Innisfallen Island

Innisfallen island can be seen in the distance from Ross Castle out in the heart of Lough Leane, which translates as the “Lake of Learning”. A monastery was founded on Innisfallen in the 7th century and it became a seat of learning; hence Lough Leane. It is said that King Brian Boru studied there along with many from the noble houses of Europe, as Ireland was seen during the so called “Dark Ages” as a beacon of learning and education.

On the island are the remains of the extensive 12th century Augustinian priory and a small 11th -12th century Romanesque church. The annals of Innisfallen, a major source of early Irish history and now stored in the Bodleian Library in Oxford were written there. There is also a small herd of deer on the island. Boat trips to the island can be arranged from Ross Castle