Inch Island


Inch Island is an island in Lough Swilly, County Donegal, Ireland.

Geography and History

The island is around 5 square miles in area. It lies in Lough Swilly, just off the south-western coast of Inishowen, near the village of Burt. Inch Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway road, known as the Inch Banks. The island's highest hill is at 222 m. Another Irish language name for Inch Island is Inis na nOsirí, meaning 'Island of the Oysters'.

Population

The table reports data taken from Discover the Islands of Ireland and the Census of Ireland.

Relevant buildings

The remains of a portal tomb with a nearby burial chamber, probably constructed using parts of the original tomb, is located near Carnaghan on the south-western part of the island.
A 15th century castle, known as Inch Castle, stands on a cliff overlooking Lough Swilly. The island's Presbyterian kirk is one of the smallest of the surrounding area ; the island's Catholic church, usually known simply as 'the Chapel', is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and was built in 1932.

Nature

Inch island is a well known birdwatching site with a relevant population of migratory and wintering birds. Bird species on the island include Greenland white fronted goose, whooper swan and greylag goose.

Tourism

Inch Wildfowl Reserve features an 8km looped walk, catering for outdoor recreational activity including walking, running and cycling. The site includes two car parks, seating, viewpoints and a number of bird hides open to the public. This scenic pathway follows around the lake edge and offers panoramic views of the surrounding agricultural landscape and wetlands.