Inchagoill facts for kids
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Native name:
Inis an Ghaill Crabhthigh
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Landing point
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 Inchagoill
Location in Ireland
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| Geography | |
| Location | Lough Corrib |
| Coordinates | 53°29′10″N 9°19′01″W / 53.486°N 9.317°W |
| Area | 0.3268 km2 (0.1262 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 24 m (79 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | Galway |
| Barony | Ross |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
| Inchagoill | |
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| Native name Inis an Ghaill Crabhthigh | |
| Built | 6th–12th century AD |
| Architectural style(s) | Romanesque |
| Owner | State |
| Official name: Inchagoill Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site | |
| Reference no. | 412 |
Inchagoill is a small island located in Lough Corrib, which is a large lake in Ireland. The island is famous for its very old Christian ruins. These ruins are so important that they are protected as an Irish National Monument. The name "Inchagoill" means "Island of the devout foreigner."
Contents
Where is Inchagoill?
Inchagoill is an island that covers about 32.68 hectares (which is about 80 acres). It is found in the northwest part of Lough Corrib. The island is located roughly halfway between the towns of Oughterard and Cong. A smaller island called Burr Island, about 1.18 hectares, is right next to it on the north side.
Ancient Buildings and Stones
Inchagoill is home to several historical sites that tell stories of its past.
St. Patrick's Church (Templepatrick)
This church is also known as Templepatrick (Teampall Phádraig in Irish). People traditionally believed that Saint Patrick himself, along with his nephew Lugnad, built it. Lugnad is said to have brought Saint Patrick to Ireland by boat. However, historians now think the church was more likely built later, around the 6th or 7th century AD.
Lugnad's Stone
This special stone is made of a type of rock called Silurian grit. It is shaped a bit like a boat's rudder. On the stone, you can see an old inscription in Latin. It reads Lia Lugnaedon Macc Limenueh, which means "Stone of Lugnad son of Limenueh." Limenueh was Saint Patrick's sister, Liamain.
This inscription is very important because it is the oldest writing in Ireland that uses the Latin alphabet. Before this, all other inscriptions were in Ogham, an ancient Irish alphabet made of lines and notches. The stone also has crosses carved into its sides and dates back to the 6th century.
Templenaneeve
In Irish, Teampall na Naoimh means "church of the saints." This church is connected to St. Patrick's Church by a paved path that is about 72 meters (79 yards) long.
Templenaneeve is a Hiberno-Romanesque church. This means it was built in a style that mixes Irish and Romanesque architecture. It has a beautifully decorated arched doorway from the 12th century. The carved heads on this doorway are similar to those found at Annaghdown Abbey. Inside, there is an incised slab from the 8th century and three bullauns, which are stones with bowl-shaped hollows. The front part of the church, called the chancel, is rounded and simple.
The Graveyard
The graveyard on Inchagoill is also very old. Many important people from the region were buried here. One notable person was Muirgheas O'Nioc (Muirgius ua Nioc), who died in 1128. He was a religious leader from Tuam. Other important local families, like the Kinnaveys, Conways, Sullivans, Murphys, Lyddans, and Butlers, also used this graveyard.
Inchagoill Today
Even today, Inchagoill is a special place. An annual Mass (a Christian church service) is held on the island. Many local boat companies offer tours to the island, allowing visitors to explore its ancient ruins.
The company Coillte has also planted many trees on the island, making it a green and forested area.
Images for kids
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The stone
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