Sligo Boat Charters

What will it be? See the early 6^th century monastic settlement? Have a look at the seal colonies and rare local wildlife? Explore the fairy forts or “cursing stones”? Or just throw a fish on the barbie, crack open a picnic, and go for a swim in some of the cleanest water in Sligo. Whether you want to see the sights or just relax, Inishmurray and Coney Island have it all.

Inishmurray Island

These island tours are done aboard the larger vessel, “Sea Star”.

Inishmurray Island is a unique 6th century settlement off the Sligo coast which was inhabited by just over 100 people in the 1880s, but was abandoned in 1948. It is approximately 228 acres and holds the remains of an early Irish monastic settlement. St Molaise founded a monastery here in the 6th Century which was attacked by Vikings in 807. Remains of the 4.6 metres high by up to 3 metres thick wall can be seen enclosing the settlement which still contains some of the ecclesiastical buildings such as a stone-roofed oratory, two churches, a clochan, a bee-hive hut and other engraved slabs of stone such as what are rumoured to be “cursing stones”. 15 buildings and a school also remain visible on the island. Inishmurray remains one of Sligo’s must-see destinations.

Customers are free to take a complimentary guide with them to help explore Inishmurray and identify all of its secrets!

Innishmurray Island Pictures in slideshow below;

Sea Star can also arrange charters to view the 17th century bar, “The Beach Bar” which is situated by the Aughris Head cliff top walk, and the local beach. Built over 300 years ago, the Beach Bar is one of Sligos most charachteristic thatched pubs. There are local facilities for swimmers and surfers, and many people love to bring a barbeque to light in the scenic surroundings whilst enjoying a drink from the pub. The Beach bar also serves food all day from 1pm to 8pm, and a menu is available on board the Sea Star, so clients can order their meal on board and have it waiting for them on arrival to Aughris Head.

For more info on The Beach Bar, click <here>

Coney Island

Visits to this island can be arranged on either vessel, according to group size.

A Coney Island water taxi service is available on board the “M.V. Dalemoor”, the smaller of the two charter vessels or the “M.V. Sea Star” (according to group size) for the naturalists, campers, hillwalkers, bird watchers, cyclists and secluded beach goers who would like to visit the island. The island is approximately 400 acres and is so named because of the vast quantity of rabbits which can be spotted on the island at any time. In 1862 the island had a population of 124 people, with 45 children attending the local school. The island now has only one family of permanent inhabitants (traceable there back until the 1750s) but houses many other temporary residents, especially in the summer months. Most visitors like to frequent the local pub, spot the faerie, ring and napoleopic star-shaped forts, visit Carty’s strand (the secluded beach to the rear of the island), walk around the island to spot rabbits or the schoolhouse and other famine structures which remain, or just to relax there for a barbeque and a swim. There are also stories of faeries, mermaids and spirits here, and visitors can try to find the elusive “St Patricks wishing chair, St Patricks well, the remains of a washed up whale and some fairy forts in this very relaxing retreat.

Be sure to take one of the free maps (Pictured below) to help you find everything on Coney!

Coney Island water taxis now at the low price of only €10pp return!