Inis Saimer is a singular residential island that offers a discreet, restful retreat in the historic heart of Ballyshannon. Surrounded by the sheltered waters of the Erne Estuary, the island provides a unique "best-of-both-worlds" scenario: absolute private island seclusion combined with the ability to reach a vibrant town center in under six minutes. This historic holding is a rare find on Ireland’s northwest coast, offering a move-in-ready residence steeped in thousands of years of legend and maritime heritage.
Property Details
The island features a substantial stone residence originally built in the mid-1800s by the Erne Fishing Company.
The Residence: The home is remarkably spacious, with internal dimensions of approximately 36.5m x 6.5m. It features a modern open-plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area (6.5m x 4.5m) designed for contemporary living.
Accommodation: The layout includes three generously sized double bedrooms (3.7m x 3.9m each), a large bathroom, and a massive 13.4m hallway.
The Banquet Hall: A standout feature of the property is the 82-square-meter function or banquet room (6.6m x 12.4m). This grand space features a large western window with spectacular views of the Finner dunes and the Atlantic surf of Donegal Bay.
Expansion Potential: The house includes a large attic space that offers significant potential for further conversion into additional living quarters, subject to relevant permissions.
Land and Water
Inis Saimer is a tranquil landscape of roughly half an acre, surrounded by the ebb and flow of the Erne River.
Maritime Access: The island is equipped with its own private floating jetty, a rare and premium feature that ensures safe arrival and departure at all stages of the tide.
Angling: Historically one of Ireland’s most lucrative salmon and eel fisheries, the island’s shores today remain a prime destination for seatrout and occasional salmon angling.
Outdoor Living: A generous balcony on the eastern gable provides an ideal platform for entertaining while overlooking the Mall Quay and the lights of Ballyshannon town.
Access and Utilities
Despite its island status, Inis Saimer is fully integrated into modern mainland infrastructure.
Utilities: The residence is connected to the national electricity grid and mains water supply. It utilizes a private septic tank system and has been surveyed for fiber-optic broadband connectivity.
Transit: Access is entirely within sheltered estuary waters, making the one-minute crossing to Mall Quay safe in nearly all weather conditions. From the quay, the shops, restaurants, and pubs of Ballyshannon are just a short walk away.
Lifestyle and Value
Inis Saimer is a property defined by its mythic resonance. Local lore identifies it as the first place where people set foot in Ireland, settled by the Scythian chief Parthalon in 2700 BC. From its time as a Cistercian monastic residence to its ownership by Thomas Conolly (once Ireland’s richest man), the island is a living piece of Donegal’s history. In 2026, it represents a high-value opportunity for those seeking a tranquil coastal lifestyle with immediate town convenience and the storied character of a true Irish landmark.
