Islands of Ireland: Hermit’s Island perfect for a life of contemplation

Dan MacCarthy visits Hermit’s Island, Lough Key, Co Roscommon

Kayaking to Hermit’s Island, Lough Key, Co Roscommon.

In the early Medieval period, our western islands, with their sheer cliffs and crashing seas, were the obvious choice for monks seeking to get closer to god by means of an ascetic lifestyle. Hence, Skellig Michael, Co Kerry; High Island, Co Mayo; and Inishdooey, Co Donegal, were three such, among many others.

However, other islands presented themselves as places cut off from the mainstream of society where it was considered a life of contemplation could be lived without fear of interruption from the inanities of daily life. Inishlosky on the River Shannon is one such island where a more benign climate reigned. And generally, such islands are found in rivers or lakes.