Galway – Cruach na Cara, Macdaraby Pamela de Brí

Called after St Macdara, the island is most famous for its medieval monastery. Naomh Sineach Macdara was patron saint of seafarers, (sineach meaning bad weather). It is believed that he built a wooden church on the island in the 6th century which was replaced by the current stone church in the 10th century. Sailors to this day, dip their sails three times as they pass the island. The saint is remembered every year on 16th July when local people make a pilgrimage or pattern to the island and sailors bring their boats for a blessing. There is no pier on Cruach na Cara. In 1907 nine people drowned on a pilgrimage to the island during a storm.