St. MacDara's Island Church

The stone church measures 4.8 by 3.6 meters with a steep roof, granite walls, and an east-facing doorway on a 22-hectare island.

Saint Sinach MacDara constructed a wooden church on this site during the sixth century, which was later replaced by the current stone structure.

The feast day of Saint MacDara occurs on July 16th with a mass, boat races, and local fishermen gathering for traditional boat blessings.

Visitors reach the island by arranging boat transportation from Carna, Roundstone, or Mace Pier, with no facilities available at the location.

Local fishing boats maintain the practice of lowering their sails three times when passing between the island and Mace Head as a mark of respect.

Location: County Galway

GPS coordinates: 53.30445,-9.91737

Latest update: March 2, 2025 22:14