Garbh Eileach

Island in Argyllshire

Scotland

Garbh Eileach

The Garvellachs Seen from around 3,000ft altitude.
The Garvellachs Credit: John Allan

Garbh Eileach, located in Argyllshire, is a small uninhabited island situated off the west coast of Scotland. It forms part of the Garvellachs archipelago and is known for its rugged beauty and rich historical significance. With an area of about 60 acres, Garbh Eileach is characterized by its steep cliffs, rocky terrain, and lush vegetation.

The island boasts a fascinating history dating back to prehistoric times. It is home to the ruins of a medieval monastery, believed to have been founded by St. Brendan in the 6th century. The remains of a chapel, graveyard, and other structures can still be seen, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's spiritual past. Additionally, there are numerous ancient carved stones scattered across the island, further adding to its historical allure.

Nature enthusiasts will find Garbh Eileach a haven for wildlife and flora. Its cliffs provide nesting sites for seabirds like puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, while grey seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks. The island's vegetation consists of heather, grasses, and wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape.

Due to its remote location, Garbh Eileach can only be accessed by boat, adding to its untouched charm. The island offers a sense of tranquility and solitude, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway or avid photographers looking to capture its natural beauty.

Overall, Garbh Eileach is a captivating island that combines history, nature, and serenity in one unique package. Its rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Scottish coastline.

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Garbh Eileach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.243336/-5.7638306 or Grid Reference NM6612. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Garvellachs Seen from around 3,000ft altitude.
The Garvellachs
Seen from around 3,000ft altitude.
Dùn Chonnuill A small island just north of Garbh Eileach, the largest of the Garvellachs.
Dùn Chonnuill
A small island just north of Garbh Eileach, the largest of the Garvellachs.
Dùn Chonnuill Approaching this small island just off Garbh Eileach.
Dùn Chonnuill
Approaching this small island just off Garbh Eileach.
Dùn Chonnuill The northern tip of the Garvellachs.
Dùn Chonnuill
The northern tip of the Garvellachs.
Deciduous woodland on Garbh Eileach A rare patch of woodland on the Garvellachs in the Firth of Lorn.
Deciduous woodland on Garbh Eileach
A rare patch of woodland on the Garvellachs in the Firth of Lorn.
Deciduous woodland on Garbh Eileach A rare patch of woodland on the Garvellachs in the Firth of Lorn.
Deciduous woodland on Garbh Eileach
A rare patch of woodland on the Garvellachs in the Firth of Lorn.
Sgeir nam Marag A skerry, east of Eileach an Naoimh and south of A' Chùli, in the Garvellachs with perching Shags. Its location can be seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4518586">NM6410 : Eileach an Naoimh</a>, the dark skerry at mid-right.
Sgeir nam Marag
A skerry, east of Eileach an Naoimh and south of A' Chùli, in the Garvellachs with perching Shags. Its location can be seen in NM6410 : Eileach an Naoimh, the dark skerry at mid-right.
Garbh Eileach from Easdale The island of Garbh Eileach, the largest of the Garvellachs as seen from the top of the hill on Easdale. The two little rocks to the right of the image are <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7259874">NM7014 : Dubh-fhèith islets from Easdale</a>
Garbh Eileach is a reasonably large island at 142ha (351 acres = 0.55 mile²) its highest point is 110m (361') near the north coast. It is an uninhabited island but the presence of a burial ground attests to its former population.
Garbh Eileach from Easdale
The island of Garbh Eileach, the largest of the Garvellachs as seen from the top of the hill on Easdale. The two little rocks to the right of the image are NM7014 : Dubh-fhèith islets from Easdale Garbh Eileach is a reasonably large island at 142ha (351 acres = 0.55 mile²) its highest point is 110m (361') near the north coast. It is an uninhabited island but the presence of a burial ground attests to its former population.
The summit region of Garbh Eileach Looking just east of south across the Firth of Lorn.

To the left (in shadow) is Lunga, with the small island of Guirasdeal on its right. The large island dominating the photo is Scarba, and part of north Jura can be seen on the right.
The summit region of Garbh Eileach
Looking just east of south across the Firth of Lorn. To the left (in shadow) is Lunga, with the small island of Guirasdeal on its right. The large island dominating the photo is Scarba, and part of north Jura can be seen on the right.
Garvellachs The northern face of this group of islands.
Garvellachs
The northern face of this group of islands.
Garvellachs The islands viewed from the NE. These islands are in the Firth of Lorn that separates Mull from the mainland.
Garvellachs
The islands viewed from the NE. These islands are in the Firth of Lorn that separates Mull from the mainland.
The Garvellachs
The Garvellachs
Garvellachs shepherd's Bothy
Garvellachs shepherd's Bothy
Sgeir nam Maraig
Sgeir nam Maraig
Garbh Eileach On the low hill on Garbh Eileach.
Garbh Eileach
On the low hill on Garbh Eileach.
Dun Chonnuill Dun Chonnuill (Connel's Castle) the eastern most island of the Garvellachs
Dun Chonnuill
Dun Chonnuill (Connel's Castle) the eastern most island of the Garvellachs
Dùn Chonnuill Sea kayaking around the Garvellachs.
Dùn Chonnuill
Sea kayaking around the Garvellachs.
Croft House ruin on Garbh Eileach A deserted croft house on the northeast slopes of Garbh Eileach. It has a glorious view out over the Slate Isles. A view now only enjoyed by deer - and the occasional tourist.
Croft House ruin on Garbh Eileach
A deserted croft house on the northeast slopes of Garbh Eileach. It has a glorious view out over the Slate Isles. A view now only enjoyed by deer - and the occasional tourist.
Show me another place!

Garbh Eileach is located at Grid Ref: NM6612 (Lat: 56.243336, Lng: -5.7638306)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///flank.shelter.interviewer. Near Lochbuie, Argyll & Bute

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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