Irish Explorer's Journal #2

Island Escape: Inishbofin

Text & Images by Nikola Concannon

Island EscapeInishbofin

Nikola Concannon

Driving to Bofin in the early 70s was a lifetime ago. Tourism in Bofin was in its infancy. Reminiscing with my rose-tinted prescription glasses, half a century later, life is much the same here but with a modern twist.

Back then, travelling here by car, from east to west, the roads were bad. We had three kids in the back seat, the dog and a boat sometimes. The journey was long, passing through Clifden, finally at the top of Cleggan Cross, the big sign - welcome to Cleggan village - Gateway to Inishbofin! The long and tiring journey was quickly forgotten as we spot Bofin languishing on the horizon. Summers spent here were perfect, the weather sunnier, the sea warmer and we spent all our time outside.

Fast forward to today. Myself, my island husband Pat Concannon, our oldest son Harry and family run the ferry service to Inishbofin.

We started back in 2003 with the 100-passenger ferry MV Island Discovery, operating the state-subsidised service between Cleggan on the mainland and the community on Inishbofin, in 2017 we added a larger capacity ferry that came from Normandy. We provide the service all year around which conveys the Island’s secondary students, islanders on their daily business, holiday-home owners and from mid-March to October

day trippers and tourists checking-in to hotels, B&Bs and holiday houses located on the island.

The first week in July to the third week in August are peek tourist times, when the ferry is busy with families, bikes, buggies, bags filled with wetsuits, picnics, buckets and spades.

In August 2018, we were awarded the state-subsidised Cargo service for Inishbofin. we were lucky enough to obtain what has always been one of Pats favourite type of boats - an original Caledonian Macbrayne Island- Class Cargo boat, the MV Raasay. It takes everything from building supplies, sheep, cars and online shopping, proving itself to be an invaluable member of the growing fleet.

Bofin today is still much the same as it was in the early days. There is still the craic in the pub, the long traditional music sessions, the welcome handshake and greeting to new and familiar faces alike. There is now a lot more going on, new facilities added over the years - the community centre, the playground and the football pitch.

There are three hotels, self-catering houses, pub, coffee shop, B&Bs, hostel, camping, glamping, pony trekking, bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, sailing and a swimming scheme. Plenty to do for everyone if you are feeling energetic, or if not, there’s many a quiet sheltered nook on the island’s many sandy blue flag beaches to chill out and re-energise!

Bofin still holds the same draw and it is treated to the same level of affection from all its hooked visitors, from people who are new to those who have been visiting for the last 50 odd years, who are now spending time here with their grandchildren and great grandchildren showing them their favourite island spots.

Looped walks were introduced a few years ago, 3 dedicated trails of different lengths and terrain have been signposted. From these trails you can take time to see the variety of flora and fauna, sea birds, the deserted nearby Island of Inishark, the seal colony, bogs and cliffs. Exploring the island with trail maps obtained from the Community Centre are a great

way to get a feel for the place and I’d recommend breaking the day with a cold pint and a local crab sandwich!

There are different festivals run on Bofin during the year. One that is proving to be very popular is Bia Bo Finne. A local food festival held usually at the beginning of October, definitely one of my favourite weekends!

Inishbofin is a great place to holiday. Arrive with an open mind, prepare to be smitten, and in years to come, to be reminiscing on that first tantalising visit!

For more information on Inishbofin: www.inishbofinferry.ie and www.inishbofin.com