The Old Days on Inishbofin Island, Co. Donegal, Ireland 1986

Inishbofin was once a thriving community with its own school, town hall and church. Now only five people, two women and three men remain on the island during the harsh winter months.
Doireann Ní Bhriain speaks with five women from Inishbofin in County Donegal. Margaret McFadden, Mary Ellen Collum, Grace McGee, Madge McGinley and Grace O’Brien talk about their lives on the island and their hopes for the future of Inishbofin.
The women would like to see the island revived and believe the government needs to provide services such as electricity and other facilities enjoyed by other islands around the coast of Ireland. Under such circumstances, young people would be inclined to move back to the island and avail of the many advantages of island life.
The women reminisce about dances that used to take place on the island and about growing up in a place where everybody knows what everyone else is doing.
Maggie never married but does not regard this as an issue. When she was young she worked hard and helped her mother to raise her siblings. Landing the turf from the mainland was her main worry. She thought of marrying, but when she had the chance it was too late.
‘Women’s Programme’ broadcast on 21 February 1986. The reporter is Doireann Ní Bhriain.

[@patscanlan2678]

Wouldn't mind living there now to get away from the madness that is Ireland now!

[@dubliner1303]

?

[@shaneshankly4518]

I could agree more . I kayak and spent time there , stunning place and great people. Not be all till its full of male s who have been taken out of prisons across North Africa for the plantation of Ireland

[@derrickmurphy9859]

Amazing times and not that long ago.Great to have this footage. Thank you.Bless them all,time passes by so quickly in the blink of an eye your known as an old man or woman.

[@martinatravers330]

Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

I have never been to Inishbofin Island but one day I will get there, I am learning to swim

[@dancrowley5128]

They were more innocent times , not always better but innocent 😉

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

It appears that there 2 Inishbofin Islands, it is a good job that In the year 668, Saint Colmán did know this as he founded a monastery on Inishbofin Connemara during that year,

[@Discover-Ireland]

I thought there was only one inishbofin island off the west coast

[@reversefulfillment9189]

Looks like all the men escaped the island.

[@MrUnderwood246]

They had to go away and work and send money back

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

Well spotted, That is correct, all able body men had to emigrate to earn a living and send money home to their families, many married women had to bring their young families up on their own, Hard sad times for many

[@iamachildofgodministry9360]

The men got booted onto craggy Island 😅

[@Poguemuhone]

Ta an buachall og anseo timpeall triocha a do blian anois, im 64 and hope i wrote that somewhat correctly from memory.

[@derrickmurphy9859]

37 or thereabouts

[@Poguemuhone]

​@@derrickmurphy9859ta tu cheart go foill. I completely miscounted that in my head .enjoy all of your content. Thank you.

[@outoforbit00]

The elderly lady Maggie is a very fine looking woman, she could have married any man she wanted had she moved to the mainland. But then again, maybe having no man kept her beautiful.