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Lismore is an island ten miles long and about one mile wide, lying in Loch Linnhe at the southern end of the Great Glen.
Lismore has much to offer visitors whether on a day trip or longer breaks in the peace and beauty of the Island. From the main road there are side roads and tracks across blowy hilltops to sheltered bays with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
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On a clear day you can see the flat summit of Ben Nevis and the Glencoe Range in the northeast. To the east are the pointed twin peaks of Ben Cruachan, and to the west lies Morvern with the busy Glensanda Quarry. The island of Mull is to the southwest and in the distance are the Inner Hebridean Islands of Islay and Jura.
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The Island is rich in historical sites marked and not marked, ancient and not so old, all bearing testament to the people who have lived here for thousands of years.
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From the Oban ferry, as it nears Achnacroish pier, you can see to the north Tirfuir Castle, the pictish Broch (pictured above left) on a high point overlooking the Lynn of Lorn.
On the west side of the Island is Castle Coeffin (pictured below) known for its Viking connections and further south the 13th century Achinduin Castle (pictured above right) facing the sound of Mull. All these castles are in a ruined state but nevertheless are very interesting and stand in magnificent positions.
Lismore Parish Church dates back the 14th century and was once part of a much larger Cathedral. It has beautiful stained glass and a wealth of local family history in its graveyard.
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Evidence of habitation and the limestone industry can be found scattered throughout the Island with important centres at Port Ramsay and Sailean.
To find out more about the history and culture of the Island a visit to the Comman Eachdraidh Lios Mor (Lismore Historical Society) is recommended. There you can meet native Gaelic / English speakers who have information and stories of every part of the Island.
There are no deer, foxes, rabbits, badgers, moles or snakes but hares and hedgehogs have recently been introduced and with patience and luck can be spotted all over the Island.
The worst predator is the mink, as they kill hens and ducks and take the eggs of the ground-nesting birds. Visitors are asked not to touch mink traps which are set to rid us of this vicious pest.
Buzzards, commonly seen on the telegraph poles, stonechats and herons are always around while hen harrierswheatears and skylarks are regular visitors. |
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The fields and roadsides are filled with an ever-changing range of wild flowers starting in spring with primroses followed by wild garlic, meadowsweet, yellow irises and many species of orchids to name but a few to be found on this herb-rich fertile island.
It is no wonder that Lismore is so called - Lios Mor is Gaelic for Great Garden.
Visitors are welcome to join in the various social activities most of which are held at the Public Hall and advertised on this site and at the local shop.
Enjoy your time on Lismore and please remember, leave it as you find it, close gates behind you and put your rubbish in the bins provided.
Remember to close the gates |