Isle of Lismore

At only 10 miles long by 1 mile wide, Lismore is perfect for gentle walks and cycles, surrounded by water and wildlife. All this is located close to the mainland via a short ferry trip from Port Appin or Oban.

Lismore 'The Great Garden'

Lismore truly lives up to its Gaelic name, 'Lios Mòr,' meaning 'the Great Garden'. It is considered Scotland’s most fertile island and is home to more than 130 bird species.

The island is home to 160 'Liosachs.' Its low population density allows wildlife to flourish. The island is particularly renowned for its peregrine falcons, seals, otters, and a variety of seabirds, including razorbills. The island also features three lochs, islets, and skerries, all of which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation.

Walking, Hiking and Cycling

Lismore is ideal for walking, cycling, and a variety of water sports, including kayaking and canoeing. It is a predominantly flat island with beautiful views from either side. On the northeast side of Lismore, you can sometimes see the tops of Ben Nevis and Glencoe's peaks; to the southwest, you can spot the Isle of Mull.

Heritage and History

St Moluag’s Church and Monastic Site: Lismore was once a site of significant importance for Celtic Christianity. Saint Moluag founded the monastery here and established a settlement. He was a significant monk of the period and rival of the more famous St Columba. Saint Moluag was from Ireland and founded the Christian community on the island of Lismore. He used this as a base to travel from to establish churches and teaching areas throughout Scotland. Today's parish church is part of what would have been a much larger cathedral on the site, dating back to the 13th century. This would have been an integral site of importance within Christianity at that time. You can enter the Parish Church and Graveyard at any reasonable time.

Castle Coeffin: The remains of this castle are visible today. The castle was named after a Danish Prince called Caifen. It is located on the island's Northwest coast and was built on the site of a Viking fortress. A local clan is believed to have built the castle at this site in the 13th century.

Sailean Quarry and Pier: This quarry, now unused, was an integral part of Lismore and island life in the 19th century. It is located on the Northwest coast of the island. Limestone was quarried there. Limestone was essential in the 19th century, as it was fired into quicklime and transported and sold worldwide as a vital resource for farming and building projects. In the 1800s, this business was very productive and lucrative – it was also a key employer on the island. Some records indicate that 12 to 16 quarrymen worked here during that period. This quarry operated until the 1930s. This vital heritage site is now listed as a Scheduled Monument and Listed Building. Now there are only structural remains of where the quarry, housing, gunpowder store, shop, quay and kilns would have been.

Tirfuir Broch: This is an Iron Age Broch. It is located on the Northeast coast of Lismore. A broch is a traditional, tall, cone-shaped house or building that Iron Age residents would have lived within. The remains of the Broch stand proudly in the landscape. A Broch appears like a large tower or defence, but it is believed to have been more likely a dwelling or home to a local family or clan in the Iron Age. It would have been homely with the fire, bustling family, and possibly livestock.

The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre is a great place to begin your visit to the island. Established in 2007, it is a vital amenity for residents and visitors as a resource for heritage and Gaelic culture.

The centre features a small but dedicated museum and an in-depth exhibition detailing the history of Lismore, its geography, and the way people lived in the past. A traditional reconstructed crofter's (locally known as a Cottar’s) house is next to the exhibition area. This is set up as a typical 19th-century Lismore islander home. This shows how people used to live on Lismore in the past. This is a great place for families to come and explore the history of Lismore on the island. The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre has two libraries: the private David White Library and the Argyll and Bute Lending Library.

Within the same site is the bustling Lismore Café with an outdoor terrace and dog-friendly areas. The cafe serves fresh local produce.