Isle of Lismore
Scotland's Island CoastThe island of Lismore is well worth the short ferry journey from Oban or Port Appin. It is home to wildlife, fascinating historical sites, and glorious views.
It’s only ten miles long, so it can be easily explored by bike or on foot. Why not explore the island with a local, such as Explore Lismore, a small tour operator that offers bespoke, private-hire tours and picnics by Land Rover? The tour highlights the island's spectacular scenery, wildlife, rich heritage, delicious local foods, and a close-knit community.
Geographically, Lismore is a fascinating island. Although it is very flat with hardly any hills, it is a fertile island with good-quality pasture. Lismore is known as a very fertile landscape because it is mainly composed of Dalradian limestone. Sheep farming is one of the main trades on the island. The island is only 10 miles in length and about a mile wide. The population of Lismore is currently roughly 160 residents. The island is only 2300 hectares. The island has a strong sense of community, with a primary school, village hall, community stores, a local cafe, and a parish church.
Lismore 'The Great Garden'
Lismore truly lives up to its Gaelic name, 'Lios Mòr,' meaning 'the Great Garden'. It is considered Scotland’s most fertile island and is home to more than 130 bird species.
The island is home to 160 'Liosachs.' Its low population density allows wildlife to flourish. The island is particularly renowned for its peregrine falcons, seals, otters, and a variety of seabirds, including razorbills. The island also features three lochs, islets, and skerries, all of which are designated as Special Areas of Conservation.
The Great Garden
An ideal day trip from Oban or Appin. Photos by Katy Runacres, Kelpie Media
Good to know!
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit.- Style: A casual walker's dream, few hills, good paths. Take your walking boots and a wet-weather coat.
- Ferry: There are two ferry options to get to Lismore. You can catch the local authority-run passenger-only ferry from Port Appin (20 mins outside of Oban), which takes 10-15 mins to get to Lismore. Alternatively, you can get the Calmac ferry from Oban, a car and passenger ferry that takes 55 minutes. Both ferries are turn-up-and-go services. However, tickets should be booked in advance via the CalMac website before embarking, especially in the busy summer months.
- Parking: Parking is available at both ferry terminals.
- Driving on Lismore: Roads are winding and narrow, sometimes single-track with passing places.
- Toilets: There are public toilets at the Oban, Port Appin and Lismore ferry terminals.
- Additionally, there are toilets in the Heritage Centre for customers only.
- Eat & Drink: Food can be purchased at The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre and the Lismore Community Store.
- Stay: Limited accommodation is available; it is recommended to book in advance.
Experience the Island's Spirit
Walking, Hiking and Cycling
Lismore is ideal for walking, cycling, and a variety of water sports, including kayaking and canoeing. It is a predominantly flat island with beautiful views from either side. On the northeast side of Lismore, you can sometimes see the tops of Ben Nevis and Glencoe's peaks; to the southwest, you can spot the Isle of Mull.
Experience Lismore's History
The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre is a great place to begin your visit to the island. Established in 2007, it is a vital amenity for residents and visitors as a resource for heritage and Gaelic culture.
The centre features a small but dedicated museum and an in-depth exhibition detailing the history of Lismore, its geography, and the way people lived in the past. A traditional reconstructed crofter's (locally known as a Cottar’s) house is next to the exhibition area. This is set up as a typical 19th-century Lismore islander home. This shows how people used to live on Lismore in the past. This is a great place for families to come and explore the history of Lismore on the island. The Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre has two libraries: the private David White Library and the Argyll and Bute Lending Library.
Within the same site is the bustling Lismore Café with an outdoor terrace and dog-friendly areas. The cafe serves fresh local produce.
Explore Lismore's Historic Sites
- St Moluag’s Church and Monastic Site: Lismore was once a site of significant importance for Celtic Christianity. Saint Moluag founded the monastery here and established a settlement. He was a significant monk of the period and rival of the more famous St Columba. Today's parish church is part of what would have been a much larger cathedral on the site, dating back to the 13th century.
- Castle Coeffin: The remains of this castle are visible today. The castle was named after a Danish Prince called Caifen. It is located on the island's Northwest coast and was built on the site of a Viking fortress. A local clan is believed to have built the castle at this site in the 13th century.
- Sailean Quarry and Pier: This quarry, now unused, was an integral part of Lismore and island life in the 19th century. It is located on the Northwest coast of the island. This vital heritage site is now listed as a Scheduled Monument and Listed Building. Now there are only structural remains of where the quarry, housing, gunpowder store, shop, quay and kilns would have been.
- Tirfuir Broch: The remains of the Iron Age Broch stand proudly in the landscape. A Broch appears like a large tower or defence, but it is believed to have been more likely a dwelling or home to a local family or clan in the Iron Age. It would have been homely with the fire, bustling family, and possibly livestock.
Explore with a Local - Explore Lismore
Husband-and-wife team Iris and Robert set up a small tour operator that offers bespoke tours of the island. They use their Land Rovers and provide fresh, locally made home baking and picnics.
They can also offer shepherding tours all year round in collaboration with the local shepherd, Arthur, and his famous collie dogs. This gives visitors and day trippers the opportunity to really understand how the land is managed and farmed, including meeting native Scottish breeds such as the Hebridean and Shetland sheep that thrive on the local rugged landscape of the island of Lismore.
These tours can be tailor-made for you and your group and can focus on heritage, history, geography or anything else that interests you.
How to get to Lismore
There are two ferries servicing the Island of Lismore:
Calmac’s Oban to Achnacroish car ferry operates between Oban and Achnacroish, which is in the middle of the island. There are a limited number of car spaces on the ferry; it is therefore important to reserve your space in advance. The journey time is approximately 1 hour, and bicycles are carried free on this ferry. Ferry Information here.
The Port Appin to Point passenger-only ferry operates between Port Appin and Point, which is at the north end of the island. The journey time is approximately 10 minutes. Ferry Information here.
Many visitors use this ferry for a day visit, either on foot or by bicycle. Bicycles are also carried free on this ferry.
Discover more inspiration on our blog
6 Castles in Oban, Lorn & Isles you can’t risk missing out on!
Here are six castles in Oban and Lorn that should be top of your list. Visit to see some of Argyll’s most stunning scenery and get closer to Scotland’s past.
5 islands to visit in a day trip from Oban | Argyll & the Isles
The busy town of Oban is known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles’ where you can visit the islands of Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Kerrera, Lismore and Coll & Tiree
