Sustainability & Biodiversity
Biodiversity on Inishturk
A Living Landscape, Shared and Sustained
Inishturk may be a small island, but it holds an extraordinary richness of biodiversity. Its land and surrounding seas support rare species, diverse habitats, and a living landscape shaped over thousands of years by geology, climate, farming, and island life. Protecting and enhancing this natural heritage is central to our vision for a resilient island community into the future.
Biodiversity on Inishturk
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A stronghold for birds and marine life
Inishturk is a haven for birdlife, with 11 of the island’s 12 key seabird species recorded, alongside rare and threatened birds such as the Corncrake and Chough. Puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and black guillemots are regularly seen along the cliffs, while barnacle geese arrive in winter, highlighting the island’s year-round importance for wildlife.
A recent survey, supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, confirms the island’s rich biodiversity and identifies important habitats for conservation, including areas suitable for Corncrake nesting. The journey to Inishturk is part of the experience. Ferry crossings across Clew Bay often bring sightings of dolphins riding the waves, with whales and basking sharks occasionally appearing in these wildlife-rich Atlantic waters—an unforgettable introduction to this living seascape.
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A mosaic of habitats across a small island
Despite its size, Inishturk contains a remarkable variety of semi-natural habitats. Fieldwork on the commonage and enclosed lands has recorded acid and wet grasslands, heath, bog, streams, exposed siliceous rock, stone walls and freshwater habitats.
These environments support a wide range of plant species — from wild thyme and bird’s-foot trefoil on rocky outcrops, to bog cotton, sundew and sphagnum moss in wetter hollows. Stone walls, built by generations of islanders, host lichens, ferns and flowering plants, quietly contributing to biodiversity while reflecting the island’s cultural heritage.
Together, this diversity of habitats underpins ecological resilience and provides a strong foundation for positive action.
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Part of a living bay: Inishturk and Clew Bay
Inishturk belongs to the wider Clew Bay landscape, a network of islands and habitats where nature and human activity are deeply connected. Our vision extends beyond our shores; we view the island as part of a shared ecological fabric.
By partnering with neighboring communities to share knowledge and protect habitats, we aim to strengthen the entire bay. This collaborative approach ensures that local improvements—whether for pollinators or water quality—ripple outward, building a more resilient coastal system for everyone.
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A landscape shaped by deep time and people
Inishturk’s biodiversity is inseparable from its geodiversity — the rocks, soils, landforms and watercourses that shape the island. Four types of Ordovician bedrock influence soils and vegetation patterns, while Irish place names across the island preserve a close relationship between landscape, language and lived experience.
Following the last Ice Age, vegetation gradually returned, with juniper, birch and later woodland species such as hazel, pine, oak, holly and rowan. Over time, farming, grazing and peat cutting transformed the landscape, creating the grasslands and heathlands that characterise the island today. Royal Fern, a species with a history stretching back over 11,000 years, still survives on Inishturk.
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From knowledge to care: living with biodiversity today
Inishturk has a long history of ecological study, from R.L. Praeger’s 1907 visit to modern surveys. Today, we continue this tradition through evidence-based monitoring and collaboration with national researchers.
Biodiversity is becoming part of daily life through food forests and improved hedgerows. These spaces provide food and shelter for wildlife while offering places for community connection. By working with partners like Food Forest Ireland and Trees On The Land, we are nurturing ecosystems that nourish people and reconnect the community with the land.
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Working With Nature, Not Against It
Nature is remarkably resilient when given space. On Inishturk, we have a rare opportunity to move forward thoughtfully, working with natural systems rather than against them. While shaped by farming and fishing, the island remains free from intense development, allowing biodiversity to thrive while placing the responsibility for its protection in our hands.
Our vision is rooted in coexistence, where low-impact tourism—focused on wildlife, dark skies, and seasonal rhythms—enriches island life without eroding its quiet character. Inishturk’s future lies in doing things well rather than quickly; by shaping change at a human pace, we ensure both our community and environment flourish for generations to come.
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Caring for land and sea together
The health of Inishturk’s marine environment is inseparable from life on land and from the wider Clew Bay system. The island is deeply committed to marine stewardship, from community-led shoreline clean-ups to addressing marine debris that arrives on our shores from far beyond the island itself.
Working with mainland partners and neighbouring communities, we are exploring and trialling innovative approaches to underwater marine litter removal, while documenting outcomes and sharing learning across the bay and beyond.
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Protecting dark skies: night-time nature and quiet tourism
Inishturk is set to become a Mayo dark skies destination, protecting the natural rhythms of night in an increasingly illuminated world. Low levels of artificial light benefit night-flying insects and pollinators, support migrating birds and marine species, and reduce disturbance for wildlife that depends on darkness for navigation, feeding and rest. Protecting dark skies also offers a unique experience for visitors — from stargazing and night walks to a deeper connection with nature and seasonal cycles. By managing lighting carefully and thoughtfully, Inishturk can support biodiversity, enhance community wellbeing, and offer a form of low-impact, nature-based tourism that aligns with the island’s values of care, quietness and respect for place.
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A circular future rooted in community
Sustainability on Inishturk is about making the most of what we have and taking shared responsibility for what we use. Our circular approach focuses on reducing waste, reusing and repurposing materials, and turning challenges into opportunities.
Rather than extracting and discarding, we are choosing to close loops — using what we have, caring for resources, and finding new value in what would otherwise be lost. By coming together to repair, reuse and repurpose, the community builds skills, revives craft traditions, and finds creative ways to reduce waste. Shared stewardship and small-scale social enterprise can turn what is discarded into something of value, strengthening both livelihoods and resilience on the island.
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A sanctuary for the native Irish honeybee
Inishturk can become a sanctuary for the native Irish honeybee, offering refuge from pressures like the varroa mite. The island’s isolation and expanding pollinator habitats—including hedgerows and food forests—create ideal conditions for bees to thrive. By supporting this vital species, we aim to become Ireland’s first native bee sanctuary.
Our approach is grounded in respect for what exists and optimism for what can grow. By protecting habitats and collaborating across Clew Bay, we are building practical resilience. We envision a living landscape where islands, sea, and people flourish side by side.
Biodiversity on Inishturk
Inishturk Native Irish Honey Bee Sanctuary
On the wild Atlantic fringe of Inishturk Island, a bold new chapter in community-led conservation has begun with the Inishturk Native Irish Honey Bee Sanctuary. Launched on World Bee Day, the sanctuary is dedicated to protecting Ireland’s native honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) in one of the country’s most natural and geologically unique landscapes. Over 10,000 native Irish honey bees now reside on the island, a living tribute to biodiversity, stewardship, and sustainable island life.
The sanctuary is part of a broader movement in Ireland to protect this iconic pollinator — and is connected with the long-standing work of the Native Irish Honey Bee Sanctuary, an organisation committed to native bee conservation, education, and research.
VISITOR REVIEWS
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A little piece of island magic
Highly recommend a visit to Inishturk Island, off Mayo. This is a very special place with a welcoming community, beautiful landscape, nourishing walks, and fabulous swimming spots. We stayed for four nights in the community-owed and run Craggy Cottages which we highly recommend. Although a small island, the scenery changes every day with the weather and each day brings its own highlights. This was our first visit and will not be our last.
Rhona and Damia… M
August 1, 2025
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A Hidden Haven on the Wild Atlantic Way
Inishturk Island enchants with its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and warm island charm. Wander along peaceful trails, relax on its Green Coast beach, and experience heartfelt hospitality that makes every moment unforgettable — a true paradise off Ireland’s west coast.
JANE O’NEILL
October 3, 2025
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A real untouched piece of rugged Irish coastline.
There are cliffs as impressive as the Cliffs of Moher. A small country town feel. Semi challenging hiking. 360 degree views across Mayo and the Atlantic. And the best part is that very few tourists come here. It really should be a must visit on anyone’s bucket list.
Geelongexpat
September 1, 2025
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A walk on the wild side
Spent three nights at Craggy Cottages (no 2) on Inishturk Island. The dry sunny weeks had come to an end and we got plenty of wind and rain but that only added to the experience. Mary picked us up from the ferry, after a somewhat lumpy 50 minute trip from Roonagh, and brought us to the cottages towards the west side of the island. The cottage is very new, spotlessly clean and it has been fitted out with all possible needs. Beds very comfortable, area very quiet and remote. Showers had incredible pressure! Heating perfect.
Peter G
May 1, 2025