Innisfallen Island

Innisfallen (location "a" on the map) is the largest island on Lough Leane. It is about 1 mile offshore from Ross Castle (location "F" on the map) and is easily reached by motorboat. These continuously leave the pier at Ross on fine days and a return trip costs about €7 to €8 per person, less for children. Just tell the boatman beforehand how long you want to stay on the island. It can be "done" in an hour but it deserves better than that. A walk around the edge of the island takes about 40 minutes. The last boat back from Innisfallen leaves at 5pm. Be sure to take a look at our immersive panorama taken from the pier on Innisfallen.
The map is interactive, so if you want to find out more about any particular spot, just click on the letters.

Innisfallen itself is hallowed ground and this can be felt on landing. It is serene, peaceful and very holy. It was not always thus. In the 6th century this was the very edge of the known world. In fact, the known world wasn't so great as the Roman Empire had fallen some 200 years before and Europe was awash with barbarians. As now, Innisfallen was the place to go to get away from it all. This is what Saint Fionán thought when he founded a leper colony here. It was perfect for prayer, reflection and study. One thing led to another and, within a short period, Innisfallen became the first University in Europe in over 800 years. Princes from all over Europe studied on this tiny island resulting in overflow settlements at Aghadoe (location "A" on the map) and Muckross (location "W" on the map). At this time the lake was given the name of Lough Leane, which means "Lake of Learning". It provided the inspiration for The Knights of Innisfallen, who are said to still guard the island.

The Annals of Innisfallen were written here between 1015 and 1320 by a succession of 39 monks. Written in Irish mixed with Latin, they give a history of the world to the time of St. Patrick, then they concentrate mainly on Irish affairs. This makes them important historical documents. They were brought to England in 1686 and are now kept in the Bodleian library in Oxford where they are not on public display. Perhaps some day they will come home.

This trip is a must in Killarney.