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1 / 10Explore Inishbofin Island with Transport Departing from Galway City. Self Guided.
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Galway, IrelandAdventure ToursNature ToursWalking Tours
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About this activity
Island-hop to Inishbofin, a remote Irish island seven miles off Galway's coast, where you'll spend a full day exploring pristine beaches, coastal walks, and traditional village life at your own pace. This self-guided adventure combines ferry transport and public bus return from Galway, giving you complete freedom to discover everything from marked hiking trails to secluded beaches and local music culture.
Come visit and explore Inishbofin Island or (Inis Bo Finne-Island of the White Cow in Irish), which lies seven miles (11 km) off Galway’s north-west coast. The island is five by three miles (4.8 km) long and the main activities on the island today are tourism, farming and fishing. There are five villages: West Quarter, Fawnmore, Middle Quarter, Cloonamore and Knock.
Inishbofin has lots of interesting things to see and do: a selection of official looped walks, two Green Coast awarded beaches, a dive centre, an equestrian centre, bicycle hire, historical sites, white beaches, swimming, hill walks and shore angling. The island is a great place for bird watching and the rare corncrake can be heard here every year. The island is also a centre for traditional Irish music and song with its own Ceilí band.
After enjoying lunch at a local pub on the island spend some free time exploring this island before taking the ferry back to the mainland and then hop aboard the public bus back to Galway City.
Highlights
- ✓Two Green Coast–awarded beaches with white sand and crystal waters
- ✓Self-guided looped walking trails ranging from coastal to hill routes
- ✓Traditional Irish music scene — the island hosts its own Ceilí band
- ✓Rare corncrake bird sightings (seasonal) and excellent birdwatching habitat
- ✓Five charming villages and historical sites to wander through
- ✓Optional activities: diving, horse riding, cycling, shore angling
Insider tips
- ★Pack a packed lunch or eat early at a local pub; food options are limited and can get busy mid-day
- ★Wear waterproof layers — Atlantic weather changes fast; the 11 km crossing can be choppy
- ★Rent a bicycle or use the marked loops to cover more ground in 12 hours; the island is 4.8 km long
- ★Visit in late spring/early summer to hear corncrakes and catch the island's traditional music sessions
Good to know
- •Ferry departure times are fixed; confirm your return ferry time on arrival to avoid missing the bus back to Galway
- •The 12-hour total includes ferry crossing (roughly 45 minutes each way) and bus travel — you have 7–8 hours on the island
- •No ATM on the island; bring cash for lunch and any purchases
- •Mobility: island terrain is rural with uneven paths; some walks are steep hills; not fully wheelchair accessible
- •Bring waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, sun cream, and insect repellent
Who it's for
Independent walkers and hikers seeking remote coastal sceneryBirdwatchers and nature enthusiastsCultural explorers interested in Irish music and rural island lifeAdventure photographers and nature lovers
Best time to visit
Visit May to September for calm seas, reliable ferry schedules, and best weather. Early mornings offer clearer visibility and less crowding; evenings are ideal for photography and birdwatching. Avoid winter months when Atlantic storms can disrupt ferry service.
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