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Gravestone Near 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Gravestone Near 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Monastic Walls Near 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
Monastic Water Source Near 14th Century Church Ruins, Site of St. Colman's 7th Century Monastery, Inishbofin
View of High Island (Ardoilean) from Inishbofin
View of Inishturk from Inishbofin
Modern St. Colman's Church, Inishbofin
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