Mutton Island

Mutton Island, historically Inishkeragh and in Irish Inis Caorach, “the island of the sheep”, is a small island about a kilometre off the shore of Galway city, joined to the mainland by a long causeway. It has a lighthouse and the city’s wastewater treatment plant, and the causeway walk is one of the best-loved strolls in Galway.

Landscape

The island covers about 16 acres at the mouth of the Corrib, where Galway Bay meets the city. The causeway runs out from the Claddagh and South Park, and from it there are wide views across the bay to the Burren hills of County Clare and, on clear days, towards the Aran Islands.

History

The island’s lighthouse marked the approach to Galway harbour for generations. In the late 20th century the island was chosen for the city’s main wastewater treatment plant, reached along the causeway. The island has no permanent residents and is generally only visited by people working there.

In the late 20th century the island was chosen for the city’s main wastewater treatment plant, reached along the causeway.

Visiting

The causeway is open to walkers and makes a popular walk from the Claddagh, especially at sunset, though the island itself is not open to the public. You can collect Mutton Island as a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

The shores either side of the causeway are good for birdwatching, with brent geese, turnstones, redshanks, oystercatchers and black-headed gulls in winter, and grey seals in the bay. Nearby islands include Nun’s Island, Island Eddy and Aughinish.