The Islands of Ireland: Of saints and traditions on the Shannon

The domicile of the McInerneys, a popular family who lived for generations on Saint's Island

Saint’s Island, Shannon Estuary, Co Clare. There is a large enclosure in the centre of the island, again completely overgrown. An archaeological record has yet to be provided but it is likely to be a ringfort. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

The only house on Saint’s Island in the Shannon Estuary, can barely be called a house any longer. The walls are still standing, just about, the corrugated iron roof is pretty much caved in, and the floor is largely gone. It is many years since this place was called home by a family. This was the domicile of the McInerneys, a popular family who lived for generations on the island, alone but tranquil.

The house is completely overgrown now with ivy clinging to the walls but it is still possible to appreciate the lovely aspect it had of the middle part of the Shannon
Estuary, about 15km from Limerick.