- Inishbofin, Galway
Inishbofin ("Inis Bó Finne" in Irish, meaning "Island of the White Cow") is an island lying about 8 kilometers (5 miles) off the coast of
Connemara ,County Galway ,Ireland . It is about 5.5 km (3½ mi) long and 3 km (2 mi) wide, and has around 200 inhabitants. The island is popular with artists. Inishbofin can be reached byferry from the pier inCleggan . There is also a helipad, and an airstrip is planned. There are three hotels on the island, the Days, Murrays and the Dolphin, as well as a hostel. A community centre includes a small island library.History
The island's English name Inishbofin is derived from the Irish name Inis Bó Finne ("Island of the White Cow"). The name has its origins in a local legend. The island has been occupied continuously since the Bronze Age. In
668 , Saint Colmán founded a monastery [cite web|url=http://www.allsaintsbrookline.org/celtic/saints/colman.html|title=St. Colman|accessdate=2006-09-17] on Inishbofin which survived until the10th century [cite web|url=http://www.mayoalive.com/MagJun96/Inshbofn.htm|title=Inishbofin|accessdate=2006-09-17] . It is also home to the ruins ofCromwell 's barracks, constructed in1652 . When the much hated Cromwell was in power, Inishbofin was transformed into a penal colony forCatholic clergy. An unfortunate bishop was tied to "Bishop's Rock" at low tide and drowned as the waters rose..]
The current population of approximately 200 is down from a historical high of over 1000 in the 1840's.
An aspect of the island is that it has no trees or forests whatsoever. Any wood was cut down and used as heating fuel. Because of the salt-enriched air, trees were never able to re-establish themselves. Instead, a popular fuel on the island is
peat turf. Cut from peat bogs, the turf is dried and makes a pleasant-smelling fire. There are currently 182 people living on the Island.Literature
Mid 20th-century life on Inishbofin was chronicled in a book written by
Deborah Tall in 1985 called the "Island of the White Cow". She lived on the island for 5 years in the early 1970's. [ [http://www.amazon.com/Island-White-Cow-Deborah-Tall/dp/0689707223 Amazon.com: The Island of the White Cow: Deborah Tall: Books ] ]External links
* [http://www.inishbofin.com/ Inishbofin Island Website]
Notes
ee also
* List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland (County Galway)
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