Ardoileán facts for kids
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Native name:
Ardoileán
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 High Island
Location in island of Ireland
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| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 53°32′47″N 10°15′26″W / 53.5464°N 10.2572°W |
| Administration | |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | Galway |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
High Island, also known by its Irish name Ardoileán or Ard Oileán, is a small, special island. You can find it off the northwest coast of Connemara in County Galway, Ireland. This quiet island was once home to a very old Irish monastic community.
Contents
Discover High Island
A Special Island in the Atlantic
High Island is one of many islands located off the west coast of Ireland. Its Irish name, Ardoileán, means "High Island." This name fits well because it stands out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Ancient Monks and Hermits
For a very long time, High Island has been a place of peace and quiet. Since at least the 600s, it was home to a monastery or hermitage. A hermitage is a place where a hermit, a person who lives alone for religious reasons, stays.
It is believed that Saint Féchín, a famous Irish saint, founded this community. He lived around the 7th century. Many islands along Ireland's west coast were chosen by hermits. They wanted a peaceful place to pray and live simply.
Near where the old monastery used to be, there is a Christian cross-slab. This is a stone with a cross carved into it. It might be from the 7th century, showing how old the Christian presence on the island is.
A Poet's Retreat
Between 1969 and 1998, a famous Irish poet named Richard Murphy owned High Island. He lived nearby on another island called Inishbofin.
Murphy was very excited to buy this remote and sacred island. He wanted to protect it and restore its ancient buildings. These included beehive-shaped cells and a small church. He hoped to keep the island safe from damage by tourists or even sheep.
In 2019, the island was put up for sale again. It was listed for €1.25 million.
