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Inishbofin, County Donegal facts for kids

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Inishbofin
Native name:
Inis Bó Finne
Inisbofinne.jpg
Inishbofin as seen from Machaire Rabhartaigh, with Tory Island visible in the distance, October 2011
Inishbofin is located in island of Ireland
Inishbofin
Inishbofin
Location in island of Ireland
Geography
Location Atlantic Ocean
Coordinates 55°10′23″N 8°10′08″W / 55.17306°N 8.16889°W / 55.17306; -8.16889
Area 1.2 km2 (0.46 sq mi)
Administration
Province Ulster
County Donegal
Demographics
Population 11 (2011)

Inishbofin (which means Island of the White Cow in Irish) is a small island. It is located off the coast of Machaire Uí Rabhartaigh (Magheraroarty) in County Donegal, Ireland. This quiet island is known for its beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Exploring Inishbofin's Landscape

Inishbofin is about 120 hectares (300 acres) in size. That's like 300 football fields! People on the island have traditionally made a living from fishing and farming. The Irish language is spoken regularly here.

There are no shops or pubs on Inishbofin, making it a very peaceful spot. You can get to and from the island by boat, but there isn't a regular ferry service.

Nearby Islands

Inishbofin is the largest of a small group of islands. The other islands are called Inis Dúiche and Inis Beag. They are located to the north of Inishbofin. These smaller islands are not lived on by people.

Inishbofin's Population

The number of people living on Inishbofin has changed a lot over the years. In 1911, there were 166 people living there. By 2011, the population had dropped to just 11 people.

Historical population
Year Pop. ±%
1841 121 —    
1851 122 +0.8%
1861 150 +23.0%
1871 125 −16.7%
1881 139 +11.2%
1891 146 +5.0%
1901 150 +2.7%
1911 166 +10.7%
Year Pop. ±%
1926 136 −18.1%
1936 138 +1.5%
1946 139 +0.7%
1951 120 −13.7%
1956 102 −15.0%
1961 117 +14.7%
1966 98 −16.2%
1971 103 +5.1%
Year Pop. ±%
1979 69 −33.0%
1981 46 −33.3%
1986 6 −87.0%
1991 3 −50.0%
1996 24 +700.0%
2002 16 −33.3%
2006 36 +125.0%
2011 11 −69.4%
Source:

The numbers in the table come from a book called Discover the Islands of Ireland. They also use information from the official Census of Ireland. Before 1841, the census information in Ireland was not always complete or reliable.

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